The Hare Farndon is a family-owned village pub close to the centre of Farndon, around 10 miles south of Chester and close to the Cheshire–North Wales border. This guide covers its current opening times, food service, table bookings, parking, accessibility, facilities, private dining, family policy and how to get there from Chester and Wrexham.

The Hare occupies an early-20th-century pub building on High Street and combines traditional village-pub character with a food-led approach. The official website highlights plenty of natural light, a small sunny terrace, its own house beer and wines, while the surrounding River Dee countryside makes it particularly useful as a lunch stop before or after a walk around Farndon.

Information checked: 16 August 2026. Opening hours, menus, transport services and booking arrangements can change, so it is sensible to check The Hare’s official website before making a special journey.

Quick overview of The Hare Farndon

The Hare stands on High Street in Farndon, a short distance from the centre of the village and the River Dee.

It reopened as The Hare in October 2020 following the restoration of the former Greyhound. CAMRA describes the interior as a series of comfortable areas furnished in a traditional style, with local prints and photographs decorating the walls. The pub itself describes its aim as being a village meeting place built around comfortable seating, good food, beer and wine rather than sports television or pub games.

That makes The Hare particularly well suited to:

• lunches and evening meals
• drinks with friends
• Sunday dining
• couples
• walkers
• dog owners
• small family groups
• private meals and celebrations
• visitors exploring Farndon, Holt and the River Dee

There is also accommodation in The Cottage, immediately associated with the pub, although accommodation should be booked separately.

The Hare Farndon key facts

Address: The Hare, High Street, Farndon, Chester, Cheshire

Postcode: CH3 6PU

Telephone: 01829 470 072

Email: info@hareatfarndon.co.uk

Pub opening: 11.30am–11pm Monday to Sunday according to the current official contact information.

Food served:
Monday–Thursday: 12pm–9pm
Friday–Saturday: 12pm–9.30pm
Sunday: 12pm–8pm

Booking: Recommended for meals at popular times. Online reservations are available for groups of up to six; larger parties should contact the pub directly.

Parking: A small, limited car park is available behind the pub. The Hare specifically encourages customers who can walk or cycle to do so.

Accessibility: Step-free access is available at the rear and an accessible toilet is provided.

Public transport: Stagecoach service 5 connects Chester and Wrexham via the Farndon/Holt area.

Dog friendly: Yes. CAMRA lists The Hare as dog friendly, while the pub also confirms dogs are welcome in connection with its cottage accommodation.

Wi-Fi: Available.

Recommended visit: Around 1½–2½ hours for a relaxed meal; considerably longer if combining the pub with one of its suggested local walks.

What to expect at The Hare Farndon

The Hare is not an enormous country pub or sprawling restaurant complex. Its relatively compact scale is part of its character.

The building dates from the early 1900s and has Arts and Crafts influences. The present building replaced an earlier Greyhound pub after a fire in 1905. The pub’s own history describes it as purpose-built, with a domestic appearance and substantial cellars beneath.

Inside, visitors can expect several distinct seating areas rather than one large open dining hall. CAMRA records polished traditional furniture, comfortable seating, plants and numerous framed prints and photographs, many relating to the local area.

Outside, there is a relatively small terrace. The Hare’s own description emphasises the building’s natural light and its sunny terrace, making outdoor tables particularly appealing during warmer weather.

The emphasis is very clearly on conversation, eating and drinking. The pub explicitly states that visitors looking for pool or Sky TV will not find that type of venue here.

Food and drink at The Hare Farndon

Food is a major part of the reason to visit.

The current official website provides separate food and wine menus, which can be downloaded from its Food and Drink section. Because dishes and prices can change, particularly with seasonal menus, anyone travelling for a particular dish should check the live menu before visiting.

The normal kitchen hours are currently:

Monday to Thursday: 12pm–9pm
Friday and Saturday: 12pm–9.30pm
Sunday: 12pm–8pm

The Hare describes its approach simply as good, honest food and drink. Drinks are a notable part of the proposition: the pub says it has wines that the business blends and imports itself alongside its own beer.

CAMRA’s March 2026 survey records regular and changing cask beers and identifies Jerry’s IPA as a house beer produced by Magic Dragon.

Sunday dining

Sunday is worth treating separately from an ordinary weekday meal.

As well as normal Sunday food service, The Hare operates The Hare Sunday Service in its upstairs private dining room.

This is designed for groups of 10 to 16 people, with a shared Sunday meal served on platters and in serving bowls rather than each guest ordering separately. Current sittings are scheduled for:

• 12pm
• 3pm
• 6pm

The group receives exclusive use of the private room for the sitting.

If you specifically want this format rather than ordinary Sunday dining downstairs, contact The Hare when booking.

Private dining at The Hare

One of the pub’s more useful features for groups is its separate upstairs dining room.

The room accommodates up to 16 guests and looks across Farndon towards the church steeple and River Dee. The Hare makes it available seven days a week for private meals and celebrations.

This could work particularly well for:

• birthdays
• anniversaries
• family gatherings
• small business meals
• reunion lunches
• pre-arranged Sunday celebrations

Because the dining room is upstairs, anyone in the party with limited mobility should discuss access directly with the pub before booking.

The Hare Farndon opening times

The official website currently gives the bar opening hours as:

Monday: 11.30am–11pm
Tuesday: 11.30am–11pm
Wednesday: 11.30am–11pm
Thursday: 11.30am–11pm
Friday: 11.30am–11pm
Saturday: 11.30am–11pm
Sunday: 11.30am–11pm

Food is currently served:

Monday–Thursday: 12pm–9pm
Friday–Saturday: 12pm–9.30pm
Sunday: 12pm–8pm

There are minor discrepancies between some third-party listings and the pub’s own information. For that reason, the official Hare website should be treated as the primary source, particularly for Sundays, bank holidays and Christmas/New Year opening.

Do you need to book The Hare Farndon?

For food, booking is sensible, particularly for:

• Friday evenings
• Saturday lunch and dinner
• Sunday lunch
• larger groups
• celebrations
• private dining

The online booking system accepts reservations for groups of up to six people. The pub asks customers wanting larger tables, or a time that does not appear online, to telephone on 01829 470 072.

There are therefore no admission prices, concessions or family tickets in the sense you would find at a visitor attraction.

Menu prices are subject to change, and the current downloadable official menu should be checked before travelling rather than relying on historic prices shown on restaurant directories.

How to get to The Hare Farndon

The Hare is in the centre of Farndon village, on the Cheshire side of the River Dee.

Its address for navigation is:

The Hare
High Street
Farndon
Chester
CH3 6PU

The pub says it is situated on the right-hand side of High Street when heading down towards the River Dee.

Driving from Chester

Farndon is roughly 10 miles from Chester by road, with typical driving times around 15–20 minutes in normal conditions.

A common approach is south-east from Chester towards Huntington and the A534/Farndon area.

Traffic and roadworks can alter journey times, so use live navigation on the day rather than relying solely on a fixed journey estimate.

Driving from Wrexham

Farndon is even closer to Wrexham, at roughly 6 miles by road, with a typical drive of around 10–15 minutes.

This makes The Hare a realistic dining option for visitors staying on either side of the England–Wales border.

By train

Farndon does not have its own railway station.

Chester railway station is particularly useful for visitors travelling from Liverpool, Manchester or elsewhere before continuing by bus or taxi.

Wrexham is another practical rail gateway when approaching from North Wales.

By bus

Stagecoach’s 5/5E corridor connects Chester and Wrexham, with Farndon stops on the route. Cheshire West and Chester Council also lists Stagecoach services 5 and 5E for the Chester–Huntington/Wrexham corridor.

Current timetable data includes stops in Farndon around the former Nag’s Head location and Church Lane.

Bus schedules can change, so check Stagecoach shortly before travelling.

Walking

If you are already staying in Farndon, walking is arguably the simplest option because parking behind the pub is limited.

The Hare itself encourages visitors who can reach it on foot or by bicycle to do so.

Cycling

Farndon’s rural roads and nearby countryside make cycling possible, and The Hare specifically identifies cycling as an alternative to driving because its car park is small.

Plan rural cycling routes carefully as road widths, traffic levels and lighting vary.

Parking at The Hare Farndon

The Hare has its own small car park behind the pub, but spaces are limited.

That point is important. This should not be treated as a large destination-pub car park where a space is guaranteed at busy Sunday-lunch times.

If you are staying nearby, walking is preferable.

The official website does not currently publish a parking tariff, so there is no confirmed parking charge to quote. Similarly, visitors requiring a specific accessible parking arrangement should contact the pub before travelling rather than assuming a dedicated space will be available.

Avoid blocking residential access or parking contrary to local signs elsewhere in Farndon.

Accessibility at The Hare Farndon

Accessibility information is relatively good for a small historic village pub.

The Hare has:

• step-free access at the rear
• an accessible toilet

The building itself contains different areas and the private dining room is upstairs. Visitors needing completely step-free dining should therefore mention their requirements when reserving so an appropriate table can be allocated downstairs.

The official sources checked do not confirm a passenger lift, hearing loop, loan wheelchair or dedicated sensory/quiet room. These facilities should not be assumed.

Anyone with specific mobility requirements should telephone 01829 470 072 before visiting.

Visiting The Hare Farndon with children

Families need to know about The Hare’s policies before arriving because this is not primarily set up as a young-child family pub.

The Hare welcomes well-behaved children in its dining areas during the daytime. However, after 7pm it asks that children inside the pub are aged over 10.

It also states that:

• there is no dedicated children’s menu
• smaller portions of dishes from the main menu may be available
• there are no highchairs
• there are no baby-changing facilities
• prams cannot be accommodated inside

Parents with babies and toddlers should therefore plan carefully.

For older children who are comfortable eating from a main pub menu, daytime dining is much more straightforward.

Dogs at The Hare

Dogs are welcome at The Hare. CAMRA currently lists the pub as dog friendly, while the pub’s accommodation information explicitly confirms dogs are welcome in the pub.

That makes The Hare particularly useful for walkers exploring the countryside around Farndon and the River Dee.

As always in a food-serving pub, keep dogs under control and ask staff where they would prefer you to sit if visiting at a busy time.

Toilets and other visitor facilities

Confirmed facilities include:

• customer toilets
• accessible toilet
• Wi-Fi
• food at lunchtime and in the evening
• outdoor seating/garden area
• dog-friendly areas
• small rear car park
• accommodation
• real fire
• cask ale

There are no baby-changing facilities according to The Hare’s current visitor information.

Local walks from The Hare

This is one of the strongest reasons to turn a meal at The Hare into a half-day visit to Farndon rather than simply driving in and out.

The pub has mapped three local walks of varying lengths, generally taking around two hours. Downloadable routes are available from The Hare’s website.

The River Dee runs beside Farndon and the surrounding landscape provides a mixture of riverside and countryside walking.

A separate documented River Dee circular from Farndon is approximately four miles and normally takes around two hours.

A practical itinerary is therefore:

morning walk → return to Farndon → lunch at The Hare → stroll around the historic village

or, during longer summer evenings:

late-afternoon walk → early-evening meal → drink on the terrace

Footpaths can be muddy after prolonged rain, so appropriate footwear is worthwhile.

Best time to visit The Hare Farndon

There is no single best time, because the experience changes through the week and seasons.

For a quieter lunch

A weekday lunchtime is likely to be the simplest choice if you want a relaxed meal without the busier atmosphere associated with Friday evenings and weekends.

For Sunday lunch

Book ahead.

Sunday dining is naturally popular at food-led country and village pubs, and private Sunday Service sittings have fixed times for groups of 10–16.

For the terrace

Choose a dry spring or summer day. The pub specifically describes its outside terrace as a sunny space.

For walking

Late spring through early autumn normally provides longer daylight for exploring the River Dee and surrounding countryside, although the area’s walking routes can be enjoyed throughout the year with appropriate clothing.

During Christmas and bank holidays

Do not assume ordinary hours apply. Seasonal opening arrangements are published separately when required, so check directly before travelling. The pub has previously published dedicated Christmas opening information.

The Hare Cottage

Visitors wanting to stay in Farndon rather than travel back to Chester or Wrexham can investigate The Hare’s own cottage accommodation.

The Cottage is directly associated with the pub, and food and drinks can be served there while the kitchen and bar are open.

Current guidance states:

• prices typically begin around £150 per night, although they vary seasonally
• standard check-in is 4pm
• check-out is before 11am
• the normal minimum stay is two nights
• dogs are welcome
• stairs to the bedrooms are very steep
• the front door opens onto the car park and there is no garden, so it may not be suitable for young children

Those accessibility and child-suitability limitations are important and should be considered before booking.

Nearby places to visit

The Hare works particularly well as part of a short exploration of Farndon and Holt.

Farndon Bridge

Walk down towards the River Dee and you reach the historic sandstone bridge linking England with Holt in Wales.

The Hare’s own local history describes the medieval bridge as a Grade I listed structure and one of the defining historic features of the village.

St Chad’s Church, Farndon

Farndon’s church and surrounding historic core are important parts of the village’s development. The Hare’s historical research records archaeological evidence extending back much earlier than the present buildings and explains the area’s involvement in the Civil War.

Holt

Crossing the bridge takes you into Holt in North Wales, making it particularly easy to visit two villages – and two countries – during the same walk.

St Chad’s Church, Holt

The National Churches Trust describes Holt’s St Chad’s as a historic red-sandstone church close to the River Dee and currently records it as open during daylight hours.

River Dee walks

The pub’s own mapped routes provide the easiest way of turning lunch into a longer countryside visit.

Who is The Hare Farndon best suited to?

Couples

A strong option for a relaxed lunch or evening meal, especially when combined with a walk beside the River Dee.

Groups of friends

Well suited to drinks and meals, with private dining available for pre-arranged groups of up to 16.

Walkers

One of the most natural audiences because the pub actively promotes three mapped local walks.

Dog owners

Dogs are welcome, making a walk-and-lunch combination practical.

Families with older children

Suitable during the day, although the lack of a children’s menu and highchairs makes it less geared towards very young families. Children remaining inside after 7pm should be over 10.

Babies and toddlers

Less convenient. There are no highchairs or baby-changing facilities and prams cannot be accommodated inside.

Visitors with reduced mobility

Step-free rear access and an accessible toilet are positives, but the upstairs private dining room and limited parking mean it is sensible to discuss individual requirements before travelling.

Solo visitors

Perfectly practical for a drink, lunch or stop during a countryside walk.

How long should you spend at The Hare?

Allow around:

60–90 minutes for a straightforward lunch.

1½–2½ hours for drinks and a relaxed meal.

3½–5 hours if you combine lunch with one of The Hare’s local walks.

The pub’s own suggested walks generally take around two hours, so The Hare can easily become the starting and finishing point for a half-day visit to Farndon.

Local tips for visiting The Hare Farndon

Book Sunday lunch rather than taking a chance. Weekend tables are the occasions when advance planning is most worthwhile.

Do not rely on the car park being available. The Hare describes it as small and limited.

Consider the bus from Chester. Stagecoach service 5 provides a useful alternative when everyone in your party wants to drink.

Check children’s arrangements before booking. The Hare’s lack of highchairs, baby changing and indoor pram space makes this particularly important for parents of babies.

Allow time to walk down to the Dee. Visiting only the pub misses much of what makes its Farndon location attractive.

Download one of the pub’s walks before arriving. There are three mapped routes available.

Ask about step-free access when booking if required. The accessible entrance is at the rear rather than the main frontage.

Check the current menu rather than an old photograph online. The live official Food and Drink page is the most reliable source for current dishes.

Frequently asked questions about The Hare Farndon

What are The Hare Farndon opening times?

The Hare currently opens its bar from 11.30am until 11pm Monday to Sunday. Food is served 12pm–9pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm–9.30pm Friday and Saturday and 12pm–8pm Sunday. Check the official website for seasonal changes.

Where is The Hare Farndon?

The Hare is on High Street, Farndon, Chester, CH3 6PU, close to the centre of Farndon and the River Dee.

Does The Hare Farndon have parking?

Yes. There is a small car park behind the pub, but spaces are limited and the pub encourages people to walk or cycle where possible.

Do you need to book The Hare Farndon?

Booking is recommended for meals, particularly at weekends and on Sundays. Online bookings are available for groups of up to six; larger groups should telephone the pub.

Is The Hare Farndon dog friendly?

Yes. The Hare is listed as dog friendly and its own accommodation information confirms that dogs are welcome in the pub.

Is The Hare Farndon suitable for children?

Children are welcome in the dining areas during the day, although after 7pm children remaining inside should be over 10. There is no children’s menu, highchairs or baby-changing facility, and prams cannot be accommodated indoors.

Does The Hare Farndon have disabled access?

The Hare has step-free access at the rear and an accessible toilet. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the pub before travelling.

Can you get to The Hare Farndon by bus from Chester?

Yes. Stagecoach service 5 runs between Chester and Wrexham through the Farndon/Holt area. Check the latest Stagecoach timetable before travelling because schedules can change.

Does The Hare Farndon serve Sunday lunch?

Yes. Food is served on Sundays and the pub also offers a special private Hare Sunday Service for groups of 10–16, with sittings at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm.

Can you stay at The Hare Farndon?

Yes. The Hare has cottage accommodation associated with the pub. Current guidance says prices typically start from around £150 per night and vary seasonally.

Does The Hare Farndon have private dining?

Yes. Its upstairs private dining room accommodates up to 16 guests and can be arranged for meals and celebrations seven days a week.

Are there walks near The Hare Farndon?

Yes. The Hare has produced three mapped local walks, generally taking around two hours, exploring Farndon and its surrounding countryside.

Final verdict

The Hare Farndon is best viewed as a food-led village pub that works particularly well when combined with exploring Farndon, the River Dee and neighbouring Holt.

Its strengths are the attractive early-20th-century building, varied traditional seating areas, terrace, food served seven days a week, dog-friendly policy, mapped local walks and private dining room. Step-free rear access and an accessible toilet also make the pub more practical for visitors with limited mobility than its historic appearance might initially suggest.

There are a few practical limitations worth knowing in advance. Parking is limited, facilities for babies and toddlers are minimal, prams cannot be accommodated inside and the private dining room is upstairs.

For visitors staying in Chester, the roughly 10-mile journey is short enough for a country-pub lunch or evening meal, while walkers can easily build a half-day excursion around one of the pub’s local routes.

For weekend meals and Sunday lunch, advance booking is recommended. Always confirm the latest menu, opening hours and travel arrangements on the official website before making a special journey.