Bears Paw Inn, Knutsford

17th Century roadside pub converted from a Farmhouse , it has undergone a re-furb after a fire last year . Its all very modern in here , the small bar area has modern rustic style furniture , a dining area with log burner to one side partially divided by a glass wall , there is also a large dining room , decor is very modern and is done out in that grey colour that a lot of trendy dining pubs seem to be going for these days . Very busy at 12.30 on a Tuesday lunchtime mostly with elderly diners , only a couple of drinkers in here . Two Real Ales on Thwaites Original and Doombar , staff were friendly enough .

Situated on the A50 close to Junction 20 of the M6, this 17th century country inn is useful as a welcome stop from a long motorway drive (I will resist the temptation of any Knutsford City Limit jokes here). As the previous reporter mentions, the pub appears to be largely dependant on its evening restaurant trade with 3 of the 4 internal sections being laid out specifically for diners on my visit. Only the small bar area with its 3 small metallic round tables and a couple of stools at the bar appears to be designated solely for drinking. The character of the building is evident inside with its textured walls, log fire, beamed ceilings, latticed cottage windows and an array of gathered firewood, brasses, pots and pans etc. Not a big selection of ales – just 2 hand pumps (Thwaites Original and Marsdon Pedigree) but worthy of their Cask Marque accreditation. If the weather permits, there is a spacious and well kept beer garden and a good play area for the kids. Obviously popular locally for diners but I did not get a glimpse of the menu. As mentioned, worth a quick stop off the motorway if passing by. One baffling point - they advertise a quiz night on Monday nights but according to the opening hours, they don't open on a Monday evening!