The Cholmondeley Arms, Cheshire

Overview

Originally a Victorian schoolhouse with steep gables and a bell tower, The Cholmondeley Arms stands close to the entrance to Cholmondeley Castle in rural Cheshire. The inn retains its old school atmosphere with high-roofed halls, large windows and huge radiators - yet a recent restoration has brought it into the 21st century with gin tasting classes, a monthly pub quiz and its very own Car Club. Be sure to check out the blackboards around the pub which list forthcoming events.

The interior is tastefully decorated with colourful rugs on plank floors, old dining tables topped with fresh flowers and candles and shelves groaning with gin bottles. It's no wonder that the place draws an appreciative crowd for its lively vibe, great staff, amazing drinks selection and modern British pub food. There's a lawn to the rear of the pub with French oak benches and a small covered terrace area, as well as tables, chairs and parasols to the front.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £90

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Alfresco dining

Dog-friendly
The 'Chum' has been named by The Telegraph as one of the top ten places to stay with your dog. The inn provides dog 'beer' 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.

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 headmaster's house, retaining the 'home from home' charm of the school. Cosy and inviting, each are named after a fictional teacher. The pick of the bunch is Mr Bird - one of the larger ground-floor rooms with rugs on polished boards, dark wood furniture, prints and paintings on deep purple walls and a leather wing chair in the bay window to enjoy the rural views.

All rooms boast warm heritage colours, good-quality beds and down duvets plus tiled en-suite bath or shower rooms. Most rooms also have views of the garden and surrounding countryside.

Restaurant & bar

Using local game in season, Rose County beef and lamb, local venison and other produce sourced from the surrounding area, the seasonally changing menu offers something for everyone. The busy kitchen delivers a wide-ranging selection of dishes all day, every day - from sharing plates, old school favourites, pub classics and seasonal specials.

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 - Teachers Tipple, Headmasters Ale and Cholmondeley Best (all brewed by Weetwood) - and two guest ales, perhaps from Wincle Brewery.

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!

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Whitchurch
Taxi from station: 14min
Drive: 30min from Crewe, 35min from Wrexham, 1hr from Liverpool

Address

Wrenbury Road, Cholmondeley, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8HN

Gallery

Enquire to book

To make a booking, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm.

The Cholmondeley Arms

From £90 per night