Local Pub and Restaurant Guide


If you have a review of any local pub or restaurant, please e-mail them to us.

Dysart Arms

The Dysart has a deservably good reputation, with many awards.

The Pub has a great relaxed atmosphere with no false airs or graces that such a renowned pub could acquire. The staff are friendly and helpful. The decor is eclectic with bookshelves, pictures and displays (one of shotgun shells). In the summer there is a pleasant garden with a small childrens area. Children are welcomed.

The menu a good size with a range of quality meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The portion size is just right and the vegetables are freshly cooked and crisp. Much of the meat is locally sourced and in the main is freshly cooked. The deserts do not come across as pre-packaged (though the crumble is too sweet).

The one downside is that due to its popularity on busy nights there may be several sittings.

Contact: 01829 260183    www.dysartarms-bunbury.co.uk

Verdict: Highly Recommended

Rating -   Service: 4    Food: 4.2    Value for Money: 4    Environment: 4.1

 The Nags Head, Haughton

This is a charming pub in a superb location. It has been thoughtfully renovated, keeping the style of the original building. There is a bright airy dining room, a small patio out the front, a pub area, gardens (with a children's play area) and a bowling green.

The food is good honest cooking, more traditional than modern. I suspect a microwave is used (especially the veg) and some of the food is bought in frozen. The Nags Head does have a reputation for Sunday roasts which is well founded. As with many places the last thing you eat, the desert is bought in (why-o-why?) and it is a pity that the wonderful local ice cream is not available rather than the airy fatty variety served.

That said, the Nags Head is well worth visiting and deserves its recommended status.

Contact: 01829 260265

Verdict: Recommended

Rating:   Service: 3.5    Food: 3.9    Value for Money: 3.5    Environment: 4

 Panama Hatty's

What can you say about this eclectic and exciting restaurant? The waiting/coffee areas are interesting and full of eclectic charm. The bar has many cocktails and a good range of beers. The restaurant is tightly packed which reflects its popularity. This does have a downside when sizzling hot dishes are carried over your head!

The food is exciting, different and excellent. This is your chance to try Burritos, Fajitas, Chimichangas and Jambalayas as well as a number of meat and fish dishes. The cuisine is from around the world and provides tastes and dishes you may not experience elsewhere.  This is certainly a place to go for a special occasion and is great for the whole family.

Contact: 01829 260068    www.panama-hatties.co.uk

Verdict: Highly Recommended - A Unique Experience

Rating:   Service: 3.8    Food: 4    Value for Money: 3.8    Environment: 4.4

 The Thatch, Faddiley

You are certainly assured of a warm welcome here. The moment you walk in the door you are greeted and offered a seat and a drink. The surroundings are charming, very in keeping with the thatched roof and country pub feel. Interestingly there is also a delicious smell that gets your taste buds racing immediately. There is a great atmosphere and it seemed full (so I would recommend booking). The prices were just about right.

The food is good British fare, it tastes freshly cooked and is very satisfying. The owners/managers were very helpful and were able to explain the content and origin of dishes I ordered. On the downside, some of the deserts were bought in, but i was told which ones were cooked from scratch in-house.

Contact: 01270 524223 

Verdict: Highly Recommended

Rating:   Service: 4.5    Food: 4    Value for Money: 4    Environment: 4.2

The Tollemache Arms

The Tollemache Arms has certainly been through an extensive renovation programme. The immediate reaction is of a modern well maintained pub/restaurant with tasteful design and furnishings (apart from the ridiculous plastic antlers) and bookshelves with cookery books. At the time of the visit (a Saturday evening) there were two other diners and a number of people at the front having a drink. There is a lovely lawn out the back.

The service was basic aimed at taking the order and delivering the food, the waitress did not know what the food was like or where it was sourced. The food was not of a high standard with microwaved (and hard) mushy peas, very salty chips and a poor "chicken in broth". The food came across as frozen and microwaved. The prices were high for the quality.

That said, the owners are new and are keen to improve and turn their premises into a good family pub/restaurant and hotel - we will visit again soon and hopefully upgrade our assessment. 

Contact: 01829 261292    www.tollemachearms.co.uk

Verdict: OK, one to monitor for improvement - Give it the benefit of a visit

Rating:   Service: 3    Food: 3    Value for Money: 2.5    Environment: 3.5

The Red Fox

An Indian restaurant in a traditional pub in Cheshire - wonderful. This restaurant is a delight with lots of little areas which make it open plan, yet not one big room. The building has been very tastefully renovated, with clean lines, plain walls and quality furniture and fittings. The stuffed red fox still has a place by the door.

The food is excellent. The vegetables are fresh and crisp and the meat tender. The breads are hot and freshly cooked (this is a sign of a good Indian restaurant) and the portion sizes are good. In common with many Indian restaurants there is an extensive menu, however the different foods are explained well and you can have just about any combination that you wish. The desserts are the standard bought-in ices, it is a shame that they cannot provide Indian desserts, which are tasty and different.

The service is efficient and friendly and the manager is very knowledgeable and helpful. This is well worth a visit, but remember to book as it is very popular.

Contact: 01829 733152

Verdict: Highly Recommended

Rating:   Service: 4    Food: 4.5    Value for Money: 4.5    Environment: 4

The Wild Boar

Yet to be visited and rated.

Contact: 01829

Verdict: Acquired taste

Rating:   Service: 4    Food: 3    Value for Money: 2.8   Environment: 4

The Barbridge

A pub that lives on its reputation and location, right on the edge of the canal. The pub itself looks tired inside with outdated furniture and fittings. The view of the canal is great and must be a real bonus for boaters.

The service we received was appalling, we waited 50 minutes for our food that was constantly "on the hot-plate". We received no proper apology or reduction in price, although I did ask.  When the food arrived it was dry and poor. It was probably the worst meal I had on our tour of local restaurants.

My experience was so bad that I am unwilling to visit again to re-grade.

Contact: 01270 528443

Verdict: Poor

Rating:   Service: 2    Food: 2    Value for Money: 2.5   Environment: 4


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