The Blue Bell Restaurant, Chester 13th Century Building meets 21st Century Cuisine

The Blue Bell Restaurant in Northgate Street, Chester is housed in a 13th century building, thought to be the oldest surviving structure in the city.

In 1494, 'The Bell' as it was then known, was an alehouse. Its name came from its close proximity to the Abbey and the Curfew Bell next door in Bell Yard.

During the English Civil War (1642-46), Chester was a Royalist stronghold and The Bell's cellars were used for the storage of grain and other provisions to withstand a siege by Cromwell's forces.

In 1807, The Bell became The Blue Bell, and from 1826 until around 1930, The Blue Bell was privately owned.

In more recent times it became the property of Chester City Council and was threatened with demolition to accommodate a road widening scheme. Resistance by Chester residents and the intervention of the Duke of Westminster thankfully prevented this.

This unique building has survived, has transformed itself into a restaurant and today continues to welcome customers with 21st century cuisine within a 13th century environment.