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Calling time on pub culture? Not at the The Faulkner Bar and Kitchen in Hoole which is bucking the trend thanks to fine ales, good cooking and an award-winning marketing strategy, as Janet Reeder discovers.

Chester's Gary Usher opens his fourth restaurant soon.He admits he has something to prove, writes Janet reeder.

Hoole scooped a major prize in the Great British High Street Awards. Janet Reeder finds out why

Hoole's Ben Cullen is taking the baking world by storm with his amazing bespoke cakes, writes Rebekka O'Grady

There's a real buzz about one neighbourhood just outside Chester, writes Janet Reeder

At the Hollows in Hoole is all about great times with fine wines, food and good company, writes Janet Reeder

Welcome to the Sticky Walnut in Hoole, domain of chef-patron Gary Usher who has worked at the Chester Grosvenor and Jamie's Italian among others

Hoole is a stone's throw from Chester city centre but it has good shops and cafes and a charm all its own WORDS BY POLLY BERKELEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BILLINGTON and JOHN COCKS

Jane Tomlin rose to the challenge when she wanted to make new friends. Emma Mayoh reports