Cheshire


<p>Pubs in Cheshire are as ubiquitous as our county’s lush fields and villages but deciphering the great from the good is a tough job. And when it comes to winter, well, it&#8217;s all about how cosy they are inside. Have they got the low-slung beams, the creaky floors and that olde worlde feel where you want to lose yourself for a few hours? Most importantly, do they have roaring open fires to curl up beside with a large glass of red and an empty afternoon? The good news, my friends, is there are plenty. Here&#8217;s our round-up of the best Cheshire pubs with fires&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-churchill-tree"><a href="https://thechurchilltree.co.uk">The Churchill Tree</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="671" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image9-1024x671.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image9-1024x671.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image9-300x197.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image9-768x503.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image9.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Squirrelled away in the reclaimed sweep of Alderley Park, this sharply designed pub is just the sort of place to put your feet up after a long bracing walk. Strut through the vast doors and towards the main room, where a fire roars on one side and a slick bartender will whip you up a stiff drink towards the back. Menus are elevated pub grub with some tasty small plates if you&#8217;re just up for grazing. Arrive between 12-5pm and they do a cracking steak sarnie with stout gravy for a tenner. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bull-s-head-mobberley"><a href="https://thebullsheadpub.co.uk/">The Bull&#8217;s Head Mobberley</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image7-1024x1004.jpeg" alt="Fireplace at The Bulls Head Mobberley" class="wp-image-1268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image7-1024x1004.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image7-300x294.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image7-768x753.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image7.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The kitchen&#8217;s steak and Wobbly Ale pie has become the stuff of culinary legend around east Cheshire. And people genuinely travel from far and wide to dig into these gutsy handcrafted bakes smothered in gravy. But it&#8217;s not just the pies that draw its loyal following. Higgledly piggledy tables, cosy nooks and a cracking menu means this Mobberley institution is undoubtedly one of the best Cheshire pubs to curl up in. Where the fires are stoked, the atmosphere&#8217;s always cheery, and the heartwarming dishes eaten over flickering candlelight will turn your cheeks pink. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cholmondeley-arms"><a href="https://cholmondeleyarms.co.uk/">The Cholmondeley Arms</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-1024x1004.jpeg" alt="Fireplace at The Cholmondeley Arms" class="wp-image-1269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-1024x1004.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-300x294.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1-768x753.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image5-1.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Oh Muddy loves The Chum. Find your way here after a blustery walk along the Sandstone Trail, kick your shoes off and sit right next to the fire on one of these swaddling armchairs, warming yourself up with a nip of mulled wine. Just make sure you cancel all your plans for the rest of the day. The Chum is undoubtedly one of those places you pop into for &#8216;just a quick one&#8217; and end up staying until kicking-out-time. In fact, you might as well make a night of it and bed down in one of its deliciously cosy rooms with a slap-up brekkie to stave off the hangover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ship-inn-styal"><a href="https://www.theshipstyal.co.uk">The Ship Inn Styal</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image11-1024x999.jpeg" alt="The Ship Inn Styal" class="wp-image-1271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image11-1024x999.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image11-300x293.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image11-768x750.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image11.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Your legs are tiring, the kids are moaning and you need a wee. But then you stumble across this crooked olde world drinking den in Styal and all feels right with the world. Especially when you order a large merlot and curl up next to one of the roaring fires. The Ship Inn is one of those classic old school boozers: all low beams, locals hunkered down at the bar, and roaring fires. Head outside and you&#8217;ll find punters huddling around heat lamps in the tipi out the back. An essential stop if you&#8217;re planning a lovely long walk around Quarry Bank Mill. (Read our guide to cosy Cheshire pubs with walks <a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/cosy-pubs-with-nearby-walks/">here</a>). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nag-s-head-at-haughton"><a href="https://www.nagsheadhaughton.com">The Nag&#8217;s Head at Haughton</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="831" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-2-831x1024.jpeg" alt="Nags Head at Haughton" class="wp-image-1279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-2-831x1024.jpeg 831w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-2-244x300.jpeg 244w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-2-768x946.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-2.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px" /></figure>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t been to this renowned Cheshire boozer, stop what you&#8217;re doing right now and book a table. Pitched just outside Bunbury and close to the formidable Peckferton Castle, this 16th-century pub conjures exceptionally made British-inspired plates underpinned by seasonality. Though it&#8217;s not just serious food credentials that make it worth the trip. From its creaky-timbered facade to snug-like corners and warming fireplace, it’s just as a pub should be – cosy, characterful and unpretentious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bulls-head-mottram"><a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/bullshead/">The Bulls Head Mottram</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="623" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-3-1024x623.jpeg" alt="The Bulls Head Mottram" class="wp-image-1282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-3-1024x623.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-3-300x183.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-3-768x467.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/image0-3.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s absolutely true this corker of a boozer is a wonderful place to sun yourself on a summer&#8217;s day. Where the windows are thrown open and diners dawdle about the terrace. But go in winter, when the fires are roaring, the kitchen is dishing out staggeringly good food, and you&#8217;ve no place to head in a hurry. Filled with a handful of crooked dining rooms and low-slung beams, it&#8217;s also surrounded by some of the best rural scenes in Cheshire. Fling your boots on, head out for a stomp and find your way back here for a long languid afternoon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-greyhounds-inn"><a href="https://thethreegreyhoundsinn.co.uk">The Three Greyhounds Inn</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="837" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6537-837x1024.jpg" alt="Fireplace at The Three Greyhounds Inn" class="wp-image-1286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6537-837x1024.jpg 837w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6537-245x300.jpg 245w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6537-768x939.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6537.jpg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s immeasurably easy to hunker down in this dog-friendly pub for the afternoon, from the squishy corners laid out with cushions to the perches right next to the fire. Arrive hungry and fill up on hearty steaming plates of smoked haddock and prawn chowder or slow-cooked Tatton game stew, washed down with signature cocktails made in collaboration with family-run Chase Distillery in Herefordshire. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dog-at-peover"><a href="https://www.thedogpeover.co.uk">The Dog at Peover</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1006" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6536-1024x1006.jpg" alt="Fireplace at The Dog Peover" class="wp-image-1288" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6536-1024x1006.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6536-300x295.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6536-768x754.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/IMG_6536.jpg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Surrounded by miles of green and serene countryside in Over Peover, The Dog is one of those low-key historic boozers where locals and visitors rub along just fine together. The ceilings are low, the fires are suitable crackling, the interiors are timeworn and traditional. Chuck in live music, locally-brewed beers and punchy cocktails and you&#8217;re guaranteed a good ole time. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rookery-hall-hotel-amp-spa"><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall">Rookery Hall Hotel &amp; Spa</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="843" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-843x1024.jpeg" alt="Rookery Hall drawing room and fire" class="wp-image-639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-843x1024.jpeg 843w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-247x300.jpeg 247w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-768x933.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px" /></figure>



<p>If you fancy upping the ante a little, swerve the pub and beeline instead to this grand dame close to Nantwich. Wander into the oldest part of the hall and towards the Drawing Room where you&#8217;ll find a roaring grand fireplace to flop beside. On the menu? Make a proper day of it with afternoon tea, perked up with a few cocktails made by the immaculately dressed bar staff. </p>


The best Cheshire pubs with roaring fires to keep you toasty this winter

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