Browns of Chester is one of the city’s signature stores. It is a central shopping landmark in Chester and home to Debenhams, accessible from the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and the adjacent Chester Rows on Eastgate.
There are five floors of fantastic retail therapy offering the best of Debenhams fashion, beauty and homeware making it a highly popular and one of the most firmly established stores in Chester.
Browns of Chester department store is unique in that it is the only UK store to have kept its trading name after being acquired by Debenhams, true evidence of its success and recognised status in Chester. It was bought by Debenhams in 1976 but the department store was first established in 1780 and has been trading from its current site since 1791 making it a very historical site and longest established shopping centres in Chester. It has often been described as the ‘Harrods of the North’, such is its wide reaching reputation for being a high class establishment.
In addition to its great location, well recognised brand Debenhams and great history in the city, it also has many special interior structural features that make it frequently compared with establishments like Harrods. Its domed glass roofs, chandeliers and ornate plaster work in the entrance area make it an attractive and impressive sight.
The oldest part of the building is one of the most fascinating and historically rich parts of Chester City. Currently housing the charming café, The TeaPressRoom’ is the Grade I listed Crypt Chambers. These were designed by T. M. Penson incorporating Georgian, Tudor and Gothic facades and were completed in 1858 but they were built over even more ancient structures. The Gothic facade frontage was built over a medieval undercroft dating from the twelfth century and this is where the Tea Press Room currently resides. These ancient crypts are one of the best medieval under crofts in the region and you can read all about their history and uses along their walls while you enjoy some charcuterie and a glass of prosecco.
At Browns of Chester you will find history, beautiful architecture, premier shopping choices for women’s fashion, men’s fashion, gifts and more including brands such as Mac, Chanel, Principles and Jasper Conran and a specialised wedding service.
Address: Grosvenor Shopping Centre, 34-40 Eastgate St, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3SB
Image Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/neilt/
