GBPA 2022
Meet the winner: Best Pub for Entertainment – the Saddle, Chester
From guitar necks used to pull pints to symbol-lights and band posters that deck the walls, there’s a spectacular eye to detail in the site’s aesthetics. The pub also boasts nine rock-themed rooms spread over two floors overlooking the city.
Each features a replica guitar the original artist was known for playing with drum-sets acting as table-tops.
What’s more, the Saddle trades every part of its site. There’s a tattoo studio at the venue, as well as a studio room that acts as a performance and rehearsal space.
Musician support
These spaces were renovated during the pandemic, yet the grunge aesthetic is not forgotten, with chandeliers adorning the walls which are painted red and black.
However, the Saddle isn’t just for die-hard rock fans. As well as rock bands, the Saddle hosts jazz musicians, acoustic sessions and open mic nights.
Dolly Parton, Iron Maiden and Metallica tributes have all been hosted at the venue, with original, local, national and international musicians all hosted at the site.
The pub supports 800+ musicians each year. Performances are free, and musicians are invited to stay overnight at the venue – so the pub in this way supports both the artists, and the local community through making the events accessible.
Marketing info
The staff really push the marketing of the entertainment offering to new heights. ‘The Saddle’ merch can be purchased from the bar, and events are marketed on well-designed flyers.
The pub has also released a promotional CD of artists that have performed there to market the bands as well as the venue. The glowing ‘Saddle’ sign features in all videos and pictures of gigs that the staff post to Instagram, TikTok and livestream on Facebook.
Whether you’re popping in for a pint, or staying the night, you can be sure you’re in for a unique, cool and exciting experience like no other. It’s a venue that shines in the cathedral city, and stands out as the best pub for entertainment in Great Britain.
Meet all the 2022 GBPA winners:
The Dartford Sports Bar, Dartford Essex – Admiral Pub of the Year
Strait and Narrow, Lincoln, Lincolnshire – Best City / Urban Pub or Bar
The Three Hills, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire - Best Country / Rural Pub
The Bellflower, Garstang, Lancashire – Best Pub for Dogs
The Saddle Inn, Chester, Cheshire – Best Pub for Entertainment
Ye Olde Bridge Inn, Oxton, Nottinghamshire – Best Pub for Families
The Shibden Mill, Halifax, West Yorkshire – Best Pub for Food
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth, Staffordshire – Best Pub Garden
The Famous Three Kings, Fulham, London – Best Pub to Watch Sport
The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire – Best Sustainable Pub
The Lion in Treorchy, Wales – Community Hero
The Greene Oak, Windsor, Berkshire – Greene King Pub of the Year
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Marston’s Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Guildford, Surrey – Punch Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Shepperton, Surrey – Star Pub of the Year
The Old Windmill, Coventry, West Midlands – Stonegate Pub of the Year
Natalie Coleman, the Oyster Shed, City of London – Best Pub Chef
Tiffany Long, the White Hart Freehouse, Ashill, Norfolk – Best Young Pub Chef
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Great British Pub of the Year
