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Cholmondeley Arms

This former schoolhouse, now a pub and hotel, is a textbook example of how cherished historic buildings can be converted to serve their community in a new, imaginative way. Its pointed gables and ornate brickwork attract customers into an interior with plenty of architectural interest. The bar rooms have lofty ceilings and tall Victorian windows plus huge old radiators and school paraphernalia (hockey sticks, tennis rackets, trunks and so forth), armchairs by a fire with a massive stag's head above, big mirrors and all sorts of dining chairs and tables on warmly coloured rugs over bare boards; fresh flowers, church candles and background music. As well as an extraordinary number of gins (400 and counting), you'll find Cholmondeley Best (from Weetwood) plus a seasonal house ale such as School's Out, along with guests from the likes of Hobson and Snowdonia and a farm cider on handpump, and a dozen wines by the glass on a knowledgeably chosen list. A sizeable lawn (which drifts off into open countryside) has plenty of seating and there's more in front overlooking the quiet road. The bedrooms are in the old headmaster's house opposite and named after real and fictional teachers; the pictures dotted about actually did belong to former headmasters. Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are nearby. Disabled access. The pub is owned by Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin of Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars.