What is visiting a pub like post-lockdown? Are you wary of visiting pubs? This is a note on a recent visit to the Albion in Chester.

The Albion, in Park Street, Chester is an iconic, Victorian corner pub with a World War 1 theme. It has always sold Real Ale and in the distant past used to belong to and sell Greenall Whitley.

It was not one of the first pubs to reopen and was possibly, quietly, “getting things right”. This has been achieved. Tables for eating and drinking are all separated by Perspex screens, so a light and airy atmosphere is retained. You can see the rest of the bar but feel safe in your own “bubble”. Distances are properly marked out, the staff all wear face shields and hand sanitizers are strategically placed.

On a very recent visit, Well’s, Bombardier and St Austell, Tribute were on hand pump and both in very good condition. The home- made food was excellent, as usual and reasonably priced. A good selection of vegetarian food is offered. The landlord, Mike, is firmly of the opinion that beer suffers from the atmosphere caused by frying chips, so they are not on offer here. One speciality is Staffordshire Oatcakes, brought, personally from a family producer in that area.

The Albion is well worth a visit.