Gather around a fireplace with friends at one of our county pubs
The Church Inn, Mobberley The Church Inn is the epitome of charming. Named Cheshire Life’s 2017 Dining Pub of the Year, it’s no surprise that this isn’t the only award the pub has picked up since reopening in 2013 after being rescued from a near derelict state. From open fires crackling as you enjoy a glass of wine from the well-stocked bar, to dining on rustic wooden tables lit by candlelight and surrounded by country knick knacks, it’s the type of place you would want to spend a rainy autumn day, as well as a crisp, bright one. The food varies from country tavern favourites such as homemade steak burger and fish and chips, to seasonal dishes which include the mouth-watering honey glazed ballantine of rabbit and Cornish monkfish tail. They also pride themselves on selling ales brewed within a 15 mile radius, but they do have one pump dedicated to breweries further away. The Church Inn, Church Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7RD Tel: 01565 873178, www.churchinnmobberley.co.uk
Cholmondeley Arms Once a 19th schoolhouse, the Cholmondeley Arms has been converted into a charming village pub which still retains many of its original features. Its warm and inviting décor oozes character, with blackboards and old school furniture hinting at its heritage, and toasty open fires providing a welcome comfort on winter days. On the menu you can expect seasonal specials such as the unusual seafood burger, or home comforts like fish pie and the Congleton Wagyu beef burger. They also have a spectacular range of over 300 gins, which you can learn more about in their very own ‘gin bible’. Cholmondeley Arms, Wrenbury Road, Cholmondeley, near Malpas, SY14 8HN Tel: 01829 720300, www.cholmondeleyarms.co.uk
The Leather’s Smithy, Macclesfield A rural 18th century pub located on the edge of Macclesfield Forest, The Leather’s Smithy welcomes visitors with its inviting fires and stone flagged bar. The pub boasts an assorted menu where each dish is lovingly prepared using produce from local sources. Just a walk away from Teggs Nose and opposite the picturesque Ridgegate Reservoir, this has remained a popular haunt for walkers, fishermen and country lovers alike. The Leathers Smithy, Clarke Lane, Langley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0NE www.leatherssmithy.com
The Badger Inn at Church Minshull Dating back to the 18th century, the Badger Inn is a quaint pub full of character. With its oak beams and roaring fires, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint of real ale or delicious home cooked food. Evening dishes on the menu include slow-cooked blade of beef and Provencal fish stew, and the lunch offering is just as enticing, with a selection of sandwiches and tasty sharing platters. After enjoying the pub, take a look around the conservation area of Church Minshull where you will find black and white timbered Tudor houses and idyllic walks in the surrounding countryside. The Badger Inn, Cross Lane, Church Minshull, Nantwich, CW5 6DY www.badgerinn.co.uk
The Swettenham Arms, Congleton. Spend an afternoon at the Swettenham Arms, where you can drink real ale provided by local artisan breweries and sample a menu created with carefully selected local ingredients, all by the pleasant open fire of the pub. The Swettenham Arms has a unique charm with its very own Lavender and Sunflower meadow created in 2005. It is said to add a dreamy ambience to the grounds and you’ll often find fresh lavender at the table when you dine. Swettenham Lane, Swettenham Village, Congleton, Cheshire East CW12 2LF www.swettenhamarms.co.uk
The Windmill Inn, Tabley A relaxing meal awaits at the Windmill Inn in Tabley, a list of traditional eats including fish and chips and steak and ale puddings are served throughout the day. Why not stop by on a lazy Sunday afternoon for the popular ‘Traditional Sunday Carvery’, served with prime roasted meat and seasonal vegetables? The Windmill Inn, Chester Road, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HW www.thewindmillattabley.co.uk
Old Hall, Sandbach Old Hall is a place that has kept people coming back for their fine food and hospitality for 300 years. Built in 1656 by John Radclyffe, son of Lord of the Manor of Sandbach, Sir John Radclyffe, an extension was added in the 18th century to create a tavern known as the Three Tuns Inn. After laying derelict for a number of years, in 2010 it was restored and still retains the charm and character it once had with two Jacobean fireplaces, one of which has an adjacent priest’s hole with a concealed door, lots of original oak panelling and an original oak baluster staircase. Their menu features classics that are bound to please everyone, such as steak and ale suet pudding, deep fried cod in beer batter and rhubarb and custard tart. Old Hall, High Street, Sandbach, CW11 1AL Tel: 01270 758 170, www.brunningandprice.co.uk/oldhall
Pickering Arms, Thelwall Oak beams, old settles, open fires and comfy corners, what more could you ask for in a cosy pub? This black and white 18th century pub located in the pretty village of Thewall underwent an extensive £200,000 refurbishment, yet managed to retain its historic charm. Inside the bar has an excellent range of cask ales, and the kitchen whip up a delicious home cooked food using produce that is both regional and seasonal. Dishes include locally produced sausages with creamy mash, as well as a traditional Sunday roast. Pickering Arms, 1 Bell Lane, Thelwall, Warrington, WA4 2SU Tel: 01925 861262, www.pickeringarmsthelwall.co.uk
The Pheasant Inn, Higher Burwardsley Surrounded by some of the most scenic routes in the county, The Pheasant Inn is the perfect destination for those wanting a break from an autumn walk, or simply those seeking delicious food with a view. The award-winning pub dates back to 1650 and still has quintessential country traditional décor, but with a modern twist. Foodies will be pleased with the array of dishes offered from the AA rosette kitchen, and you can cosy up around the open fire to enjoy main courses such as Ridings Reserve beef Wellington and fillet of sea bass, with tempting desserts to follow such as warm cherry bakewell tart and the Pheasant Inn knickerbocker glory. Higher Burwardsley, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9PF www.thepheasantinn.co.uk
The Alvanley Arms, Cotebrook The Alvanley Arms is a 400 year old coaching inn, located in the Cheshire countryside. Enjoy a friendly welcome over a sip of Robinson’s Ales or browse the selection of complex wines. Just a stones throw from some of Cheshire’s best tourist attractions such as Oulton Park, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Delamere Forest, you can make a day of it, ending with a bite to eat at the ever cosy pub. Cotebrook, Cheshire West and Chester CW6 9DS www.alvanleyarms.co.uk
