CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale logo
Pubs & Clubs
Events
Beers & Breweries
Pubs & Clubs
Events
Beers & Breweries
CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale logo
Join Us
CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale logo

Basement 85, Chester

You have visited this venue
View all visits
Directions
You want to visit - You have this in
Cask Ale not available
Open
Operator: Independent
85 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LF (View on Google Map)
(01244) 820559
Email
Website
Facebook

Re-opened Spring 2026 and it's back as a pub after a brief stint as a seafood restaurant.

Previous iterations have included the Henry Potts and prior to that the Big Hand Alehouse but, in all guises, despite being tastefully furnished and well-operated in what is an interesting building, it's mysteriously never been a true success. Most folk point to it being the wrong side of the inner ring-road which serves as an invisible glass wall precluding crucial footfall.

Let's hope this latest incarnation finally smashes the glass wall.

Information for this venue is provided by the West Cheshire Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Henry Potts; Big Hand Alehouse; El Sótano; Mockingbird; Linenhall; Fat Cat
Local Authority
Cheshire West and Chester (B)
Last updated
Last surveyed
16/02/2024
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
individual
Pub ID
CLW/649
Asset of Community Value
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Thursday
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - 1:00am
Saturday
Noon - 1:00am
Sunday
Noon - 8:00pm
TasteMatch

Unlock TasteMatch and all of CAMRA’s online tools from just 99p/month with our Explorer Pass, or join as a member to get the best of pubs, beer and breweries plus discounts at the bar.

Current beers

There are no beers listed. Add a beer or submit a beer score.

Your scores

Join CAMRA to access beer scoring and view scores for other pubs. Become a member.
Retrieving scores
You have no beer scores submitted.
Facilities
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Transport
Close to bus routes (500m)
Grosvenor Street, many services
Closest station (1350m)
Chester

Help keep our information accurate!

Notice an error or missing details? Help us keep our pub & club information accurate by sharing any corrections or updates you spot.

Suggest an edit

Nearby

Exterior. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 28-02-2023
Open
Upstairs at the Grill
Restaurant, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

Published on 04-07-2019
Open
BarLounge
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 04-07-2022
Open
Guild
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

(Key). Published on 21-02-2017
Open
Olde Custom House Inn
Pub, in Chester
3 Changing Beers
  • CAMRA discount scheme
(Pub, External, Key). Published on 09-10-2024
Open
Parmar
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

Published on 13-10-2016
Crowne Plaza Hotel (Stables Bar & Grill)
Hotel, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

Published on 07-11-2021
Open
Assembly
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 23-06-2022
Open
Kuckoo
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 11-01-2024
Open
Frankies
Pub, in Chester

Cask Ale not available

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 24-09-2024
Open
Bishop Lloyd's
Pub, in Chester
Beer

Cask Ale not available

Recently Viewed

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 13-04-2014
Open
Huntsman
Pub, in Drax

Cask Ale not available

Refurbished bar area - April 2024. (Pub, Bar, Key). Published on 10-04-2024
Open
Baskerville
Baskerville Opco Limited Pub, in Lower Shiplake
2 Regular, 2 Changing Beers
Albert Arms - Esher. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 19-08-2018
Open
Albert Arms
Garden City Inns Pub, in Esher
1 Regular, 3 Changing Beers
(Pub, External, Key). Published on 05-09-2021
Open
Clark's Bar
Pub, in Edinburgh
1 Changing Beer
  • Historic Interior
(Pub, External, Key). Published on 10-06-2017
Cottles
Pub, in Willington

Cask Ale not available

Closed • Opens Fri at 2:00pm
Yard House
Pub, in Tynemouth

Cask Ale not available

(Pub, External, Key). Published on 20-03-2025
Open
Devonport Arms
Pub, in Paignton
1 Regular, 1 Changing Beers
  • Historic Interior
(Key). Published on 01-01-1970
Open
Tipsy Cow
Pub, in Acklam

Cask Ale not available

Deer's Head, Belfast (Photo: Nick Yarwood). (Pub, External, Key). Published on 30-07-2025
Open
Deer's Head
Pub, in Belfast

Cask Ale not available

Pub Walk Shoes Icon

Love Cask Beer?

Join CAMRA to support the campaign to access more features plus access to a range of different benefits.

Become a member
© Campaign for Real Ale 2023 - 2026 (inst-a190de11-c4ed-4ef2-889f-f12f87cef979-3288336-app-5475ztvpt)
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Home

Privacy Overview

We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website and to show you personalised content. You can allow all or manage them individually.

Necessary

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. More information

Non-Necessary (Analytics)

These cookies help us to improve your web experience. They allow us to gather feedback on your behaviour and to show adverts relevant to you. You can turn this off here.

Cookies

We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website and to show you personalised content. You can allow all or manage them individually.