Celebrity chef Nigel Haworth is the mastermind behind the re-opening of a pub near Nantwich.
So Nantwichnews sent along writer Jonathan White to The Nags Head in Haughton, Tarporley, for the opening night.
The pub is the first site in Cheshire to be run by Lancashire-based premium food pub group Ribble Valley Inns.
It is a Grade II listed building which was a local smithy and inn in the 17th century, but has been restored to reveal previously hidden features such as Victorian tiled floors and original 17th century beams.
The premises have been immaculately refurbished to a contemporary high standard and includes a bowling green, kitchen garden, large al fresco dining space and four open log fires.
The pub can service 150 covers. I went along with a friend had a three-course dinner during the launch weekend in June.
The menus were created by celebrity chef Nigel Haworth with much of the ingredients being locally sourced.
The staff were courteous and attentive and the food was delicious.
I thoroughly recommend a visit.
I opened this article with interest, as I’d previously said I wouldn’t visit the Nag’s Head again after what I thought was pretty negligent service. It wasnt awful, by any means, but the prices weren’t cheap, and I think there is rarely an excuse for painfully slow service and being effectively ignored during your meal, so it’s easier to go to places where you know you will be looked after. The review is a bit light, though, and doesn’t tell me anything that Ribble Valley have done. What has been done in the refurbishment, the menu, the prices etc? Have they retained the rather odd contrast between bar, lounge and conservatory? Is the service really good, or is it 16year-olds on minimum wage? (not their fault if they’re not trained properly). I’d like to try the Nag’s Head again, as it’s a beautiful place in a nice location, but the review really doesn’t give much to go on. There are so many excellent pubs in Cheshire, and this re-opening deserves a more informative review.