The Carriers Inn, Frodsham

The ales on here were Hobgoblin, and something called Hatchmere Ale, a 4% beer brewed by Brakspear's. Another pump was dispensing cider, with a fourth pump apparently unused. The main meals menu is fairly extensive, including such things as "steak pudding with swede mash, carrots & peas" for £13.50. The most expensive item is the fillet steak for £25.95. Sandwiches are around £5 - £6 and were good quality, as was, so I'm advised by my companions, the Lemon Merangue Eton Mess. It seems that they don't allow you to order food at the bar, as table service is mandatory, although I did manage to pay at the bar when we were ready to leave. The area as you enter the pub is furnished mainly with normal tables and chairs but with its fair share of armchairs and sofas. A small brick built wall on the left separates the main bar area from a dining area down a few steps; this in turn leads out to a large garden area backing on to Hatch Mere. This is a nice enough pub if somewhat isolated. For what looks like, and probably is, an old country pub it's quite light and modern inside. It now lacks the warm cosiness of many country pubs, and in fact looks as if an interior designer has been let loose in here. But it's the only option if you're emerging from a walk in Delamere Forest, so it's obviously a good thing that it's still here. Despite its less than traditional ambience, we enjoyed our visit here.