Old Pubs In Chester
Well you learn something new everyday don’t you. There I was, thinking I’d heard of most, if not all, of the pubs in Chester. Including as well old pubs in Chester. In other words, pubs that are no longer with us. Over the years I’ve wandered in many Chester pubs – and, I must confess, wobbled out of a fair few as well.
Old Pubs In Chester
I can also recall quite a few that have closed in my lifetime. Kings Arms Kitchen, Royal Oak, Ship and Turtle and the Tavern In The Town to name just a few that have completely been lost to us forever. Many of course have changed names but they have at least remained a local watering hole.
Yet another thanks to John, from Blacon, who not only provided me with this information, but totally surprised me at the same time in making me aware of this particular pub’s existence. To which pub am I referring to? I will give you a few clues.
- You could find this pub situated in Northgate Street
- After closing its doors as a pub, it was taken over by the local Chester business family – Wienholts, who of course went on to produce some incredible bakery products.
- It currently sells bakery products – but it’s not Wienholts.
- It was where John tasted his first pint of Guinness.
- You would be forgiven in thinking the pub’s name has only been used in a popular UK soap opera.
No, you’re right, I wouldn’t guess it from those crappy clues either.
Well, I’ll let you know shall I. Cue, drum roll……….
The name of the mystery pub in Northgate Street is…..
The Old Woolpack
The Old Woolpack-Old Pubs In Chester….as you eagle-eyed, Yorkshire Dales loving soap fans will have noticed – this is the other Woolpack.
I’d never heard of it either I must admit.
A Bit of Woolpack History
Based in the Yorkshire Dales a few miles from Leeds lies the village of……..no, no, no…..wrong Woolpack!!
I’ll let John take over and fill us in with more information.
The Woolpack Inn, was located at 27 Northgate Street- ‘Shoemaker’s Row. After it closed, the Woolpack became Sidoli’s Restaurant, then went on to become Wienholts Bakery. The bakery theme continued and has continued to do so right up to present day. It is now Chatwin’s Bakery – as it has been since 2006.
The Woolpack In Its Heyday
The Woolpack had long had theatrical associations (and undoubtedly patrons). This was also due, no doubt, to it being situated close to the long-lost Music Hall. It was in fact previously called The Shakespeare Tavern. It is recorded as such in Pigot’s Directory for the years 1818-20, the licencee being Thomas Hughes.
The landlord in 1822 was George Wooley. Back in 1840, when it was The Woolpack Tavern, the landlord was Thomas Mansergh. In 1850 Thomas Porter. Soon after in 1855-7 Robert Smith. Others that followed, in 1871 Thomas Porter, in 1880 Henry S Hewitt, in 1902 James Steele, in 1910-1920 J P Hankins and in 1935/6 Mrs Jane Singleton.
The Woolpack also served as a polling station by all accounts. Back in 1809 it was recorded as being used as one then.
Apparently Northgate Street was awash with pubs back in the day. I wouldn’t be surprised if there could be an old pubs in Chester post written just about Northgate Street itself.
When did the Woolpack finally close its doors? I don’t know. I’ll ask John. I do remember Sidoli’s and as John remembers having his first pint of Guinness in there, I’m guessing it was relatively recently…ish!! Maybe late 60’s, early 70’s??
Fascinating stuff nevertheless. More old pubs in Chester posts to follow.
NB: A quick footnote on the Wienholts. They very kindly sponsored our Golden Eagle football team back in about 1985-ish. Top family and top pies!!!
Chester Lifestyle
I hope you like my Chester Lifestyle website. I certainly enjoy writing it. If you would like to know more information about the website and Chester in general, have a look at this link HERE.
Things To Do In Chester
What is there to do in Chester? Plenty, that’s what!!! Including of course visiting some of the many pubs and restaurants we have in our city. Here’s a link for some ideas of things to do in Chester HERE.
