Cosy Cheshire Pubs: 11 Fireside Favourites

We're passionate about showcasing the very best of Cheshire's warm hospitality, especially as the days draw in and those cosy fires start calling. Nestled across the rolling Cheshire countryside and dotted around the many towns and villages, these eleven cosy pubs and inns, from the award-winning Pheasant Inn in Tattenhall to the welcoming Ship Inn in Chester, offer the perfect retreat. Whether you're after a hearty Sunday roast, seasonal dishes from local produce, or simply a pint by the hearth after a brisk countryside walk, you will find the ideal pitstop here in Cheshire.

The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall

Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, The Pheasant Inn is a five-star, award-winning hotel and restaurant offering stunning views across the Cheshire Plain to the Welsh Hills. Step inside and you’ll find a true country retreat, complete with cosy nooks, crackling fireplaces, and warm, welcoming decor.

The menu celebrates freshly cooked, wholesome food made with the finest seasonal and local produce. Recognised for its quality with an AA Rosette and mentions in the Michelin and Egon Ronay guides, The Pheasant Inn blends traditional British gastropub fare with refined European inspiration. Every day, the talented kitchen team curates a menu that reflects the best flavours of the season, making dining here as memorable as the surroundings.

The Fishpool Inn, Northwich

Idyllically positioned on the edge of Delamere forest and set amidst stunning countryside, The Fishpool is a cosy, characterful Cheshire pub dating back to the 18th century. Serving local real ales, fine wines and freshly prepared food using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the menu features traditional home comforts and modern British and European dishes.

Come and enjoy a hearty meal beside one of the cosy log fires, where every guest, including canine companions, is greeted with a warm welcome and the highest standards in unique yet ambient surroundings.

The Bear’s Paw, Crewe

Located in the picturesque village of Warmingham, The Bear’s Paw is a characterful luxury country hotel and restaurant in Cheshire dating from the 19th century.

Awarded with an AA Rosette for its quality, The Bear’s Paw’s seasonal menus marry traditional British pub fayre with influences from international cuisine. All of this is achieved using the finest local produce, making your experience a true taste of Cheshire.

Ideally situated in the midst of beautiful countryside, The Bear’s Paw makes the ideal pit-stop for cyclists, dog walkers and ramblers.

The Ring O Bells, Chester

Enjoy a warm, welcoming country pub atmosphere at the Ring O’ Bells, where you can linger over an exquisite menu of high-class cuisine, perfectly paired with hand-selected fine wines and standout craft beers. Whether you are meeting friends, marking a special occasion, or simply unwinding by the fire on a relaxed evening, this cosy and inviting spot promises a truly memorable experience.

The Chester Fields, Chester

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Chester, The Chester Fields isn’t your usual pub and restaurant… in fact, it’s an award winning country pub & restaurant. This welcoming converted barn is the perfect setting for any occasion.

From cosy couples dining to bespoke weddings and big blow out celebrations. Enjoy a delicious Sunday Roast and scenic countryside views.

Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Northwich

With award-winning ales on the bar and a fantastic range of food options, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Vale Royal Abbey Arms, a cosy country pub in Oakmere, Cheshire. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll receive a warm welcome and can settle into the perfect spot by the fireplace to relax with a pint. The bar features excellent cask ales, including the iconic JW Lees Bitter and the light, fruity Manchester Pale Ale, alongside an extensive collection of wines, cocktails, and spirits. The pub’s traditional atmosphere and roaring fires make it a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy quality pub fare in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.

Shrewsbury Arms, Little Budworth

The Shrewsbury Arms is a small country pub, nestled on the edge of Little Budworth, offering a perfect retreat with easy access to Chester, Cheshire Oaks, and North Wales. This pub is a traditional gem, warmed in winter by a real coal fire, creating a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.

Inside, the pub comprises three intimate rooms: a small bar area divided into two cosy sections by a central fire, a restaurant with a stone fireplace at its head, and a snug that warmly welcomes dogs and their owners, with dining facilities for all.

Ideal for countryside lovers and visitors, the pub lies just 1.5 miles from Oulton Park race track, 4 miles from Delamere Forest, and 8 miles from Beeston Castle & Country Park. Little Budworth itself is a serene village with peaceful walking trails and a beautiful country park. Close proximity to popular local attractions such as the Ice Cream Farm and Go Ape Delamere makes the pub a warm and inviting base for Cheshire adventures.

Cholmondeley Arms, Nantwich

Set in a former Victorian schoolhouse on the Cholmondeley Estate, the Cholmondeley Arms is a quintessential country inn surrounded by rolling Cheshire countryside. Inside, high ceilings, old schoolhouse details, church candles and crackling open fireplaces create an instantly welcoming, fireside feel that’s made for long, lazy afternoons.

Perfect after a bracing walk or a day exploring nearby Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, the pub pairs its cosy interiors with a menu of hearty, classically English dishes and a famously impressive bar, including hundreds of gins and well-kept local ales. With six characterful bedrooms in the old Headmaster’s House just across the way, it’s the kind of place where an impromptu pint by the fire can easily turn into a very comfortable overnight stay.

The Yew Tree, Bunbury

Tucked between Bunbury and Spurstow in a quiet corner of rural Cheshire, the Yew Tree Inn is a handsome 19th‑century free house that feels made for winter evenings by the fire. Inside, characterful period features, a friendly buzz and a cosy bar create exactly the kind of atmosphere where you want to settle in with a pint after a frosty walk.

The kitchen focuses on seasonal, locally sourced British dishes, from refined takes on pub classics to generous Sunday roasts, all pairing perfectly with the line-up of cask ales, craft beers and well-chosen wines and spirits. Dog-friendly, with plenty of space indoors and out for when the days turn brighter, it’s a true village inn that combines roaring-fire comfort with destination-worthy food and drink.

The Ship Inn, Chester

A short stroll over the Old Dee Bridge from the famous city walls in Chester lies The Ship Inn. Steeped in local history, you’ll find a hearty welcome into a relaxed environment, with quality home-cooked food and a fully stocked bar with everything from local ales to premium gins.

Whether you’re after a cosy pub atmosphere, a light and airy restaurant or a grandiose private dining room, The Ship Inn has them all! Perfect spaces on any occasion to enjoy impressive food and drinks menus come rain or shine.

So if its a quick pit stop on your city tour, a family meal after a day out or a delicious Sunday roast, a visit to the Ship Inn is recommended.

The Fox and Hound, Sproston

The Fox and Hounds is a charming country pub, set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Renowned for traditional hearty dishes, which integrate local produce to ensure the finest quality. From the warm interior of the pub to the family-friendly beer garden they accommodate all comforts – even keeping the little ones entertained with a playground.

Whether you’re enjoying a pint or relishing in the affordable lunch menu, the Fox and Hounds is where good food and good times meet.

These eleven pubs embody Cheshire's timeless appeal, cosy fires, seasonal feasts, and stunning countryside locations, they're perfect pit-stops for walkers, families, foodies and ale lovers alike.