The Cholmondeley Arms, Cheshire

Overview

Originally a Victorian schoolhouse, with steep gables and an octagonal bell tower, this historic inn stands in rural Cheshire close to the entrance to Cholmondeley Castle.

Imaginatively converted to an inn in 1988 - although it's still part of the Cholmondeley Estate - the 'Chum' retains an old school atmosphere with high-roofed halls, large windows and huge radiators. More recently, it has been restored by Tim & Mary Bird who brought it into the 21st century with gin tasting classes, an annual gin festival, good pub food, and it's very own car club.

Smart pastel-painted walls are festooned old photos of the school and estate, shelves groan with gin bottles (over 400 different gins…!), and there are leather armchairs by the blazing fire, so arrive early to bag one of these. Elsewhere, note the colourful rugs on plank floors and old dining tables topped with fresh flowers and candles, plus blackboards listing forthcoming events. It's no wonder that the place draws an appreciative crowd for its lively vibe, great staff, amazing drinks selection (those gins, again) and freshly cooked, modern British pub food.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £90

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco dining
Gin Festival & Car Club
Parking available
Dog stay: £10

Dog-friendly
The 'Chum' is a top place to stay with your dog - your canine chum can expect dog 'beer' and treats, and even a Cholmondeley Arms doggie blanket!

Scenic and serene
Nestled in the heart of rural Cheshire, kick back on the terrace, enjoy peaceful country views and unwind, or spend time strolling through the gardens at Cholmondeley Castle.

Outdoor adventures
West Cheshire offers plenty for walkers of all ages and levels of fitness - the Sandstone Trail is a great spot to explore.

Rooms

Six comfortable rooms are located in the former headmaster's house - they retain the simple 'home from home' charm of the school and feature striking leaded windows.

Named after famous and (mainly) fictional teachers, they have been tastefully spruced up and are cosy and inviting, with warm Farrow & Ball hues, good-quality beds and down duvets smart tiled bath or shower rooms. The pick of the bunch is Mr Bird - one of the larger ground-floor rooms with rugs on polished boards, darkwood furniture, a leather wing chair in the bay window, a feature fireplace, and prints and paintings on deep purple walls. Most rooms also have views of the garden and surrounding countryside.

Wake up to a delicious Cheshire breakfast - Willington Farm apple juice, porridge with local honey or the full English with Blake's Farm sausages and the works, before spending the day exploring the Sandstone Trail, or enjoying some retail therapy in nearby Chester.

Restaurant & bar

Using local seasonal game, Rose County beef and lamb, local venison and other produce sourced from the surrounding area, the seasonally changing menu offers something for everyone.

Kick off with a sharing 'pub plate' laden with black pudding Scotch egg, crayfish and prawn cocktail, crispy whitebait, potted ham hock and other goodies. 'Old school favourites' are pub classics with a twist, perhaps a gourmet Wagyu beef burger with Cheddar rarebit, treacle-cured bacon, onion rings, pickles and chips, while 'seasonal specials' might list ale-braised oxtail cheek with celeriac and mustard mash. Round off with a delicious nursery pud or a plate of locally sourced cheese.

Step up to the huge sideboard bar and you'll find yourself in gin heaven, with a mind-boggling choice of over 400 different brands and array of mixers on the menu. The 'gin board' comes highly recommended with three gins, three garnishes, three tonics, all for £17.50. Ale lovers are also spoilt for choice with an impressive line-up of five pumps dispensing local beers from within a 35-miles radius of the pub.

Things to do

Visit unique Erdigg, an atmospheric country house which dates back to the 18th century and lets visitors explore 250 years of the life of a gentry family and their servants. There's a unique collection of servants' portraits, as well as fine furniture, textiles and wallpapers, plus a 485-hectare country park and formal walled garden.

You're also close to Beeston Castle and Woodland Park - perched on a high crag, the 'Castle of the Rock' is famous for its spectacular views. On a clear day you can see across eighty counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. As well as the views, there's some lovely woodland spots to explore with wildlife trails, regular events, and a cafe which does unmissable bacon sandwiches!