Coming soon to the the former Artichoke building on the canal side is The Duck and Dagger, from the team behind The Coach House. The traditional British pub will restore life to the building which has been empty since May 2023.

Phil Doyle of the Coach House gave us a tour of the site which will is currently undergoing a complete renovation. The former bottle shop space at the side of the building will transformed into a family friendly room with sofas. The main bar will be accompanied by a new central bar area, both offering bar stool seating. Panels have been removed to expose the original brick work and a fake wall has been removed to provide additional seating for diners.

Says Phil : “I fancied it for a while, seeing how busy it is on the Canal, seeing all the new apartments that are being built.” Noting all of the canal improvements in the last decade, including Waitrose, Hotel Moxy and The Shot Tower apartments, the team have recognised the potential in the area. “Theres a lot of footfall here. I’ve lived in Hoole for the last 13 years and I’ve seen it building up.”

Head Chef Matt was previously in charge of the kitchen at The Coach House and is returning to the company after a 5 year absence. The menu will offer a modernised take on pub food, including pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and homemade desserts. Promising “traditional food with a flair.” the new pub will also offer Sunday Roasts. Outdoor seating will also return after being a popular feature of the former occupier. “Nev (of Artichoke” has been really helpful”.

“We wanted a name that stands out” commented Phil. “The duck is the connection to the canal, and the logo will feature a Roman clothed duck holding a dagger” . The new pub’s Instagram has recently teased the hand painted logo described it as a “mischievous classic” :

“We are utilising the management team at the Coach House. Ross here, he’s gonna become the general manager here. James is going to Papena ( opening this summer beneath Picturehouse) We have a brilliant team all in one building and we want to expand on that.”

The Duck and Dagger will be opening in July .If you want to become part of the team email Elisher@coachhousechester.co.uk or drop a C.V into the Coach House