Brothers' bid to reopen historic Chester pub gets the go-ahead

Porta Tapas Bar owners given green light to transform Grade II listed Ye Gardeners Arms.

A bid by two brothers to reopen a long-term closed Chester boozer and turn it into a "modern day" restaurant and pub has been given the green light. Ben and Joe Wright, who own the hugely popular Northgate Street-based Porta Tapas Bar, are behind the plans to rejuvenate the historic Ye Gardeners Arms in Boughton.


During the summer the brothers lodged both full planning and listed building consent applications with Cheshire West and Chester Council this week. The proposals to change the use of the pub's first floor from manager's accommodation to restaurant and pub use, as well as internal alterations to create new toilet and staff welfare facilities, a kitchen, modifications to the existing bar, removal of internal walls, the demolition and erection of a single storey rear extension, and new external access and boundary treatment to the beer garden have now been rubber-stamped.

Case Officer Hannah Lucas said: “It is considered that the proposals have demonstrated special regard to the desirability of preserving the Grade II listed building, its setting and features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. As such it is considered there would be no harm to the significance of the heritage assets."

For the full story, see Cheshire Live

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