Pub Closures

It was a surprise to hear yesterday that The Commercial Hotel was to close. It was not only surprise news but sad news for The Commercial’s regulars as well. The Commercial is situated in St Peters Square, behind The Cross, opposite the building’s owners The Chester City Club. It’s closure adds to the list of other recent pub closures. In addition to The Commercial, the long established pub Watergates, right next to the racecourse, also closed it’s doors. Also, The Stanley in Brook Street, has not been opened for a couple of weeks either. Although, speaking to someone last weekend it seems this may only be a temporary closure. Having said that, how many managers have had a go at making a success of The Stanley in recent years?

Pub Closures

Pub Closures-The Commercial Hotel

You can read how the Chester Chronicle reported the closure of The Commercial yesterday by clicking HERE

Although the new version of The Commercial was never my cup of tea, it is nevertheless sad for the owners and its regulars. I remember the older version of The Commercial, before it’s revamp 8 years ago. I can’t remember John the previous landlord’s surname, but he also ran the pub for many years. A keen golfer he did of course have his ‘dodgy’ points. I mean an Everton corporate box holder…..what’s that all about!! (only joking!!).

The Watergate has not only closed but it is being demolished. Long established and popular pub landlord Frank Marnell ran the pub for 25 years. Now that is truly the end of an era. It is a huge shame as I would class The Watergate as a ‘proper pub’. There are not that many ‘proper pubs’ still knocking about in Chester any more.

I remember regularly going to The Watergate in the 90’s on a Sunday to watch the match on TV. Back in them days, pubs normally closed at 2pm on a Sunday. But The Watergate served food, so you could get a drink(s) as well. So, what better way to while away a Sunday than watching the game with a bit of food inside you. Frank was landlord then and served a good pint.

Maybe not for this article but I will shortly be writing a post about the changes to the Chester pubs landscape over the years. Hopefully there won’t be any more pub closures on the horizon.

So, may I conclude by raising a metaphoric glass to The Commercial and The Watergate. On behalf of their regular customers may I also take this opportunity to thank them for what they offered the city and to wish them every success in whatever new venture they may embark on.