The Commercial Hotel bar, Chester

The Northern has established itself as one of the most popular pubs in the Northern Quarter in no time at all. Priding themselves on great Northern food, great Northern music, great Northern entertainment and great Northern hospitality, co-owner John Locke is now spreading the Northern love further afield.

His new venture- as marketing director of The Commercial Hotel bar in Chester- kicked off with a launch party recently. Staying true to local talent, Manchester's finest new pop ska band, Kid British provided entertainment to the great and good of Chester and quite a few Mancunian bods. Celebs in the shape of several members of the Phoenix Nights, Star Stories and Peep Show cast also showed support, including local musos Paddy McGuiness, Sian Foulkes, Steve Edge, Neil Fitzmaurice and Justin Moorhouse.

The evening was a roaring success and The Commercial seems set to become one of Chester's destination venues for folk from all around The North West and in particular for Mancunian residents on a Chester Races visit.

John Locke said: “We are overwhelmed by the reception and the support and good wishes we have had from customers and the people of Chester since we opened the doors of the bar in late December. We are really proud of the place and are looking forward to opening the food and hotel part of the operation in the next few weeks. As a former Chester lad myself, I would also like to thank all our friends, our regulars and everyone who has been involved in helping us get The Commercial Hotel back open.”

Click here for the website.