WRENBURY.

Real Ales on Tap: Robinsons Hatters Mild Robinsons Best Robingsons Frederics Robinsons Old Stockport Hartley's XB.

Nearest Accommodation: Bradley Green Farm Bradley Green Whitchurch (01948) 663442. 5km from Wrenbury. Price: up to £45.

This is a classic waterside inn that used to be a mill (hence the name). The main lounge features views of the canal and lifting road bridge and has a beam above the bar formed from a single tree trunk. It became a pub in the late 1970's and the decor reflects this with 70's open planned dinning area that overlooks the water and tow path. The bar is at one end and has a tiled floor and hops strewn around the overhang; a couple of stools at the bar intimate that their are locals who use them regularly. The eating/sitting area is to the right of the entrance and you pass the menus in a bicycle basket as you go. seating is in an 'L' shaped room with benches along one wall and chairs on the other side of the dark wooden tables. Upstairs is the main eating area (booking essential)  which has real candelabras, polished tables and chairs and an overall rustic millhouse feel. The floor is bare board with rattan rugs retain the mill 'appeal'. The beer comes from Robinsons; Hatters Mild, Best, Frederics, Old Stockport, and Hartley's XB. The food - not cheap - is wholesome (though vegetarian choice is limited), freshly cooked and includes set meals and speciality meals. The specialty cheese is made down the road. Outside is a garden that borders the canal side with picnic benches a kids play area, it is reached by crossing a wooden causeway. Wheelchair access is possible. Moorings are available for waterborne arrivals and Wrenbury station is about 1 mile away. No accommodation here.

Try also the Cotton Arms (Greenalls), Cholmondeley Rd, Wrenbury, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8HG, 01270 780377. which has guest beers.