Telford’s Warehouse – A Canal Boat Pub on the Shropshire Union Canal in Chester

Location on the Shropshire Union Canal

Telford’s Warehouse stands at the terminus of the Shropshire Union Canal, close to Chester city centre. For canal boat users, it marks the transition from rural cruising to an urban waterside environment.

Telford’s Warehouse is one of the most recognisable and historically important buildings on the Shropshire Union Canal in Chester. Located right at the canal basin, just before the canal reaches the River Dee, this striking former warehouse is a key destination for canal boat users cruising into Chester.

Combining rich canal heritage with modern dining and drinking, Telford’s Warehouse is a natural stopping point for narrowboat crews arriving in the city.

Why this location is ideal for canal boat users:

• Directly beside the Shropshire Union Canal basin
• Easy access to Chester city centre on foot
• Well-used visitor moorings nearby
• Historic canal-side setting

It is often the final destination for boaters heading north from Nantwich, Audlem, or Market Drayton.

A Historic Warehouse with Canal Heritage

Telford’s Warehouse dates back to the canal age and is named after Thomas Telford, the renowned civil engineer who played a major role in the development of the Shropshire Union Canal system.

Originally, the warehouse was used for:

• Storage of goods transported by narrowboat
• Transhipment between canal boats and river traffic
• Supporting trade between the Midlands and the port of Chester

Today, the building has been sensitively converted while retaining its strong industrial character, making it a living part of the canal’s history.

Mooring for Canal Boat Users

Visitor moorings are available close to Telford’s Warehouse, making it extremely convenient for narrowboat crews wishing to stop overnight or explore Chester.

Mooring benefits include:

• Short walking distance to the warehouse
• Flat, accessible towpaths
• Popular stopping point with good foot traffic
• Ideal for city visits and rest days

Due to its popularity, arriving earlier in the day is recommended during the main cruising season.

Food and Drink for Canal Boat Crews

Telford’s Warehouse is well known among canal boat users for providing a comfortable place to eat and drink after cruising into Chester.

Why boaters choose to stop here:

• Spacious indoor seating within a historic setting
• Outdoor seating overlooking the canal basin
• Meals and drinks suitable for boating crews
• Relaxed atmosphere popular with walkers and boaters alike

It’s a rewarding end-of-day stop after navigating the long, lock-free stretches of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Chester as a Destination for Canal Boat Users

Stopping at Telford’s Warehouse places canal boat users right on the doorstep of Chester’s many attractions.

• Chester city walls
• The Roman amphitheatre
• Historic streets and shopping areas
• River Dee walks

This makes the location ideal for boaters planning a longer stop or a change of pace from countryside cruising.

Why Telford’s Warehouse Is Popular with Canal Boat Users

• Situated directly on the Shropshire Union Canal
• Strong historic connection to the canal network
• Easy access from visitor moorings
• Food and drink in a canal-side setting
• Gateway to Chester city centre

Few places combine canal history and modern facilities so effectively.

Conclusion

Telford’s Warehouse on the Shropshire Union Canal in Chester is a must-visit stop for canal boat users. Offering historic surroundings, convenient moorings, and a welcoming place to relax, it represents the perfect blend of Britain’s canal heritage and modern leisure cruising. For narrowboat crews reaching the end of the Shropshire Union Canal, it provides a memorable and rewarding destination.