Port & Anchor Eatery - Ellesmere Port on the Shropshire Union Canal

Waterside Location in Ellesmere Port

The Port & Anchor Eatery enjoys a prime position beside the Shropshire Union Canal, close to the historic Ellesmere Port basin. This area marks the canal’s connection with the wider industrial waterways that once linked the Midlands to the River Mersey and the docks of Liverpool.

The Port & Anchor Eatery is a modern pub and restaurant located in Ellesmere Port, set directly alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. With views over the historic canal basin and easy access from the towpath, it has become a popular destination for boaters, walkers, and visitors exploring the waterways of Cheshire.

Combining contemporary dining with a strong connection to canal heritage, the Port & Anchor Eatery offers a welcoming waterside stop at the northern end of one of Britain’s most important canals.

Its location makes it an ideal stopping point for:

• Narrowboat crews cruising the Shropshire Union Canal
• Visitors exploring Ellesmere Port’s canal heritage
• Towpath walkers and cyclists
• Families and day-trippers enjoying the waterside setting

The Shropshire Union Canal at Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port represents the historic northern terminus of the Shropshire Union Canal system. This section of canal played a vital role during the Industrial Revolution, handling goods such as coal, grain, and manufactured products destined for coastal shipping.

Today, the canal basin and surrounding waterways are a hub for leisure boating and heritage tourism, offering a unique blend of industrial history and modern recreation.

A Popular Stop for Canal Boaters

The Port & Anchor Eatery is especially popular with boaters visiting Ellesmere Port. Visitor moorings are available nearby, allowing crews to step ashore and enjoy food and drink with views across the canal.

Why Boaters Visit the Port & Anchor Eatery

• Convenient access from canal-side moorings
• Clear views of the historic basin and passing boats
• A relaxed environment after a day’s cruising
• Close proximity to local attractions and facilities

It is a natural place to pause, whether arriving at the end of a cruise or preparing to head south along the canal.

Food, Drink, and Dining Experience

As a pub and restaurant, the Port & Anchor Eatery focuses on casual dining in a bright, modern setting. Large windows and outdoor seating allow guests to enjoy the waterside atmosphere while watching canal life unfold.

Key features include:

• A varied food menu suitable for all ages
• A selection of beers, wines, and soft drinks
• Indoor and outdoor seating with canal views
• A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

The combination of food, drink, and waterfront scenery makes it a popular choice throughout the year.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

The Port & Anchor Eatery is well placed for exploring some of Ellesmere Port’s most well-known attractions.

Close to the Pub

• National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
• Historic canal basins and dock structures
• Canal-side walking and cycling routes
• Heritage trails and interpretation points

This makes the eatery an excellent stop for those combining a meal with sightseeing or a longer visit to the area.

Walking, Cycling, and Canal Wildlife

The towpaths around Ellesmere Port are popular with walkers and cyclists, offering flat routes alongside the canal and through historic dockland scenery.

Despite its industrial past, the canal corridor supports a range of wildlife, including:

• Swans, ducks, and other waterfowl
• Fish visible in calmer sections of the basin
• Seasonal birdlife along quieter stretches

Why the Port & Anchor Eatery Stands Out

• Waterside location on the Shropshire Union Canal
• Set beside the historic Ellesmere Port basin
• Popular with boaters, walkers, and families
• Easy access to major heritage attractions
• Modern pub and restaurant in a historic setting

Conclusion

The Port & Anchor Eatery in Ellesmere Port is a standout waterside pub and restaurant on the Shropshire Union Canal. Offering relaxed dining alongside one of the most historically important canal basins in the country, it provides the perfect place to eat, drink, and unwind. Whether visiting by narrowboat, exploring local museums, or enjoying a canal-side walk, the Port & Anchor Eatery remains a welcoming and well-placed stop at the gateway to Britain’s inland waterways.