From a Railway Landmark to an Independent Tap Room

The story of Chester Station, the restoration of its neglected west wing and the community that helped bring it back to life.

Thomas Brassey, railway builder

A Chester Landmark

1848 — Chester Station Opens

Chester Station opened on 1 August 1848. Designed by architect Francis Thompson and constructed by celebrated railway builder Thomas Brassey, the station’s long Italianate frontage became one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.

The Forgotten West Wing

2025 – A Remarkable Space Left Behind

Over time, parts of the station’s Grade II*-listed west wing fell out of regular use. Behind the boarded windows remained original arches, high ceilings and a remarkable piece of Chester’s railway history waiting for a new purpose.

A New Vision

Independent Beer Arrives at the Station

Spitting Feathers Brewery saw the opportunity to transform the neglected rooms into an independent tap room—somewhere for commuters, visitors and the Chester community to meet over fresh food, locally roasted coffee and properly kept beer.

The Transformation The neglected west wing being transformed into the Chester Station Tap Room

From Empty Rooms to Tap Room

The Vision Takes Shape

Months of careful restoration transformed the station’s neglected west wing into a welcoming independent tap room—preserving its historic character while giving the space a new purpose.