Weasel and the Bug

Vicky Andrews
Weasel and the Bug, Chester
Courtesy of Weasel and The Bug

“Powered by children, not by batteries” is the motto at Weasel and the Bug, a fun, friendly and ethical independent children’s shop in the heart of Chester city centre.

Weasel and the Bug was founded by Katie Jones in 2016 after the birth of her daughter. Katie spotted a gap in the market for good quality toys that last, rather than mass-produced battery-powered gadgets and plastic toys which usually end up in the bin after not very long.

Descend the steps from Watergate Street into the shop and it’s like walking into a cross between Santa’s workshop and a little Hobbit House, a treasure trove of intriguing toys under big, solid wooden beams. The best way of describing these products is traditional but modern, with a lot of wooden toys that are bright, bold and sturdy. Many look as if they could be virtually indestructible and are very popular with parents and carers for obvious reasons.

Most importantly though, children love the toys. One of the most popular products in lockdown were wooden tool boxes, that enable little ones to join in with a spot of DIY.

There’s loads of cool stuff available in-store and online including Fabelab Dolls, Tonies, Plan Toys and Snails Lollips, child-friendly lip glosses.

Weasel and the Bug might be a small business but they have big values. Katie believes that we should all try and buy better toys that can be handed down time and time again. She only stocks products that are sustainably sourced and is always trying to reduce the carbon footprint as much as possible, as well as making sure products are made ethically.

The prices are very good for the quality and the staff are always available to give you real advice about the toys and what ages they might be best for. Perfect for gift-buying!

Weasel and the Bug is a safe place for children to embark on new adventures and go home with a cherished toy that’s built to last. And if your kids are happy, you can be happy too.

19 Watergate StreetChesterCH1 2LB View map
Telephone: 01244348176 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Weasel and the Bug

Two people sitting playing a video game.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
Art Plays Games at FACT

Art Plays Games is a new show at FACT, celebrating games created by digital artists and independent video game developers.

free entry
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Everybody was Invited to a Party, Farah Al Qasimi. Film still.
Until
ExhibitionsLiverpool
But Does It Speak? at the Bluecoat

The new year at the Bluecoat starts with a brand new season of screenings, workshops and events from artists who utilise written and spoken word. But Does It Speak? Runs…

free entry

Where to go near Weasel and the Bug

The Antiques Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Antiques Shop

The Antiques Shop is housed within the Rows of Chester and has been owned and run by the same antiques dealer for nearly 30 years, selling British antiques and vintage items.

Chester
Shopping Centre
Chester Rows

Renowned for some of the most elegant shopping streets in the world, Chester Rows has historic appeal and is one of the best of its kind.

Gallery stock image
Cheshire
Gallery
Watergate Street Gallery

This contemporary Art Gallery In Chester displays and sells original and affordable works, with regular new exhibitions listed on their website.

Dewa Roman Experience
Chester
Museum
Dewa Roman Experience

Dewa Roman Experience occupies a unique site at the heart of the original legionary fortress. In 1991 archaeologists discovered remains of the fortress on this site and the excavations have been left open for public viewing.

Chester Indoor Market
Chester
Shopping Centre
Chester Indoor Market

Recipient of the Best Small Indoor Market at The Great British Market Awards 2020, Chester Market offers foods from around the world.

Whitmore & White
Chester
Shop
Whitmore & White

Whitmore & White is an award-winning deli and independent wine merchant in the heart of romantic Chester serving a plethora of charcuterie, cheeses and confectionery.

Chester
Chester
Tourist Attraction
Chester Visitor Information Centre

This is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester who offer a variety of tours ranging from food walking, running and themed running (including beer or gin).

Chester Cathedral
Chester
Place of worship
Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a living community of prayer and worship, and a centre of excellence in Church Music with a rich and fascinating heritage.

Bar stock image
Cheshire
Restaurant
Metronome Jazz Bar

This small and atmospheric bar is a cosy venue with a resident Jazz pianist, fantastic staff and a record player filled with, naturally, iconic jazz.

Culture Guides

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in latest live music round up.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.