Cheshire's Best Places to Eat & Drink in 2026 : A Local's Guide

By Llio Angharad  |  Updated February 2026  |  Cheshire, England

If you're looking for the best places to eat and drink in Cheshire, you've come to the right place. Rather than cobbling together a generic list, this guide was built from real recommendations — crowdsourced directly from locals on Instagram who know Cheshire's food scene inside out. From gastropubs worth a Sunday drive to independent coffee shops hidden in farm complexes, this is the most honest Cheshire food and drink guide you'll find.

Whether you're a Cheshire local looking for your next favourite spot, or a visitor planning a weekend in Chester and the surrounding countryside, this guide covers every occasion — casual lunches, long Sunday roasts, great coffee before a country walk, and proper sit-down dinners in Chester city centre.

01. Best Farm Shops & Lunch Spots in Cheshire

Cheshire has a brilliant network of farm shops and independent food stops — perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a mid-walk pastry, or stocking up on local produce. These are the Cheshire farm shops and daytime food spots that locals genuinely rate.

"For breakfast bits, car snacks, and things you didn't plan to buy."

• The Hollies Farm Shop

• Hawarden Farm Shop

• Lost Barn, Tilston

• Rackery Farm, Ilay

• Oakells

• The Lambing Shed, Chelford

• Marchnad Caer

• Bidlea Dairy

• Bear Bakery

• Ushers Bakehouse, Hoole

• Echidna Deli, Hoole

The Hollies Farm Shop is widely considered one of the best farm shops in Cheshire — its deli counter, butchery, and café make it a genuine destination. Hawarden Farm Shop, just over the border in Flintshire but very much part of the Cheshire food scene, is equally loved for its quality produce and relaxed café. Lost Barn in Tilston is a local favourite for brilliant coffee and baked goods in a beautiful rural setting.

02. Best Pubs in Cheshire: Worth the Drive

Cheshire is blessed with exceptional gastropubs. These aren't just pubs that do food — these are the best country pubs in Cheshire that locals actively drive to, especially for a Sunday lunch. If you're searching for the best Sunday roast in Cheshire, this list is your starting point.

"Sunday lunch is a must."

• Cornichon, Tarvin

• The White Horse, Churton

• The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall

• The Lion, Malpas

• The Golden Lion, Rossett

• The Grosvenor, Pulford

• Pant Yr Ochain, Gresford

• The Fishpool Inn

• The Gunnery

Cornichon in Tarvin has become one of the most talked-about pubs in Cheshire in recent years, earning a strong reputation for its food and relaxed atmosphere. The Pheasant Inn in Tattenhall is another standout — a beautifully located Cheshire country pub with strong reviews for its Sunday roast. The Grosvenor Arms in Pulford sits right on the Wales-Cheshire border and draws visitors from both sides for its food. Pant Yr Ochain in Gresford is frequently cited as one of the best pubs for Sunday lunch in the wider Chester area.

03. Best Restaurants in Chester City Centre

Chester has a quietly excellent restaurant scene that often gets overlooked. These are the best restaurants in Chester recommended by people who actually eat there regularly — not just tourists passing through. From casual tacos to proper fine dining in Chester, there's something here for every occasion and budget.

"Go hungry."

• Porta

• Covino

• Maray

• Noted

• Chef's Table

• Death By Tacos

• Stile Napoletano

Porta is one of Chester's most popular restaurants — a Spanish-style tapas bar that's ideal for sharing plates and cocktails. Covino is a Chester fine dining favourite with a serious wine list. Maray brings a Liverpool cult favourite to Chester's food scene. Death By Tacos is exactly what it sounds like — a brilliant, casual taco spot with a great drinks menu. Stile Napoletano is Chester's go-to for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Noted and Chef's Table round out a genuinely impressive list of places to eat in Chester city centre.

04. Best Coffee Shops & Cafés in Chester and Cheshire

Good coffee in Cheshire isn't hard to find if you know where to look. Whether you want specialty coffee in Chester city centre, a café attached to a beautiful library, or a patisserie just outside Chester for something truly special, these are the best coffee shops in Cheshire according to locals.

"Caffeine before countryside walks is essential. Cake is also essential."

• Lost Barn Coffee, Tilston

• Jaunty Goat, Chester

• Bean & Cole, Chester

• Chalk, Chester

• Nuance Coffee, Handbridge

• Garden Social, Chester outskirts

• Enchanted Patisserie (just outside Chester)

• Coffee shop in Gladstone Library, Hawarden

Jaunty Goat is probably Chester's most well-known independent coffee shop — a staple on Chester's Northgate Street with consistently great espresso. Bean & Cole is another Chester favourite, popular for brunch and specialty coffee. Nuance Coffee in Handbridge is beloved by locals south of the river. Enchanted Patisserie just outside Chester is worth a special trip for its extraordinary cakes and pastries. And the coffee shop inside Gladstone Library in Hawarden is one of the most atmospheric spots in the region — inside a working Victorian residential library.

Cheshire Food & Drink FAQs

What are the best restaurants in Chester?

Based on local recommendations, the best restaurants in Chester include Porta (Spanish tapas), Covino (fine dining), Maray (Middle Eastern-inspired plates), Death By Tacos (casual and fun), Stile Napoletano (Neapolitan pizza), Noted, and Chef's Table.

Where can I get the best Sunday roast in Cheshire?

For the best Sunday lunch in Cheshire, locals recommend the Cornichon in Tarvin, The Pheasant Inn in Tattenhall, The White Horse in Churton, The Lion in Malpas, and Pant Yr Ochain in Gresford. All are worth a drive.

What are the best farm shops in Cheshire?

The most popular farm shops in Cheshire include The Hollies Farm Shop, Hawarden Farm Shop, Lost Barn in Tilston, Rackery Farm in Ilay, Oakells, and The Lambing Shed in Chelford. Many also have excellent on-site cafés and delis.

Where's the best coffee in Chester?

The best coffee shops in Chester according to locals include Jaunty Goat, Bean & Cole, Chalk, and Nuance Coffee in Handbridge. For something a little further afield, Lost Barn Coffee in Tilston and the café at Gladstone Library in Hawarden are both exceptional.

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About This Guide

This guide was put together by Llio Angharad (@llioangharad) based on crowd-sourced recommendations from locals on Instagram. Every place on this list was suggested by someone who actually lives in or regularly visits Cheshire — not paid for, not sponsored, just genuinely good spots worth knowing about. Follow Llio on Instagram for more local guides across Wales, Cheshire, and beyond.

Last updated: February 2025

Tags: best restaurants Chester, best pubs Cheshire, farm shops Cheshire, coffee Chester, Sunday roast Cheshire, things to do Chester, Chester food guide, Cheshire food guide 2025