Old Custom House Inn, Chester, Grade II listed pub in Chester, England
The Old Custom House Inn is a Grade II listed pub in Chester with timber framing on its upper floor and sandstone on the ground level. The building features a carved beam between storeys decorated with grape vines and carved initials.
The building was constructed in 1637 as two separate houses with cellars underneath. It later became an inn after the opening of the nearby custom house brought new activity to the area.
The building shows how Chester transformed homes into commercial spaces over time, reflecting the city's shift from medieval to modern purposes. Visitors can see how local architecture adapted to meet changing community needs.
The pub is located on Watergate Street and is easy to reach on foot, with parking available nearby. The entrance is at street level, making access straightforward for most visitors.
Hidden beneath the upper windows is a carved beam inscribed with 1642, matching the age of the original oak timbers inside the building. These subtle details are easy to miss from the street but reveal the craftsmanship of the period.
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