Falcon, Chester

You have visited this venue

View all visits

Directions

You want to visit - You have this in

Operator: Samuel Smith

Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS (View on Google Map)

(01244) 342060

No website available

Outstanding pub conversion

Falcon - Chester. (Pub, External). Published on 29-11-2012

The Falcon is a famous Chester landmark, easy to find, being a striking half-timbered substantial building set on a large crossroads in the town centre. A traditional style pub in an impressive black and white building which is the surviving half of a twelfth century mediaeval town house. Situated within the city walls on the edge of the main shopping area, it attracts a varied clientele. The two-roomed back bar has a stairway leading to an upstairs (but rarely opened) function room. Purchased by the Grosvenor family in the 1600s, the building was extensively modified and haphazardly repaired in the 19th century. It was then that it was first used an an inn and a "cocoa house". In 1979 the Grosvenor estate donated the building to the Falcon Trust. After extensive restoration work, the Falcon was re-opened in 1982 by the Duke of Westminster. Of particular historic note are the large stone piers and a late medieval timber partition in the front bar which are the remnants of an elevated "row" similar to those which can still be seen in Chester's main streets. Possessed of a spacious bar, with traditional surroundings, it serves traditional beer from Tadcaster in Yorkshire. This is one of two outlets for Sam Smiths in Chester - the Boot being the other.

Information for this venue is provided by the Chester & South Clwyd Branch of CAMRA

Previous Names
Local Authority: Cheshire West and Chester (B)
Last updated: 23/11/2023
Last surveyed
Leasehold owner: unknown
Freehold owner: Samuel Smith
Pub ID: CLW/648
Asset of Community Value

Purchased by the Grosvenor family in the 1600s, the building was extensively modified and haphazardly repaired in the 19th century. It was then that it was first used an an inn and a "cocoa house". In 1979 the Grosvenor estate donated the building to the Falcon Trust. After extensive restoration work, the Falcon was re-opened in 1992 by the Duke of Westminster. Of particular historic note are the three large stone piers and a late medieval timber partition in the front bar which are the remnants of an elevated "Row" similar to those which can still be seen in Chester's main streets. The rest of the interior consists of reworked timbers and the bar is modern with herring-bone brickwork.

General information about historic pub interiors

Conversion

The Falcon is a striking half-timbered late-medieval building in the town centre that is the surviving half of a 12C town house for an aristocratic family. The two-roomed back bar has a stairway up to a function room. In the 19C it was an inn and cocoa house, one of five operated by Chester Cocoa Tavern Company. Extensive but sensitive restoration and installation of bar fittings were carried out before reopening in 1982. Of note are the large stone piers and a late-medieval timber partition in the front bar which are the remnants of an elevated row similar to those still seen in Chester's main streets. There is real ale.

General information about outstanding conversions and restorations

Opening Times Unavailable

Ready to find your perfect pint?

Unlock TasteMatch and all of CAMRA’s online tools from just 99p/month with our Explorer Pass, or join as a member to get the best of pubs, beer and breweries plus discounts at the bar.