How two brothers restored a historic Chester pub to its former glory
"It’s been a long road, but bringing this beautiful building back into use has been a privilege"
A historic Chester pub is thriving after being restored to its former glory. Brothers Ben and Joe Wright have breathed new life into the old Ye Gardeners Arms - now known as The Jolly Gardeners.
The siblings - who are behind Porta on Northgate Street and formerly the much-loved Joseph Benjamin restaurant - are steadily establishing the boozer on Christleton Road, Boughton, as a neighbourhood pub once again. But the restoration of the Grade II listed venue wasn't a simple one.
Joe said: "It’s been a long road, but bringing this beautiful building back into use has been a privilege. The pub had been closed for years and was in a far worse state than we expected. Every delay came from wanting to get things done properly, not just quickly - and we couldn’t be happier with where we’ve landed.”
Built in 1907 for the Albion Brewery, the pub stands on a site long associated with hospitality - records and the 1785 sandstone datestone on the frontage suggest an earlier inn named “The Jolly Gardeners” occupied the same spot. Respecting that lineage has been central to the project.
Ben added: "Seeing locals return - and hearing memories from people who knew the pub in years gone by - has been brilliant. It’s also been lovely to reconnect with guests who remember us from the Joseph Benjamin days. We’re hugely proud of the space and of the team now making it sing.”
As a free house, The Jolly Gardeners is carving out a reputation for its beer offering. Manager Will Baker said: “Not being tied to a brewery gives us the freedom to pour what we genuinely love. It means we can constantly rotate guest casks and kegs and champion brilliant breweries - local and otherwise.”
Head Chef George Prole has created a menu that focuses on great ingredients, handled simply and cooked over a large charcoal grill that anchors the kitchen. He is "super proud to be using some of the best produce and suppliers in the country".
Early favourites include pub staples such as their already popular cheeseburger, homemade pies and Sunday roast that’s quickly gathering a loyal following, alongside other seasonal dishes that have more of a European influence.
Their classic British dessert list is getting rave reviews with the Treacle tart being frequently singled out for praise.