A pub only 15 miles from Manchester has recently been crowned Pub and Bar Magazine's 'Best Pub in the Northwest' 2021.
Located in the leafy village of Mobberley, between Knutsford and Wilmslow, the Church Inn is a half an hour drive from the city centre, yet it also offers a snapshot of the classic Cheshire countryside scenery.
The 18th century pub was saved from closure by Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin in 2012, and was refurbished extensively before being reopened the following year.
Tim, the owner of the Church Inn said: “Mary and I are exceptionally proud of the Church Inn team. We rescued the pub from closure back in 2012 and restored it from a near derelict state, and re-opened it in June 2013.
“We always wanted the Church Inn to cook fresh ‘modern’ British dishes using as many local suppliers as we could within the ‘country tavern’ feel we had created.”
The interior embraces the building’s historical past, with exposed brickwork and wooden beams, as well as roaring fireplaces in the winter months.
The pub also tries to stay true to its Northern heritage, using mainly locally sourced produce.
The menu boasts gastropub classics with a local twist, such as pan roasted Lancashire lamb rump, a 28 day matured Mobberley burger, and fish and chips battered in the Church Inn’s own craft lager.
Andrea P on TripAdvisor said: “We visited for a family celebration meal and had a super evening. The staff were friendly, helpful and efficient.
“Great choice of food including a separate gluten free menu and very accommodating with dietary requirements. The food was delicious and very well presented.
“Great value for money. Very dog friendly, they even have beer for dogs! Looking forward to a return visit.”
The bar has one pump dedicated to craft ales from further afield, but it prides itself on serving ales from a 15 mile radius.
They also host private functions such as weddings and other special events, and have recently introduced a gin tasting experience.
Since its reopening, the pub has won many accolades, including the Michelin Plate award for six consecutive years, and recognition by the Good Beer Guide.
Tim said: “To win the Pub and Bar Magazine ‘Best Pub in the Northwest’ again, is testimony to a consistency in service and dish quality, of which we are very proud indeed.
“Of course we have been through exceptionally challenging times over the last two years, but the Church Inn team has been outstanding.”
He added that he hoped that the pub’s success would inspire upcoming young chefs to want to create work they could be proud of, and potentially join an award winning team like his own.
“I am sure there are many young chefs out there, in the Northwest, that would be proud to be a part of our growing business! This award helps us attract the talent we need to drive the business on to even greater things in the future.
“Well done to our team, they richly deserve this award!”
For more information and booking options, visit https://churchinnmobberley.co.uk/
