The Little Tap Tarporley is one of those places you walk into “just for one drink” and end up staying all night. Tucked on the High Street in this pretty Cheshire village, it’s a cosy craft beer bar serving quality drinks, creative small plates and brunch in a relaxed, candle-lit setting. With its friendly locals’ vibe, ever-changing drinks list and sister restaurant Terrarium just over the road, The Little Tap Tarporley has become a real destination for food and drink lovers across Cheshire.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a weekend in the Cheshire countryside or simply searching “best bars in Tarporley” or “where to eat in Tarporley village”, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go – from menus and prices to opening times, parking and insider tips.
About The Little Tap Tarporley
A stylish craft beer bar with small plates in Tarporley village
The Little Tap is a contemporary craft beer and wine bar with a strong focus on quality over quantity. Housed in a former butcher’s shop at 69 High Street, Tarporley CW6 0DP, the bar blends exposed brick, wood and soft lighting with a buzzy yet intimate atmosphere.
Key facts about The Little Tap Tarporley:
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Type: Independent craft beer bar & small plates
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Address: 69 High Street, Tarporley CW6 0DP
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Cuisine: British-leaning small plates / tapas, brunch, bar snacks
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Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices available
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Atmosphere: Relaxed, candle-lit, sociable; popular with locals and visitors
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Sister venue: Terrarium by Little Tap (larger small-plates restaurant opposite on the High Street)
Expect a strong craft beer offering, a good gin and cocktail list, and food that’s been repeatedly praised in reviews for being beautifully presented, generous and full of flavour.
Little Tap Tarporley opening times & how to book
When is The Little Tap Tarporley open?
Opening hours can occasionally change for refurbishments or special events, but typical opening times are:
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Monday: Closed
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Tuesday: Closed
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Wednesday: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
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Thursday: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
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Friday: 3:00pm – 11:00pm (or 11:30pm)
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Saturday: From around noon – 11:30pm
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Sunday: 3:00pm – 8:00pm (hours sometimes extended for brunch or special events)
Because hours do vary slightly between sources and around refurb periods, it’s always worth double-checking the latest times on:
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The official website
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Their Facebook or Instagram pages
Do you need to book The Little Tap?
The Little Tap is small and can get very busy, especially:
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Friday and Saturday evenings
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Sunday afternoons when the bar opens
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Around Christmas, bank holidays and village events
You’ll often see people searching for “Little Tap Tarporley booking” or “Little Tap Tarporley reservations” – and for good reason. While some bar space may be kept for walk-ins, it’s sensible to book ahead for a table, particularly if you’re planning to eat or visiting as a group.
You can usually reserve via:
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The booking link on their website
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A direct phone call (01829 730101)
Little Tap Tarporley menu – small plates, brunch & bar snacks
What’s on the Little Tap Tarporley food menu?
The Little Tap is best known for its small plates – think clever, seasonal dishes designed for sharing. While the menu changes regularly, typical dishes from recent menus and reviews include:
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Slow-cooked lamb dishes and lamb fritters
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Potato terrine or crispy potatoes that frequently get rave reviews
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Seasonal fish dishes and inventive vegetarian plates
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Comforting bar snacks and nibbles to match your drinks
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Well-executed desserts such as affogato and brownies
Reviewers often highlight how generous the portions are for a small-plates concept, and how much care goes into the presentation and flavours.
Brunch and breakfast at The Little Tap
Historically, The Little Tap has offered weekend brunch, with dishes like eggs, good coffee and lighter bites. The exact brunch offering and times can change – especially since Terrarium opened and some food operations shifted – so if you’re specifically planning a “Little Tap Tarporley brunch”, it’s worth checking their latest posts on social media or contacting them directly to see what’s currently running.
Vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options
If you’re searching for vegan food in Tarporley or gluten-free restaurants near Chester, The Little Tap is a good shout:
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Menus usually label vegetarian dishes clearly
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Vegan options and gluten-free dishes are often available
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The kitchen is known for being knowledgeable and helpful with dietary requirements
As always, if you have a serious allergy, speak to the team in advance so they can advise what’s suitable on the current “Little Tap Tarporley menu”.
Drinks at The Little Tap – craft beer, wine & cocktails
Craft beer & cask ale at The Little Tap
When The Little Tap first opened, it was very much designed as a contemporary craft beer bar – and that heritage is still at the heart of the place.
Expect:
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Rotating craft beers on keg and tap
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Changing cask ales – CAMRA notes two changing beers on handpump
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A focus on interesting breweries and well-kept beer
Regulars often describe it as the best beer in Tarporley, which makes it perfect if you’re planning a Cheshire pub crawl or an evening out focused on good pints rather than generic lager.
Gin, cocktails & wine
For those searching “Little Tap Tarporley cocktails” or “gin bars in Tarporley”, the bar also offers:
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An extensive gin selection
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Classic and seasonal cocktails
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A carefully chosen wine list with options by the glass and bottle
Staff are generally happy to recommend something based on what you like – think of it as your friendly neighbourhood bar, but with seriously good drinks.
Atmosphere & what to expect when you visit Little Tap Tarporley
Cosy, sociable and very much a locals’ favourite
If you like bars that are warm, welcoming and full of character, The Little Tap Tarporley will tick all your boxes. Reviews consistently mention:
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Friendly, chatty staff who make newcomers feel like regulars
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A locals’ vibe with loyal repeat customers
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A relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere ideal for date night or catch-ups with friends
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Background music and a buzz without being so loud you have to shout
Because it’s not a huge venue, it fills up quickly – which adds to the cosy feel, but is another reason booking is recommended at peak times.
Terrarium by Little Tap – the sister restaurant opposite
It’s also worth knowing that there’s now a larger sister venue, Terrarium by Little Tap, just across the road. Terrarium takes the Little Tap ethos of imaginative small plates and stretches it out into a bigger dining room, with its own bar, coffee offering and wine list.
Many visitors now:
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Enjoy drinks at The Little Tap and then
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Cross over to Terrarium for dinner, or vice-versa
If the “Little Tap Tarporley restaurant” side of things is fully booked, it’s worth checking availability at Terrarium instead, as both venues share a similar creative, chef-led approach.
Prices – is The Little Tap Tarporley expensive?
You’ll likely see searches like “Little Tap Tarporley prices” and “is Little Tap good value?” – and the broad consensus from diners is yes.
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Small plates are priced so you can mix a few between two people; many reviewers comment on how generous the portions are compared with other tapas-style venues.
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Drinks prices are in line with other quality Cheshire bars, with craft beer and cocktails understandably costing more than standard pub lagers and house spirits.
If you’re working to a budget, it’s easy to keep costs manageable by:
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Sharing a couple of plates and focusing on drinks
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Visiting earlier in the evening
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Checking social media for any specials or set menus
How to get to The Little Tap Tarporley
Location & getting there
The Little Tap is located on Tarporley High Street, right in the middle of the village.
By car:
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Tarporley is just off the A49 and A51, around 25 minutes’ drive from Chester and similar from Nantwich or Northwich.
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Use the postcode CW6 0DP in your sat nav.
Parking near Little Tap Tarporley:
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There is limited on-street parking on and around the High Street (watch local restrictions).
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Tarporley also has village car parks a short walk away – ideal if you’re planning to stay a few hours or enjoy a drink.
By public transport:
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Bus routes connect Tarporley to Chester, Nantwich and other Cheshire towns; services are not ultra-frequent in the evenings, so check timetables in advance if you’re relying on public transport.
Taxis:
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Local taxi firms serve Tarporley and are often the easiest option if you’re staying in a nearby hotel or B&B and want to fully enjoy the craft beer and cocktails.
Where to stay near The Little Tap Tarporley
If you’re building an itinerary around a visit to The Little Tap, you’re spoiled for choice with places to stay near Tarporley, from country hotels and inns to cosy B&Bs and self-catering cottages.
Look for:
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Tarporley High Street hotels and inns for the shortest walk back after drinks
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Countryside hotels and spa retreats a short drive away towards Chester or Delamere
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Chester city hotels if you’re combining a night at The Little Tap with a day exploring the city, Chester Zoo or Cheshire Oaks
Things to do near Little Tap Tarporley
Tarporley is a lovely base for exploring Cheshire. Before or after your visit to The Little Tap, you could:
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Stroll the High Street – browse independent boutiques, interiors shops and delis
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Walk parts of the nearby Sandstone Trail for big countryside views
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Visit Beeston Castle, Oulton Park or Delamere Forest as part of a day out
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Head into Chester for shopping, the rows, the city walls and Chester Cathedral
Accessibility at The Little Tap Tarporley
The building is an older High Street property, so access is more traditional than purpose-built. Websites and reviews mention:
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A single shopfront entrance from the pavement
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A compact interior with a mix of bar seating, tables and chairs
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Table service for food and drinks
If you or someone in your party has specific accessibility needs (for example, wheelchair access or step-free seating), it’s best to call ahead so the team can advise on the current layout and help with a suitable table.
Insider tips for visiting The Little Tap Tarporley
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Book ahead for peak times – Friday and Saturday evenings in particular.
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Check social media for the latest menu – dishes change regularly and seasonal ingredients are a big focus.
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Consider a Little Tap & Terrarium double-header – pre- or post-dinner drinks on one side of the road, and a leisurely small-plates feast on the other.
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If you’re a beer lover, ask what’s new on tap – the changing beers are a highlight.
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For a quieter, more relaxed visit, try an early-evening midweek slot or Sunday afternoon when available.
