Local Guides World
Top Pubs in Northwich, United Kingdom
Top Rated Pubs in Northwich
Top Reviewed Pubs in Northwich
Vale Royal Abbey Arms
The Wee Howff
Blue Cap
Vale Royal Abbey Arms
White Barn
The Salt Barge
Plough Inn
The Bulls Head
Reviews
Lovely village pub, tasteful decor, good choice of back ground music, friendly staff and good value quality food. The only downfall was we had reserved a particular table which had been given away due to staff not checking the booking information and no reserved notice was put on the table.
What an awful experience.
We ordered 4 burgers on to BOGOF offer, and a children’s burger. When they came, the 3 vegan burgers looked awful. The patties looked like they had been microwaved, they were only just warm, soggy and floppy. Also, the description on the menu said they should come with sauté red onions in a BBQ sauce, but that was missing, all that was on it was a small piece of lettuce, a few raw red onions and some, what looked like, bottled, cheap bbq sauce. The children’s burger came with veg sticks, and the carrots were awful. They were black, hard and looked like they were cut days ago.
We spoke to the waitresses, who went to speak to the kitchen but came back and said that the raw red onions were the sauté onions, I then had to explain that sauté meant they should be cooked and not raw. They also got us some more carrots, that were just as bad.
We got a refund on 2 of the vegan burgers ( the other was free on the offer) and they offered us free desserts as a sorry. We ordered the blackcurrant and apple crumble with vegan ice cream, but what came was the crumble with custard which we couldn’t eat 🤦🏻♂️.
I’ve never seen such poor, inedible food and had to explain to staff what is on their own menu.
Definitely won’t be going back!
We ordered 4 burgers on to BOGOF offer, and a children’s burger. When they came, the 3 vegan burgers looked awful. The patties looked like they had been microwaved, they were only just warm, soggy and floppy. Also, the description on the menu said they should come with sauté red onions in a BBQ sauce, but that was missing, all that was on it was a small piece of lettuce, a few raw red onions and some, what looked like, bottled, cheap bbq sauce. The children’s burger came with veg sticks, and the carrots were awful. They were black, hard and looked like they were cut days ago.
We spoke to the waitresses, who went to speak to the kitchen but came back and said that the raw red onions were the sauté onions, I then had to explain that sauté meant they should be cooked and not raw. They also got us some more carrots, that were just as bad.
We got a refund on 2 of the vegan burgers ( the other was free on the offer) and they offered us free desserts as a sorry. We ordered the blackcurrant and apple crumble with vegan ice cream, but what came was the crumble with custard which we couldn’t eat 🤦🏻♂️.
I’ve never seen such poor, inedible food and had to explain to staff what is on their own menu.
Definitely won’t be going back!
Lovely venue. Very friendly knowledgeable staff. Great Gluten free options. Good easy access for the infirm. The food was excellent and I will be returning now I live locally.
It's hard to find a nice place to go with 3 small children. Not only does it have a play area and outdoor seating, it has a good menu, great tasting food and friendly staff. Recommend booking ahead on weekends as it does fill up!
We came here a few years back and had cheese and onion pie and didn't really rate it. Came again this week to try something different, wife went for a burger which she enjoyed and I had the steak and ale pie, wow was it good, probably the best pie I have ever had! The gravy was so rich, meat was perfect as was the pastry, I'd highly recommend that!
Plenty big enough carpark although it was tight in the car I had from work, there was only a dozen customers in so was quiet, customer service was great and everywhere looked clean.
Well worth a try if you're in the area.
Plenty big enough carpark although it was tight in the car I had from work, there was only a dozen customers in so was quiet, customer service was great and everywhere looked clean.
Well worth a try if you're in the area.
Great pub. Second time visiting and wasn't disappointed. We both had the steak, which was flavoursome and tender. Pleasant staff and great service. Food a little more than average but was worth it plus they seem to do offers I.e. fish and chip Tuesday.
Pretty standard unfortunately, great little place just the food that was a bit of a let down.
Beefburger came well done, no option to have med rare, the cheese was quite tangy and didn't quite compliment and the same that came on the cheesy garlic bread, I probably would have preferred an American cheese on the burger.
Scampi and chips, not a lot of scampi, a lot of pease.
So it was all ok, nice place nice service
Beefburger came well done, no option to have med rare, the cheese was quite tangy and didn't quite compliment and the same that came on the cheesy garlic bread, I probably would have preferred an American cheese on the burger.
Scampi and chips, not a lot of scampi, a lot of pease.
So it was all ok, nice place nice service
Very expensive for what they server!
Three of us had steak but it went cold very quick, the chips were cooked way too long and black hair was found!
The baby’s changing room was disgusting! The toilet was yellow the floor was soft and mushy plus stained. You wouldn’t use it at all! I’ve seen better in supermarkets!
Have to say though the staff are amazing and very friendly
Three of us had steak but it went cold very quick, the chips were cooked way too long and black hair was found!
The baby’s changing room was disgusting! The toilet was yellow the floor was soft and mushy plus stained. You wouldn’t use it at all! I’ve seen better in supermarkets!
Have to say though the staff are amazing and very friendly
Booked a time slot, but had to wait an hour to order, even though the restaurant was half full. Finally got to order our food although the server needs lessons in hospitality lol. I ordered my mixed grill, they didn't even ask how I wanted my steak cooking. I had to ask for medium... it came mega well done, chicken was mushy but edible (just). The missus and daughter loved their pie tho. Nobody came to see us during the meal to ask if everything was ok. I got up to search for sauce, to no avail. Far better places locally, especially for the price
Food expensive. Gammon was tough egg was hard, tomatoes was mush.. Chips/pineapple was great onion rings crispy lovely. Not once did anyone come ask if food was OK??
Booked for five adults on a busy Sunday. Table was in a good position. From ordering off the main menu to delivery the food came very quickly. Four of the meals were very good. The 8oz steak was very gristly and impossible to chew. Would select something else next time. The puddings were also very good. Service was excellent and the staff very polite and attentive. Would come again.
We came here for my nans birthday. Lovely staff and a great atmosphere. Staff were busy but still tried their best to accommodate us. Bought out the birthday cake with a smile. Food was quick to arrive. Standard pub grub.
Great evening supper menu, great value at less than £17 for two courses, great staff. Always treated with respect & food is always cooked perfectly. I'd comment on the drinks but I only drink cola....
Lovely family pub. Food arrives quickly and warm as expected. Great seating area and kids play park out rear. One slight downside is this pub does not have it's own car park and you have to park over the road and cross a busy cross road. As with all HH pubs, food is great value but the drinks not so
We visited here on a random midweek night in July 2024 from the canal where we were holidaying. We had moored for the night very close by and had plans to visit the Lion Salt Works museum the next morning.
Photos online had led us to think food would be available. However, when we were there, the kitchen was out of action due to a problem with the gas supply, no fault of the management. Despite this setback, the staff were super lovely and helpful, the beer was great, and the locals very welcoming, kindly offering my husband a lift to the next town to go pick up some takeaway for the family, which the pub then allowed us to eat in the garden.
On chatting with everyone there, it seems new people took on the pub late 2023 and are trying to build the business back up from it having dwindled previously.
From the tour guide given by the boat company this place doesn't get a mention, but it is very deserving of some canal holiday business. Maybe phone ahead of your hoping on food as they should get the gas sorted eventually, but we all know how it is waiting on the gas man!
Photos online had led us to think food would be available. However, when we were there, the kitchen was out of action due to a problem with the gas supply, no fault of the management. Despite this setback, the staff were super lovely and helpful, the beer was great, and the locals very welcoming, kindly offering my husband a lift to the next town to go pick up some takeaway for the family, which the pub then allowed us to eat in the garden.
On chatting with everyone there, it seems new people took on the pub late 2023 and are trying to build the business back up from it having dwindled previously.
From the tour guide given by the boat company this place doesn't get a mention, but it is very deserving of some canal holiday business. Maybe phone ahead of your hoping on food as they should get the gas sorted eventually, but we all know how it is waiting on the gas man!
Our favourite place to eat since moving into the area eighteen months ago.
Today's meal for our cousin's birthday was first class! Sorry not to have taken photos.
We had two of the beef & ale pie, new York chicken followed by sticky toffee pud & a 'cloud' of eaton mess (to die for 😍)
Freshly cooked & flavoursome.
Staff are always so welcoming & even gave us 'breathing' space between courses!
Highly recommend this beautiful place.
Today's meal for our cousin's birthday was first class! Sorry not to have taken photos.
We had two of the beef & ale pie, new York chicken followed by sticky toffee pud & a 'cloud' of eaton mess (to die for 😍)
Freshly cooked & flavoursome.
Staff are always so welcoming & even gave us 'breathing' space between courses!
Highly recommend this beautiful place.
Lovely pub, we sat outside as we took our dog with us, plenty of spaces to sit, lovely food and good service. Will come again 😊
Had excellent steaks on the Saturday offer. One criticism is if you order the "surf" to add to your "turf" you get 5 small prawns, Total ripoff, wouldn't bother buying them again so that lets the meal down I'm afraid. You need to have at least 8, that would make a huge difference. Oh, and all the tables are sticky! YUK! Get those 2 things sorted and it would be quite perfect.
Popped in to take advantage of the Sunday roast and drink for £10 so I asked for dark fruits and they poured them without saying that they're not included in the offer so ended up spending over £30 and they wouldn't accept the blue light card. The food was absolutely disgusting and it said "plenty of gravy" aswell. Instant mash, the stuffing was like chewing on half dried pva glue, the turkey was the driest I've ever had in my life and you also have to pay for extras like the Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets etc. Never again. If it was just a drink then it would of been fine but not the food aswel. I've enjoyed an Asda microwave dinner more than that tbh
A lovely meal today. Service was good. Kids loved the play area and beer garden was a great size. Will be back again
What a fabulous afternoon. The Marston Festival went on from Friday through till Monday. The entertainment was great and we especially enjoyed our friends Barney and Jo's jazz set. The food was lovely and the staff so friendly. Thank you ☺️🎶☺️
Was on holiday in the area and visited this place twice. Nice looking pub from outside. Less than friendly welcome,just not a warm smiling welcome you would expect.
Shown to a nice room just for ourselves and our dog. There were 4 of us.
Drinks order taken quickly and then food order
All good arrived hot and all mains out together.
Had steak and it was cooked beautifully.
Gammon and chips again nice.
All mains plentiful portions and enjoyed
Desserts again were delicious. Chocolate brownie. Neopolitan slice all really tasty
One of our party didn't eat their citrus tart. I tried it and it didn't taste great at all
Waitress was told and it was removed from bill
Great service by waiting staff
Next visit was in a Sunday when we had booked for a roast.
Be warned I booked on line and they didn't have my booking. Fortunately we got a table.
Too small really for 4 of us as all were eating and drinking.
But the roast beef which we all had was really good. Massive portions. Lots of beef and lovely gravy. We all enjoyed it.
2 of us had desserts and I tried the neopolitan slice this time and it was delicious.
Overall. Good food. Clean toilets. Place lacks atmosphere. Plenty of parking. One of the waitresses really needs to learn to smile and some people skills but if I was ever in the area again (which I won't be) i would eat there again.
Shown to a nice room just for ourselves and our dog. There were 4 of us.
Drinks order taken quickly and then food order
All good arrived hot and all mains out together.
Had steak and it was cooked beautifully.
Gammon and chips again nice.
All mains plentiful portions and enjoyed
Desserts again were delicious. Chocolate brownie. Neopolitan slice all really tasty
One of our party didn't eat their citrus tart. I tried it and it didn't taste great at all
Waitress was told and it was removed from bill
Great service by waiting staff
Next visit was in a Sunday when we had booked for a roast.
Be warned I booked on line and they didn't have my booking. Fortunately we got a table.
Too small really for 4 of us as all were eating and drinking.
But the roast beef which we all had was really good. Massive portions. Lots of beef and lovely gravy. We all enjoyed it.
2 of us had desserts and I tried the neopolitan slice this time and it was delicious.
Overall. Good food. Clean toilets. Place lacks atmosphere. Plenty of parking. One of the waitresses really needs to learn to smile and some people skills but if I was ever in the area again (which I won't be) i would eat there again.
This is a great little pub and the food was amazing.
Visited today for the first time. Gourmet food with good sized portions and excellent presentation, but very reasonable prices. Superb service and a friendly atmosphere. Dog friendly too. Will definitely go again, highly recommended.
Google maps lead us to this pub advertising as food available.
Came here in the hope of a meal only to find food no longer available at this pub.
However , we stayed for a pint and enjoyed the live music.
All the bar staff were incredibly friendly and helpful when asking for somewhere close by to go for a meal.
Came here in the hope of a meal only to find food no longer available at this pub.
However , we stayed for a pint and enjoyed the live music.
All the bar staff were incredibly friendly and helpful when asking for somewhere close by to go for a meal.
The Salt Barge is a wonderful pub; Jayne and Claire were really welcoming and couldn’t do enough for our party. It has a glorious, chilled out atmosphere, and the music played was not overwhelming. There was a great selection of drinks available, including several alcohol free options!
Visited The Salt Barge today for my daughter's baby shower. Every thing was absolutely perfect. The pub has a lovely welcoming atmosphere. The food was amazing. I had asked for an afternoon tea type buffet and the spread surpassed any expectations that I could have had. I will definitely be back.
Amazing food!! Such great quality and a good selection of different meals that you don't normally see on a pub menu. Staff very friendly, good selection of ales. Even the outside patio area was very nice and had a covered area in case the weather turned.
Will be definitely going back there
Will be definitely going back there
Fantastic 2 course meal for Easter! The food is absolutely top notch. Brilliant pub and lovely staff
Managed to fit our family group in on a busy Saturday evening. Service was efficient and friendly throughout. Food really enjoyable and reasonably priced. Lovely pub atmosphere. All round an excellent experience.
Wonderful food good selection on drink.
People so friendly. Been there 3times and never disappointed. Huge dining area with big family tables or quiet 2 people tables.
No play area for small children but that’s not a bad things.
People so friendly. Been there 3times and never disappointed. Huge dining area with big family tables or quiet 2 people tables.
No play area for small children but that’s not a bad things.
Can't complain! reasonably priced, food was nice, especially the chicken starter Korean BBQ chicken strips partner would love this as a main, staff friendly, went on a Sunday and didn't have the roast but still plenty on the menu and the roasts did look good too!
I would just like to give a big shout out to everyone at the Whitebarn this evening. I booked for over 60 guests as a pre match meal for my u12s football team and all their family and you didn’t let us down one bit. Service, help and support throughout the evening was second to none! Servers, bar staff impeccable.. any question was not too much. A daunting task at the best of times when a pub is busy but 60 guests for dinner be booking… Wow! Well done everyone, we WILL be back again for the end of season meal. 💚⚽️
We did valentines night 4 of us as our friend and partner came. Food was amazing had a problem with cherry bread and butter pudding was sorted straight away even though was ate until realised. Stunning pub staff lovely thank you for a lovely evening.
Not been here for years, couldn't fault a single thing. Food was hreat, drink choices were good. Service was excellent highly recommended
This is a lovely cosy friendly pub with tasty delicious food. The Sunday lunch was delightful and the staff very friendly.
Still a fantastic place. The staff were great and very friendly we felt very welcome here. The food was still as expected for a chef and brewer. Good selection of drinks. Very highly recommended.
Aslo good to see the blue cap dog still has a home but now inside the pub.
Aslo good to see the blue cap dog still has a home but now inside the pub.
What a fantastic lunch we had. Mains and a pudding AND coffee today! I had the seabass with roasted veg. Perfection. And we had the apple and rhubarb crumble and custard. Just wow! The whole meal was superb as was the service.
We had a lovely evening here having a couple of drinks. Good beer and cider selection and a lovely atmosphere. Looking forward to coming back here in the summer for the beer garden.
Lovely food and beautiful festive suroundings
I have been coming to this pub for years now and I must say it's a very nice pub with excellent staff and good food but I will never step foot in there again.
There has recently been a massive hike in prices and there has also been a noticeable reduction in volume and quality of menu items.
The most noticeable and frankly appaling display of avarice from the owners is with the mulled wine. Last year it was served in decent size glass and cost £4.50. This winter however it costs £6.50 and comes in a much smaller glass. It's completely unjustifiable and unfortunately indicative of the current state of the world. Greedy business owners see prices of certain goods and raw materials rising and increase their own prices irrespective of whether or not they are affected.
It's happening everywhere but this example is too blatant and outrageous to ignore. I won't be spending my money in there again.
There has recently been a massive hike in prices and there has also been a noticeable reduction in volume and quality of menu items.
The most noticeable and frankly appaling display of avarice from the owners is with the mulled wine. Last year it was served in decent size glass and cost £4.50. This winter however it costs £6.50 and comes in a much smaller glass. It's completely unjustifiable and unfortunately indicative of the current state of the world. Greedy business owners see prices of certain goods and raw materials rising and increase their own prices irrespective of whether or not they are affected.
It's happening everywhere but this example is too blatant and outrageous to ignore. I won't be spending my money in there again.
Great location, close to Delamere, not too far from Chester, Northwich, and Winsford.
Ample parking
The interior of the pub is warm, family friendly and welcoming, we visited in December and it was very festive in a subtle and tasteful way.
We had a cooked breakfast, for adults and kids! The food was delicious, the tomatoes absolutely the best cooked tomatoes I've had!!!! (I'm not the brightest in the kitchen, but I think they were cooked in a garlic or herb butter?)
We also attended for a Christmas activity for the kids, it was great to have this at the pub, overall it was a wonderful experience.
I will certainly be back, I've already had a peak at the menu and it looks very tempting.
Ample parking
The interior of the pub is warm, family friendly and welcoming, we visited in December and it was very festive in a subtle and tasteful way.
We had a cooked breakfast, for adults and kids! The food was delicious, the tomatoes absolutely the best cooked tomatoes I've had!!!! (I'm not the brightest in the kitchen, but I think they were cooked in a garlic or herb butter?)
We also attended for a Christmas activity for the kids, it was great to have this at the pub, overall it was a wonderful experience.
I will certainly be back, I've already had a peak at the menu and it looks very tempting.
Emma was fantastic, incredibly welcoming and friendly. Service with a smile! Thank you it was just what we needed after our travels.
Cheesy garlic bread and halloumi fries were great as a starter… the ribeye steak was really delicious. Good portions for the price!
Cheesy garlic bread and halloumi fries were great as a starter… the ribeye steak was really delicious. Good portions for the price!
First visit to this lovely little pub following a visit to Oulton Park. Great staff, wonderful food, and we plan to return with friends and family. Highly recommended 5* 👌
Lovely family meal, tastefully decorated for Christmas with well maintained real log fires all add to the atmosphere/ ambience. Pleasant, friendly and attentive( but not overly so) waiting on staff.
Food was tasty and freshly cooked, piping hot, small portions available on done dishes( but appear to be an average sized portion... goodness knows what the normal size would be).
Vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
On the whole, a nice quaint traditional country pub, well worth a visit, with plenty of parking space.
Food was tasty and freshly cooked, piping hot, small portions available on done dishes( but appear to be an average sized portion... goodness knows what the normal size would be).
Vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
On the whole, a nice quaint traditional country pub, well worth a visit, with plenty of parking space.
Lovely little bar within Blakemere Village. Really well-kept beer and a great atmosphere.
Nice proper local pub. Dog friendly. Had a couple of well kept real ales and a craft keg beer Lovely buildin
Never eaten here but the beer is superb as is the service. Great place and a good mix of people there whenever you visit.
Great pub and our place to go when we stay at Blakemere touring park. Great beers , great atmosphere, great staff 👍. Defo a place to visit when your at Blakemere.
Food was good, friendly staff. Highly recommended.
Popped in for lunch as we were passing. A delightful pub, very prompt service by lovely staff. Food was excellent, freshly cooked and very tasty. Well recommended.
Love this place......lovely cosy atmosphere friendly staff friendly locals......Great place to meet new people x x x
Very good food and atmosphere, with a warm welcome and lots of friendly banter from the manager. The pub is huge, with a large beer garden and large car park. The menu has all the expected favourites plus lots of treats you don't find in other pubs. Make sure you read the whole menu before ordering so you don't miss out! On a Wednesday, they run an offer. If you buy 2 glasses of wine, then you get the whole bottle. What a great idea! Its easy to see why they have just won another pub of the year award. We will definitely be returning.
Called for an early evening meal and I had the steak in ale pie, seasonal vegetables, chips and a jug of gravy, my wife had the salmon, it was delicious, the best home made steak pie I have ever, ever, ever had.
Call a couple of days later to repeat the meal and it was sold out, I was not supposed. I cannot recommend the inn any higher.
Call a couple of days later to repeat the meal and it was sold out, I was not supposed. I cannot recommend the inn any higher.
I've wanted to stop here for years. Every time I've visited Delamere Forest, I've passed this place on the crossroads and thought "that looks nice". Well, I can confirm after today that it is nice!! Nice staff, nice decor, nice service, nice ambience, nice drinks, nice people. I'd definitely stop again.
Took a trip here for the first time for some lunch and wasn't disappointed! The staff were welcoming and as attentive as they needed to be, everywhere was nice and clean, the food was delicious and the steak was cooked to perfection. Would definitely recommend taking the time to make a trip here!
Vibrant, busy in the outdoor seating; I didn't go inside coz I didn't buy a round :-)
Great, noisy atmosphere. The seating was very good, the area was covered so perfect for I clement weather.
Great, noisy atmosphere. The seating was very good, the area was covered so perfect for I clement weather.
Located at Blakemere craft village, this bar could easily be missed. Plentiful parking. Dog friendly. Lots of outdoor seating (some indoor too). Guest beers on tap. Some spirits. Great place to chill with friends.
What a cracking place, stopped for a couple of nights on the touring park, and popped in for a couple of drinks,Mike was very hospitable, also dog friendly too, highly recommend calling in. We will be back..
Just where I needed to go for a nice drink and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be back soon! The decor and ambience were very inviting. Just the type of place you can come and enjoy on these dark and cold evenings. Or in the day with a book. The directions for parking areas could be a little clearer, as it was dark, but I have no other remarks.
Arrived late evening and it was very busy, we hadn't booked a table. We received a very warm welcome from staff who arranged a table for us after a couple of drinks. The food was delicious. Highly recommend the Vale Royal Abbey Arms for food and drink. A very warm and welcoming atmosphere and the staff are lovely. Close if you're staying near Delamere Forest as it's only a short walk away.
Cracking little pub, attached to the brewery, with indoor and outdoor seating. With a couple more beers on draft it would comfortably get five stars, but at the moment there are only two taps(albeit both tasty beers).