The Grosvenor Arms

This 'delight of higgledy-piggledy rooflines and soft, warm Cheshire brick' dates from 1864. The architect was John Douglas, locally infamous for adulterating many fine medieval buildings in and around Chester, supposedly in the name of progress. Its spacious, open-plan interior includes an airy conservatory and a panelled, book-filled library. Outside, a terrace leads into a small but pleasing garden, and on out to the village green. On the bistro-style menu are sandwiches, starters such as breaded Brie with apple chutney, or pork satay with spiced carrot salad; and light meals, typically crab linguine with ginger, red chilli and coriander. Main courses include braised shoulder of lamb; pork and chorizo meatballs with pappardelle pasta; and aubergine, spinach and lentil moussaka. This is a Brunning & Price pub, so expect lots of different real ales from small breweries around the country. No wonder the locals are fond of it.