Independent Bookshop
& Wine Bar, Chester

Handpicked books and a proper glass of wine, on the first floor of the historic Chester Rows. Browse the shelves, find a seat, take your time.

Browse booksSee the wine list

Open Tue – Sun · 13 Watergate Row South

New on the Shelves

A few of the books we've been recommending this month, every one handpicked by the two of us.

Browse all books

All Under One Roof

Books

New fiction and romantasy, all handpicked.

Wine

Wines we'd order ourselves, by the glass or bottle.

Coffee

Proper coffee and something sweet, all day.

The Bookshop

We stock what we love and what you ask us for, from new fiction to a whole wall of romantasy. If we don't have it, we'll order it in.

  • New releases, staff picks and signed editions
  • The biggest romantasy shelf in the North West
  • Order any book, usually here within days
  • Gift cards and Blind Date with a Book
Visit the bookshop

The Wine Bar

A short list of wines we'd order ourselves, plus good coffee and cake through the day. Bring your book. Nobody will hurry you.

  • Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc £7
  • Malbec, Mendoza £7.50
  • Provence Rosé £6.50
  • English Sparkling, Hampshire £9
See the full list
A flat white and an iced latte on a table at Chapters, with the menu card and flowers

The Coffee Corner

Not a wine day? We do proper coffee and cake too, from open till close.

  • Espresso, flat whites and proper teas
  • Cake on the counter, while it lasts
  • Comfy corners for one more chapter
Plan a visit

"Why wouldn't you have a bar in a bookshop?"

Megan & Megan, founders of Chapters Book Bar

What's On

Book club, author evenings and a few surprises, most with a glass in hand.

Monthly

The Chapters Club

Our book club. One book a month, good company and plenty of wine. New members always welcome.

Find out more

In store now

Blind Date with a Book

A book wrapped in brown paper with a few clues on the front. No peeking until you're home, or at the bar.

Take a chance

Author nights

Authors in Conversation

Readings, signings and a welcome drink. Our first sold out, so keep an eye on what's coming next.

See dates
Megan and Megan smiling outside the Chapters shop front on opening day

Two Best Friends,
One Bookshop

We're Megan and Megan, best friends since playgroup on the Wirral. Chapters started over dinner and a bottle of wine, and opened its doors on Watergate Row in March 2026.

We wanted somewhere that doesn't feel intimidating. Somewhere relaxing and homely, where you can browse for an hour or stay all afternoon. We've handpicked every book, bottle and detail ourselves.

Read our story

Visit Us

You'll find us on the first floor of the Rows, up the steps from Watergate Street.

Where

13 Watergate Row South
Chester CH1 2LE

When

Tue – Thu · 10:30am – 6:30pmFri – Sat · 10am – 8pmSun · 10am – 5pm · Mon closed

Say Hello

@chaptersbookbarSend us a message