The Boathouse & Riverside Rooms

You'll find yourself drawn to the waterside terrace here, pint in hand, watching narrowboats chug past while tourists wander The Groves behind you. The setting does most of the heavy lifting – there's something deeply satisfying about having the River Dee lapping practically at your feet while you tuck into a Sunday roast or fish and chips. The food's solid pub fare without trying too hard to be gastro, and the staff actually seem to enjoy working here, which makes all the difference. Yes, it gets rammed when the weather's decent and the Chester day-trippers descend, but that's the price you pay for one of the city's best canal-side spots. Book ahead if you want a riverside table.