please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Genuine 17th century pub that appears to have turned the corner - after going into administration last summer, and closing briefly.
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Went in one recent Saturday lunchtime.
Historic interior (genuine I think).
Good staff and well kept beer (2 Weetwoods and a guest I think).
Altogether a good pub.
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Nantwich's only pub in CAMRA's 2016 Good Beer Guide.
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Met some friends in here the other day. The building is historic black and white timbered, but I didn’t see what it was like inside, as the bar was immediately by the entrance, downstairs was full, so we went upstairs, right by the entrance as well. There aren’t many tables / chairs upstairs, but those those that are a very plush, and it was a very civilised relaxing atmosphere. The bar had 4 real ales on tap (I later found the other side of the bar had a 5th ale). I had the Weetwood Best Bitter which was very nice.
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Decent Pub with decent beer
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Cheshire cat not the best, but freshly squeezed was suberb.
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Great Historic pub. Wonderfully built, ousin character. I could feel the history brushing past my shoulder while I was promptly being served.
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Old Tudor style building with small bar at front, step up to a middle are and step down to small bar area to rear. A bit like being on a Tudor warship or in that 'Krazy House' they used to have at Rhyl Funfair. Six ales were on (three from Weetwood). Had a pint of Weetwood Bitter which was okay if nothing spectacular. Worth a visit to see the place.
anonymous - 8 Oct 2011 11:33 |
It's in the Beer Guide now, but only just merited on beer quality. However, the pub itself is gorgeous, even if it feels more like a restaurant. Very quiet Sunday lunchtime, but that might just be par for Nantwich.
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Attractive old black and white pub. Had Cheshire Cat and Old Dog by Weetwood both very good. Surprised it is not in the Good Beer Guide, but then what do I know about pubs, I hardly ever go in them.
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Small, but attractive looking traditional inn dating back to 1664 and situated in the centre of town.
The characterful interior features low beams, some exposed brickwork and a mixture of flagstones and wooden flooring. Although nooks and crannies create 3 different, but adjoining separate drinking areas, the use of large tables mean that seating arrangements are not as user friendly as could be. Additional room is available in an upstairs lounge. There's an outside drinking area at the side of the pub which, with some unusual roofed seating, feels a bit like drinking in a garden centre.
On my recent early evening visit, 6 real ales were on, of which 3 were from the nearby Weetwood Brewery - Cheshire Cat, Best and Old Dog. Other beers on were Cottage Phantom, Rugby Brewery Union and Stationhouse Buzzin. Prices ranged from � 2.60p to � 3.00p. My pint of Cheshire Cat - � 2.80p - tasted a bit uninspiring. The pub has been in CAMRA Good Beer Guides, but it's not in the 2010 Edition.
Worthy of consideration for a visit if in the area.
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A tradditional pub which bring back the 'old days'. The pub certainly has fantastic character and a brilliant atmosphere.
A big open fire on arrival is the perfect welcome, followed by the bar which has 6 real ales on at anyone time. The Weetwood ales are very well kept, I particularly would reccommend the cat for the lighter ale drinkers, and the old dog for those looking for a darker beer. However the guest ales are always worth a shot.
The staff are very friendly and can't do enough for you. Adam really knows his ales and will easily assist if you are struggling with that vital decision! The food is very tasty and they always seem to be fully booked.
They have live music Tuesdays and Thursdays, perhaps they could have some at the weekend.
I couldn't reccommend the pub enough!
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I tried the Cheshire Cat as it was recommended to me by a fellow customer. It was a nice pint in a quaint traditional pub. wooden floorboards and open fire, locals were relaxed and welcoming. Lady behind the bar didn't want to be there though, and it showed.
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Interesting pub with good, local real ales, open fires and occasional folk music. The food is supposed to be good, but they were fully booked on the Friday night when I wanted to eat there recently.
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A few people had told me about this pub. I went in on a cold Saturday afternoon and had a well kept pint of Cheshire Cat. I thought this was a fantastic pub with friendly staff, excellent beer and a very relaxing atmosphere (roaring fire no less). In fact I enjoyed it so much I went back later in the evening with my partner and she loved the place as well. This was our favorite pub that we visited in Nantwich.
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Delightful building full of character,a roaring fire, moderate food and over priced ale, staffed by with people with little or no interest in their customers. Classic froth over substance English pub experience, which are expected to put up with this day and age.
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Lovely pub, charming landlady and excellent beer. Only had a half as the beer festival was on at the Civic Hall. I had the Milton Icarus and my friends had the Cheshire Cat and both were in excellent condition. Sure to return one day.
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I hadn't visited previously so can't comment on whether this pub has declined. If true about the dogs it's a shame. However, i really enjoyed my visit here, it's beautiful and creaking with history both inside and out, with a genuine tudor feel. The Cheshire Cat was very well kept and service very polite and generally excellent, I wouldn't hesitate to return.
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This used to be a regular haunt for my wife and I but sadly no longer. Under the new ownership prices have gone up while quality has gone down - they still serve decent beers like Weetwood but can't keep them properly, they always taste stale. Ironically they proudly display a 'Camra South Cheshire Pub of the Year' banner but they don't say that was awarded to the previous owners, who knew how to run a cellar properly. All the old regulars that used to make it such a friendly place to visit have moved on and taken all the atmosphere with them. A tragedy.
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Very sadly, much has changed at this pub since some of the earlier reviews (which were quite correct, this was a lively, friendly real ale pub)
During last year, the pub changed hands, closed for refurbishment, and has re-opened as a trendy type pub - almost an extension to the Curshaws pub over the road. A bit of an end of an era.
The drinks are now more expensive, dogs are not allowed in the building, and it is never as busy as it used to be.
Real shame
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Very dissapointed to find that now the pub has a new management and is refurbished it no longer welcomes dogs and has lost much of its charm. Seems to have become a trendy pre-drinks venue for Curshaws and Natkatcha rather than the real think it once was. It will be sadly missed.
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Very disappointed in June to find this pub "closed for refurbishment" and it didn't look as though it was due to reopen anytime soon.
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Well worth a visit if only for the Weetwood beer which was in excellent condition. Very much a dog lovers pub.
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This pub is the real thing, not a plastic imitation. There's a variety of real ales / cider in tip-top condition. Proper food is available and it's good. The ambience? - well, it's like stepping back into an sixteenth century tavern (I'm not really that old, just using my imagination). Bare boards, candles, dogs wandering about or lolling in front of the log fire, drinkers playing cards or chess, reading the paper or even having a conversation - the only music you hear is when a bunch of players starts a jam session (folk or jazz). No juke-box, no piped muzak, no slot machines, no big screens. When the Sealed Knot come to re-enact the Battle of Nantwich (last Sat in January) they look perfectly at home here!
anonymous - 14 Dec 2007 14:48 |
Good selection of real ales, as to be expected of a pub from the Good Beer Guide.
The locals appear to be heavily into Greyhounds, judging by the pictures adorning the walls, and the real one you had to step over on entering the place.
Good Pub !
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Agree with oftenscore6 about beer and dogs.At one time dogs out numbered humans.At least they wern,t playing card as in the painting.None the less a good night.
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Great beer (Weetwood), but the overpowering stench of dogs pervades throughout. Had to drink in the doorway.
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My birthday bash with the excellent Steve Smith performing between 9 and 11PM next Saturday 3rd March
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Very friendly pub and beer of good quality, found it a bit dark and dingy though and in need of a clean up
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Lovely tudor syle pub, the beer is out of this world and the staff are friendly and welcoming, a must if you are visiting nantwich
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What more could you ask for in a pub - well kept real ale, friendly atmosphere, regular (sometimes impromptu) live music, log fires & candle lit tables & lots of dogs (4 legs & a tail variety).
Paul - 14 Sep 2004 11:18 |
The Blak Lion is one of the oldest pubs in Nantwich. It has a cosy atmosphere with original low beamed ceilings and real log fires. Excellent pub to sit and chill.
Smile - 16 Jun 2004 14:55 |
Tiny, black and white pub. Very crowded when I went in due to local Civil War celebration. Have visited this pub at this time every year for some time and found the ambience and beer excellent. Wierd sort of loft room upstairs.
Jimbo Smith - 8 May 2004 08:21 |
