About Us
Here is just a little info to let you get to know our pub better...
The Old Harkers Arms
Chester
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Here is just a little info to let you get to know our pub better...
Here is little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth read.
Read on...
By 1985, Jerry and Graham had a hankering to be back in Chester after some years down south, as properties were considerably cheaper and they felt they could have a bigger impact up here.
They heard about the basement of an old warehouse that fronted the canal, which at one time had been a canal-boat chandlers run by a Mr Harker. Goodness knows what possessed the two of them, because what confronted them was a ghastly dripping-wet cellar with bricked-up windows and a garage at one end, pierced by the bulk of a lift shaft which serviced the floors above. To make it usable they would have to tank the whole area and terminate the lift shaft at the floor above, which would mean heavily re-enforcing the ceiling so there would be no danger of the lift crashing through if its cables broke.
So that was fine then.
Harkers before
Because the site was in a run down part of town, and the site itself needed more than a lick of paint, none of the local banks believed it would work and declined to finance it, which is where it all got a bit ginger. In the end Jerry and Graham managed to persuade 3i PLC, a large venture capitalist, to lend them the £120,000 needed, in exchange for an option on 20% of our shares. The deal was done.
The same view today
We used reclaimed materials wherever we could, with a bar-front made out of lovely old mahogany doors, and a bar top made from reclaimed chemistry lab counters, and we severely rogered the new floors, so the pub really does look like it has been there for ever - in fact soon after we opened, one old boy speaking to Jerry told him sincerely that he used to drink in there as a lad, and he really believed it. Mind you, it's easy to get a bit confused at times, when you're in a pub.
Anyway, the pub went off like a train - we did well, 3i did well, the landlord did well and the customers did well. Poor old banks, eh... and we all continue to enjoy the place. There is no better business than when everyone benefits, and even the bankers come for lunch, God bless `em.
Manager
Paul has been in the hospitality world for many years, having been with Nick at the infamous Churton's Wine bar for some five years, so he must have an iron constitution. Like a chocolate Lab, he's friendly and cuddly but a bit chubbier than he probably should be. He's the kind of hound you would take on a long country walk but not to a posh hotel, because he'll only drool everywhere and make bad smells.
Deputy Manager
Will has been at Harkers since birth... or it would seem that way. A stint as a glass collector then promotion to the bar saw Will learning his craft from some of the finest (drinkers) in the land. He was distracted for a few years with dreams of being an officer in the Army, but luckily for the enemy, and him, he has swapped hand grenades for beer taps, and polished boots for deck shoes. Will also likes to wear his younger, and much slimmer sister\'s jeans.
Doorman
You couldn't really teach Aaron anything about Harkers customers. He's been "doing" the door forever.
Head Chef
Andy is a doting father to his two young boys - or trainee chefs, if you will. His roast potatoes are the best around, and he is always cheery and handy to boost morale in the kitchen, especially when you put a check on for a three course dinner a minute before closing.
Sous Chef
Paul came to Harkers from Hoole Hall, bringing with him a barrow load of enthusiasm and the joys of youth. He likes to fish, play pool and party in his spare time, so with that up his sleeve he gets on with just about everyone.
Sous Chef
One of the prettier and less grumpy chefs in Harkers' bijou kitchen. Dave has been cheffing for years at various levels up to Executive Chef, and now just wants to cook for the love it. He's very laid back with a keen interest in outdoor sports, loves all things water related (including the odd scoop), climbing and travelling. He's an all round good bloke really.
Chef de Partie
Pint sized Claire fits perfectly in the starter section in Harker's cosy kitchen. She is more than able to deal with the mood swings of the boys and can rival any of them with her pint-downing ability. Claire loves going to gigs in her spare time - her claim to fame is that Jessie J follows her on Twitter.
The Old Harkers Arms, 1 Russell Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AL
Tel: 01244 344 525
Email: [email protected]
A Brunning & Price pub
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