An attractive old half-timbered pub on the main street of a large South Cheshire village just north of Crewe. The village has now – fortunately – been bypassed, but the road has a couple of sharp bends near the pub which mean care is needed when emerging from the car park. Over the years it has obviously been modernised to some extent, but retains a core of four very traditional-looking rooms around the bar. Best of all is the cosy room at the rear with wood-panelled walls, bench seating, a real fire and a stained-glass window. The main room has an impressive inglenook fireplace decked with horse brasses. It’s a Robinson’s tied house, offering on a recent visit Hatters and Unicorn plus a seasonal beer. A varied food menu is served, but is not allowed to dominate. The wording on the beams on the end of the pub says “A jug of ale, a whispered word, can be found within these old walls”.
