7 country pubs in Cheshire you should visit

Located in the northwest near the border of Wales, Cheshire is a mostly rural county except for one or two big Merseyside towns and the historic walled city of Chester. It is a fabulous place to kick back and enjoy a pint of local ale. Read on for a quick list of some of the best country pubs in Cheshire to drop in on.

1. The Golden Grove

The Golden Grove is a beautiful 13th century inn located on the Welsh-English border. It has been lovingly refurbished to accentuate the old character of the building with a fresh modern feel. Local food is served all day, plus there is a cracking traditional Sunday lunch. Seasonal menus help to make the most of the available fresh local products, and the pub has its own herb garden. There is also a beer garden, large patio, open fire and plenty of real cask ales to indulge in.

2. The Sandstone

The Sandstone pub takes its name from the popular trail that it sits on, offering 34 miles of hiking routes across a forest-topped ridge, farmland and canal paths. The pub is one of the best refreshment points along the route offering spectacular views of the countryside. Inside, there is homemade food made from locally sourced ingredients. The Sandstone supports local micro breweries and there is a fine selection of real cask ales. This modern take on the 17th century traditional pub has a sunny conservatory that is a great place to unwind during the summer months. There is also a host of entertainment specials such as quizzes, BBQ’s and bonfire night.

3. The Bluebell Inn

As one of the oldest pub in Cheshire, the Bluebell Inn is a hidden gem that can be found in Sandbatch. The lumber structure and open fire make for a very inviting atmosphere. There is top notch food and beer to be had, although you should book in advance if you want to eat. The Bluebell is a family pub with a great beer garden and children’s play equipment.

4. Ring O’ Bells

Half way up Frodsham Hill, the Ring O’ Bells pub has a wonderfully homey atmosphere. Inside, everything revolves around a central bar which provides a brilliant range of food from classic pub grub to Mediterranean cuisine, but the highlight has to be the hand-stretched stone-baked pizza. Outside, the pub has stunning views over the Mersey estuary.

5. The Pheasant Inn

Half way along the Sandstone trail on top of the Peckforton Hills, the Pheasant Inn is a high end pub with some of the best panoramic views of Cheshire! The inn has a fresh foods philosophy with all of the produce bought from within a 30 mile radius. There are Weetwood beers on tap as well as a great selection of wines to sip in the charming garden.

6. The Wizard

The Wizard Pub works the shabby chic look with cool furniture, old beams and flagstone floors. The pub’s kitchen serves up proper English pub food and there is a good selection of drinks to choose from. The pub gets its unusual name from the nearby cliffs where there are some great hiking trails.

7. Spitting Feathers

Spitting Feathers is a farm as well as traditional small brewery, so all the meat served at the pub comes fresh directly from the farmyard. The Spitting Feathers is also a paradise for any real ale enthusiasts. They keep things simple here with no additives, colourings or artificial flavourings. Some of the special brews even incorporate their own hops and honey. The care and effort has clearly paid off as the ale is award winning and the pub plays host to local beer festivals. Spitting Feathers can be found 2 miles south of Chester.

What better way is there to explore the beauty and tranquillity of the Cheshire countryside than with a pint of local ale in hand, tasty food on the table, authentic architecture to appreciate and spectacular views to enjoy? There are numerous reputable campsites to choose from near these pubs, with the vast majority located in the southern half of the county.