An iconic Chester city centre pub is one of just two pubs in the city to have been included in a national newspaper's good pub guide.

The Albion Inn in Albion St. Chester has recently been listed in The Telegraph's 500 Best Pubs in England Guide.

Chosen by pub expert Will Hawkes, who spent months travelling across the UK to visit each and every pub on his list, the guide recommends pubs which have been chosen for their charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and most importantly, their beer. 

The Albion Inn was one of only two Chester pubs to make it into the prestigious listing, the other being the Ye Olde Cottage Inn on Brook St.

Describing The Albion as "charismatic", the guide praised the pub for its unique character - including its extensive collection of original WWI memorabilia and traditional decor. 

The Albion was run for almost 50 years by legendary Landlord Mike Mercer (Image via: Paul Crofts)

A much loved Chester institution, The Albion was run for almost 50 years by legendary Landlord Mike Mercer, who sadly passed away in 2021 - just a few weeks short of celebrating half a century at the helm.

Thanks to Mike's wife Christina, his daughter Clare and their team, The Albion continues to remain a unique gem in Chester's pub scene.

Mike's dedication to keeping it a traditional pub where patrons can enjoy a well-kept pint and excellent food in a convivial, cozy atmosphere, with no intrusive music and no slot machines, remains at the heart of The Albion's ethos.

As Mike himself put it on one of his legendary chalk board signs, The Albion is "a grown-up pub for grown up people". 

"It's a wonderful accolade to be included in the guide, especially as we are one of only two Chester pubs listed, the other being The Cottage which is also a great example of a traditional pub," Christina Mercer said.

The Albion Inn has also become as well known for its good food thanks to Clare's culinary skills as it has for its real ales and quirky, old-fashioned charm.

The pub has raised thousands of Pounds for Veterans charities (Image via: Paul Crofts)

The pub's food offering, known as "trench rations", includes home-made cottage pie, bangers and mash, hearty casseroles, liver and onions, haggis, neeps and tatties, Staffordshire oatcakes and curries.

The pub keeps the old traditional pub hours and so it's worth checking opening times before visiting. 

Over the years, the pub has raised thousands of pounds for veterans charities - including The War Memorials Trust.

Mike Mercer was passionate that the sacrifices of the First World War generation should never be forgotten, hosting many commemoration events - including with some of the Veterans themselves as guests of honour.

A highlight for Mike and Christina was being invited to an event at Clarence House, the London home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

They were thanked by the then Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Consort) for all their efforts in raising much needed funds to help the Trust to continue its work to safeguard and restore war memorials across the Country. 

Very much a community hub, the pub plays host to several local groups including Tuesday night Quizzers, a Writers group, Kelsall Folk Festival Planning Committee, a poetry group, Chester Morris Men, a debating group, Bridge Gate East Residents Committee and the Chester Branch of The Royal Naval Association.

The pub is also well known for its traditional St George's Day celebrations (Image via: Paul Crofts)

The pub is also well known for its traditional St George's Day celebrations with the Chester Morris Men and Kinnerton Morris Men performing in the street.

A festive fixture for many years, The Albion's famous Christmas Eve Singalong with Chester's Matt Baker at the piano, also remains extremely popular.

Reflecting on the reasons for the pub's accolade, Christina said "It's tough for the pub trade at the moment with so many shutting down across the country but here in Chester, happily, there are still so many to choose from.

"The Albion seems to remain popular because we are a traditional pub and our regulars and visitors to the city appreciate that.

"I have to say that Mike would be absolutely thrilled to be included in the Telegraph guide, all credit to Clare and the Albion team for keeping up his high standards."