Basement 85

You'll find Basement 85 tucked beneath Watergate Street in the heart of Chester's most walkable stretch, where the cobbles meet decent drinking. It's the sort of place where someone's actually thought about what's on the list rather than just pointing at a spreadsheet—there's a real sense of curation here. The basement setting does exactly what it should: intimate lighting, a bit of theatre, enough people around on a Friday night to feel alive without anyone shouting over each other. Whether you're after natural wines, something classic, or you trust the staff to steer you right, there's a thoughtfulness that shows.