Chester

On a recent visit to Chester, relatives booked a table at Harkers for an evening meal. This is the third time over the past few years we have visited Harkers in the evening. On this recent visit we found the venue very busy and extremely hot inside [cooler outside, but the tables were full].

What I noticed on our last visit and this most recent visit is the abundance of dogs inside the building. We love dogs, but this pub is serving food in very close proximity to dogs and with the constant flow of people walking through with their dogs to the loos, there was  considerable interacting/barking at dogs sitting on the floor, it was all a bit manic .

Therefore we would not recommend this pub if you want to eat , as its prices reflect restaurant charges  but the hygiene and  dog free surroundings are lacking . A few days later a neighbour told us they have a ‘’dog free area’’ if you walk to the left once in the pub. We were not aware of this, nor was the person who booked the table. I suggest when people book they are informed of this option by the staff. Obviously it seems when the dog free zone is full your booking is put in the dog area .Other visitors informed us this pub is known as a’’ no children allowed pub’’, please check with pub if this is true, before visiting.

We won’t be going there again for a meal, as besides having to share the space with dogs [towards the end of our meal, we had a very large German shepherd and collie at the table next to us].the meals were mediocre and overpriced, £16.95 for a beef burger and a mean portion of chips .

Even though the pub sits next to the canal ,an investment of air conditioning or ceiling fans would really be an improvement during Summer months.

The main problem was the amount of canine visitors, and the obvious oplressive heat, which I noticed most dogs were wearing fur coats ! They do not have a choice of where they are taken and some dogs do not do well in oppressive heat, especially if they cannot find shade or relief from the heat. I am astounded at the fact that management wouldnt provide air conditioning as pubs local to me do! Given the oppressive heat and the amount of food and smells of food around, it was tortureous to the dogs there. Most people choose not to eat in front of their dogs, my husband usually has our one in his room during meals, and he usually gets less food than the dog! I would call the pub BARKERS and hope that they at least aquire some air con ! The food is basic pub fayre not bad quality and staff ( Who must also suffer in the heat) did their best.

Mrs Muir