please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The standard setter for food and beer in Nantwich
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Called in here on Saturday 26th November, as part of what turned out to be a 6-pub crawl around Nantwich.
Friendly staff, good atmosphere, football on the tv but sound off, strange but very welcome!! Had the best pint of the day, Titanic Plum Porter. I have had this ale in many places and it has become a good yardstick by which to assess the pub. It tied for first place with The Dispensary in Liverpool for best plum porter in the last two years. A great way to finish our day out.
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Revisited on Xmas Eve for the first time since about 1982! Decent quality establishment serving a range of generally good ales. Sampled beers from Salopian and Hobsons. Would return when next in the area.
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Been a few minor changes since I last reported on this place. There are still 6 real ales available (3 in each bar) but they now don’t appear to be so local – my latest visit included Black Sheep Blitzen and Brains Rev James. They now do food again, but it isn’t cheap (£8.50 for chilli con carne). I can’t comment on the quality as in the end I didn’t eat here.
I don’t seem to have mentioned that this pub also suffers from the “Nantwich disease” of showing football on TV. However, it isn’t obtrusive (one in each bar), is often without sound, and sometimes switched off. The “piped music” I complained about before does seem to have got louder though.
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Forgot I had reported this place as closed ! It opened up again a few months ago, under completely new management, and with a focus on local real ales. From the main entrance there is a basic bar on the right and a plush lounge on the left, done out with a large tableau about the battle of Nantwich. Piped 70/80s music is played but only quietly. Each bar features 3 real ales – but they are not the same ! Thankfully, they have now taken advice, and have a complete list on a small blackboard. The ales are normally from small local breweries (often Salopian), but unfortunately tend to be mostly golden ales. The beer is always of good quality, but they often have trouble serving it having to use several buckets to mop up the froth !
When I first went there they had an interesting food menu, but in all subsequent visits there hasn’t been any food available. They appear to have been advertising for a chef for the last 3 months !
One odd little quirk is that, depending on whereabouts you sit, you may have to go through a door marked “ladies” to visit the gents – and vice versa !!
7/10 – a venture worthy of support
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Now closed
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2 ales. Bombardier (ok pint) and Spitfire. Very busy in the lounge. Lots of people eating. Food looked ok. Missus loved her glass of Sauvigion Blanc (suspect it was Villa Maria)
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I thought this was a great atmosphere pub with some characters around the bar. The beer was on top form but I can't remember whose it was...... I'd been in a few by then. My only slight problem with this pub was it was too brightly lit. I wouldn't let that put you off though, well worth a visit if you like proper pubs.
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Always pop in here when I'm in Nantwich. Food is very good and served with a smile. Nice decor and friendly locals make it a pleasure to visit.
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The Wickstead Arms represents everything that is good in a pub. Good Food, Good beers and a freinedly atmosphere.
Smile - 16 Jun 2004 15:01 |
