The award-winning Cholmondeley Arms sits at the heart of Lord Cholmondeley's estate in Cheshire. This iconic pub was completely restored by pub entrepreneurs, Tim Bird and Mary Mclaughlin, who operate several award-winning pubs in the county. The 'Chum' (as the pub is nicknamed) was an old Victorian schoolhouse and has six bedrooms in the adjacent 'Headmaster's House'.
What makes a stay at The Cholmondeley Arms unique?
The Cholmondeley Arms has achieved much recognition for its cooking, under the guidance of head chef, Tom Richards. The seasonal menu offers great favourites such as the 'hand crafted' steak and kidney pie or the Wagyu beef burger, as well as seasonal dishes featuring local game, fresh seafood and vegetables, farm cheeses and artisan breads. The pub is Cheshire Life Magazine's 'dining pub of the year' and is also hugely famous for its gin collection - there are over 400 different styles lining the shelves of the back bar. There is a 'Gin Festival' every July, as well as gin tasting classes every Saturday. Dogs are welcome too and the pub has been chosen by The Telegraph as a favourite place to stay with a dog.
What style cuisine is on offer at The Cholmondeley Arms?
The menu focuses on classic British dishes and celebrates local produce from Cheshire farms and artisan suppliers for meat, game, fresh seafood and vegetables, cheeses and breads. Gin is used within the cooking, too. The menu changes to suit the seasons, but isfamous for some classic favourites, such as the 'Pan Fried Devilled Lambs Kidneys on toast' or the impressive Cholmondeley 'Pub Plate'. Look out for the Chum's Food and Drink weeks throughout the year, from 'Pie and Ale' Week in September to 'Game Fortnight' in November and Vegetarian Week in May.
What is the signature dish at The Cholmondeley Arms?
There are a number of signature dishes, such as the Handcrafted Steak and Kidney Pie, the Beer Battered Fresh Haddock with Massey's Farm chips and 'not so mushy peas' and the Wagyu Beef Gourmet Burger. The key for the Chum is to make every dish a signature dish and let guests decide their favourite!
What are the rooms and facilities on offer at The Cholmondeley Arms?
The Cholmondeley Arms has six comfortable rooms in the old 'Headmaster's House' adjacent to the pub. Cheshire Breakfast is included in the room price and there are five doubles and one twin-bedded room available, all of which are en-suite. Three rooms are set aside for guests with dogs and there are baskets, blankets, dog beer and biscuits all available for those four-legged friends!
What can guests enjoy when staying in the Malpas area?
The Cholmondeley Arms is very rural and sits on the Cholmondeley Estate, so there are walks available within the castle gardens. The Sandstone trail is nearby, offering great views of the Cheshire countryside. There are castles, too, at Beeston and Peckfortan. Historic Chester is nearby and of course, there is the gin and the food to enjoy if one simply wants to stay put! The lanes around the 'Chum' are great for giving a classic car a run out, and the Cholmondeley Arms Car Club has a number of 'Car Meets' throughout the brighter months.
Other Information
Children are welcome at the Cholmondeley Arms, but there are some things that guests need to know. Under 10s are welcome in the pub up until 7pm or in the garden in the summer months until 9pm, when the pub becomes a more adult environment. Children over 10 and under 18 are welcome in the pub until the end of food service times. There are no highchairs and guests are advised to bring their own booster seats. The Cholmondeley Arms takes table reservations for tables of 8 and over and operates on a first come, first served basis for smaller tables.
