A superb old pub with panoramic views across the Cheshire plain (The Pheasant Inn (Tattenhall))

Member Name: markos9

Product:	The Pheasant Inn (Tattenhall)
Date:	24/08/09 (78 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great food and real ale

Disadvantages: None.

The Pheasant Inn is a beautiful country pub located in rural Cheshire. Set on the slopes of the Peckforton Hills, the inn enjoys some of the most panoramic views in the county. The Pheasant is situated in the village of Higher Burwardsley, not far from Beeston Castle.

Because of its location, the inn is not easy to find. It is signposted from the village and using a satellite navigation system with the post code (CH3 9PF) will help.

The pub is over 350 years old, but was only named "The Pheasant" in 1971. Running water was not connected to the pub until 1936 and electric lighting not installed until 1947. Despite lagging behind town pubs for so many years, The Pheasant Inn was completely renovated in 2004 to an excellent standard.

The renovation was performed with sympathy for its original features and the result is an old style pub with modern facilities.

The inn is popular with walkers as its located near to the centre of the Sandstone Trail, a 34 Km walk from Frodsham to Whitchurch.

The inn is my favourite place to eat and drink. My girlfriend and I, when we visit here, hope for different weather. I hope for a nice sunny day so we can sit in the beer garden, enjoying panoramic views across the extensive Cheshire plain towards the Clywydian Range of mountains in Wales. My girlfriend prefers a cold day as the large open log fire inside will be lit!

Inside, the inn has all of the features one would expect of an old country pub. Wooden beams cross the ceiling, whilst a real wooden floor, solid wooden furniture, and a beautiful wood bar give a real homely, rustic feeling. This pub has a really friendly atmosphere. The staff are very helpful and seem always cheerful. The pub does get busy in the evenings, but has a large seating area so it's usually possible to find a seat.

The inn prides itself on supplying local real ale. There are always four 'guest' beers on offer that change regularly. These come from local micro brewers and are usually extremely high quality. The pub was awarded "Pub of the season" by the Campaign for Real Ales in 2007 which gives a good idea of the quality of the beers. The pub also has an extensive wine list from around the world.

The inn has also won awards for its food with an AA rosette, and being mentioned in the Michelin Good Pub guide. The owners believe in sourcing good food locally and the menu is simply mouth watering. Having eaten here quite a lot over the past few years, we've tried most of the items on the menu!

The menu lists a quite extensive range of starters which all sound lovely. The baked field mushrooms with blue cheese glaze deserve a mention here, but there's lots to choose from.

Of the main meals, the ale pie, made with local Weetwood beer is one of my favourites. This comes with a large puff pastry crust and is served piping hot with mashed potato, delicious! The inn's homemade burger is surprisingly tasty too, and comes with home cooked chips. These are massive, perfectly cooked, and totally moreish!

The extensive sweet menu includes Cheshire farm ice cream of several flavours which are nice; my girlfriend can never pass up the chance of eating the sticky toffee pudding, however!

As well as full meals, the menu includes a reasonable choice of sandwiches, too. The meals are not cheap, however. The ale pie is £12, and the salmon £14; expensive for 'pub grub', but worth it as the food is high quality and beautifully cooked and presented.

The Pheasant also offers high quality accommodation with 12 rooms available from £65 per night. These are located in sandstone outbuildings away from the main building and appear to be well appointed.

We visit The Pheasant around once per month, enjoying the scenery, the beer and the great food. Although there are closer pubs to where we live, we don't mind travelling to The Pheasant because of its rural location and great views.

Anyone who's in the area, is thirsty for a good pint or hungry for a nice meal should give The Pheasant Inn a try. You won't be disappointed. Details for getting to the inn can be found on the excellent website (www.thepheasantinn.co.uk).

Summary: A wonderful place to eat and drink.