CHESTER CITY CENTRE PUB RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCOLADE

An iconic Chester city centre pub is celebrating after being included in a national newspaper's good pub guide, one of only two in the city to receive the accolade.

The Albion Inn in Albion Street in Chester has recently been listed in The Telegraph's 500 Best Pubs in England Guide. Chosen by pub expert Will Hawkes who spent months travelling across the UK to visit each and every pub on his list, the guide recommends pubs which have been chosen for their charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and most importantly, their beer. 

The Albion Inn was one of only two Chester pubs to make it into the prestigious listing, the other being the Ye Olde Cottage Inn in Brook St. Describing The Albion as "charismatic", the guide praises the pub for its unique character, including its extensive collection of original WWI memorabilia and traditional decor. 

A much loved Chester institution, The Albion was run for almost 50 years by legendary Landlord Mike Mercer. Mike sadly passed away in 2021, just a few weeks short of celebrating half a century at the helm. Thanks to Mike's wife Christina, his daughter Clare and their team, The Albion continues to remain a unique gem in Chester’s pub scene.

Mike's dedication to keeping the pub just as he wanted it - a traditional pub where patrons can enjoy a well-kept pint and excellent food in a convivial, cozy atmosphere with no intrusive “music”,  and no slot machines, remains at the heart of The Albion's ethos with Christina, Clare and the team ensuring that Mike's legacy remains intact. As Mike himself put it on one of his legendary chalk board signs, The Albion is “a grown-up pub for grown up people”. 

Speaking about being listed in the Telegraph guide, Christina Mercer said:

"It's a wonderful accolade to be included in the guide, especially as we are one of only two Chester pubs listed, the other being The Cottage which is also a great example of a traditional pub."

The Albion Inn has also become as well known for its good food thanks to Clare's culinary skills as it has for its real ales and quirky, old-fashioned charm. The pub's food offer known as "trench rations" includes home-made cottage pie, bangers and mash, hearty casseroles, liver and onions, haggis, neeps and tatties, Staffordshire oatcakes and curries. The pub keeps the old traditional pub hours and so it's worth checking opening times before visiting. 

Over the years, the pub has raised thousands of Pounds for Veterans charities, including The War Memorials Trust. Mike Mercer was absolutely passionate that the sacrifices of the First World War generation should never be forgotten, and he hosted many commemoration events including with some of the Veterans themselves as guests of honour. A highlight for Mike and Christina was being invited to an event at Clarence House, the London home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla where they were thanked by the then Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen  Consort) for all their efforts in raising much needed funds to help the Trust to continue its work to safeguard and restore war memorials across the Country. 

Very much a community hub, the pub plays host to several local groups including Tuesday night Quizzers, a Writers group, Kelsall Folk Festival Planning  Committee, a poetry group, Chester Morris Men, a debating group, Bridge Gate East Residents Committee and the Chester Branch of The Royal Naval Association. The pub is also well known for its traditional St George's Day celebrations with the Chester Morris Men and Kinnerton Morris Men performing in the street. A festive fixture for many years, The Albion's famous Christmas Eve Singalong with Chester's Matt Baker at the piano, also remains extremely popular.

Reflecting on the reasons for the pub's accolade, Christina said "It's tough for the pub trade at the moment with so many shutting down across the country but here in Chester, happily, there are still so many to choose from. The Albion seems to remain popular because we are a traditional pub and our regulars and visitors to the city appreciate that. I have to say that Mike would be absolutely thrilled to be included in the Telegraph guide, all credit to Clare and the Albion team for keeping up his high standards."

Pictured - The Albion Inn in Chester, one of only two pubs in the city to make it into the Telegraph's 500 Best Pubs in England Guide.

Picture credit - Paul Crofts.