The Old Pubs of Chester Gallery

A Virtual Stroll Around the Walls of Chester

The Vanished Pubs of Chester Gallery

A beautiful image by Edward Chambré Hardman of the old Lion Brewery in Pepper Street, seen through the arch of the Newgate.

In 1871 there were 13 breweries in Chester, of which seven appear to have been pub breweries. All the latter had ceased operation by 1892. Of the commercial breweries, the three biggest were Edward Russell Seller & Co. in Foregate Street, the Chester Northgate Brewery in Northgate Street and the Lion Brewery here in Pepper Street, which was founded in 1642.

In 1697, a messuage (dwelling house), cellar, kiln and malthouse in the holding of William Sudlow, apothecary and bearing the curious name of The Hand & Snake was recorded as standing in Pepper Street. Between 1871 and 1892 the premises passed through at least four hands- including the Whittells and Messrs Walton & Clare- before being acquired by Thomas Montgomery. The entire brewhouse was rebuilt and enlarged sometime during this period.

Montgomey's business was incorporated as the Chester Lion Brewery Co. Ltd. in 1896, but was taken over by Bent's Brewery of Liverpool in 1902. The brewery was closed soon afterwards and the building used for a variety of other purposes. It was eventually demolished in 1969 and replaced by a multi-storey car park. Mr D J Tomlinson of the Chester Civic Trust rescued a large stone lion, the trademark of the old brewery and arranged to have it re-erected it on top of the car park's tower, where it remains a prominent feature today.

Do you have any more information about Chester's old breweries?

Chester's Vanished Pubs parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 (including breweries) | gallery