Question marks hang over the future of two well known pubs in Chester which have been mainstays in the city for decades.
The City Arms on Chester Road, Saltney, has today (June 4) been put up for auction with Manchester-based Pugh Auctions at a guide price of £150,000- £175,000 - although a sale has not yet been agreed.
The pub, which dates back to 1851 and was once run by former Everton player and trainer Charlie Leyfield, is being marketed as a 'two storey former public house with vacant possession which may be suitable for development including part residential conversion'.
Due to its location just inside the Chester/North Wales border, the pub was often referred to as 'the last (or first) pub in England', and many years ago a sign hung outside the building with both phrases on each side.
CAMRA Chester & South Clwyd tweeted their concern about the future of The City Arms earlier today, describing the present day as 'tough times for down to earth wet-led boozers'.
"Who cares if it's keg or not? A demolished or de-licensed pub is lost forever," they added.
Meanwhile, property specialists Legat Owen, acting on behalf of 'retained clients' Enterprise Inns PLC have already negotiated the sale of the Flookersbrook public house on Hoole Road.
The pub appears to be currently closed although it is still occasionally operating on a part time basis for the time being.
However, listing the property as sold on Legat Owen's website, a spokesperson said they were 'delighted' to have sold the pub to private buyers following a 'competitive bidding situation'.
"We received a number of offers," said the spokesperson. "The marketing again demonstrates the demand from private investor/developers for quality roadside product with development potential."
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