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White Lion

With its thatched roof, half-timbered exterior and blazing open fire, this timeless and unpretentious old pub is the perfect antidote to the modern tedium of the dreary M6. The bar has heavy oak beams dating from Stuart times, attractively moulded black panelling, prints of Cheshire on the walls, latticed windows and uneven wobbly old tables. Up some steps, a second room has another welcoming open fire, more oak panelling, a high-backed winged settle and a paraffin lamp hinged to the wall; shove-ha'penny. Local societies make good use of a third room. Banks's Sunbeam, Jennings Cocker Hoop and Sneck Lifter, Marstons Saddle Tank and Wainwright and a guest beer on handpump and eight wines by the glass served by genuinely friendly staff. The gents' are across an open courtyard. In summer, seats on cobbles outside offer nice views over the pretty village. The early 15th-c red sandstone church of St Bertoline (where you can learn about the Barthomley massacre) is worth a visit.