The Lodge, Winnington, Northwich

There’s a large car park outside the front of the Lodge that sets it back from the passing road. Through the entrance, banquette seating is found to the right and a dartboard and pool table to the left. A long L-shaped bar counter runs up the right wall facing some high tables and a couple of gaming machines. The main seating area is at the rear which is used for dining in this Flaming Grill pub. I was walking to have a look, but then a baby started crying so I turned around and went back to the front of the bar. The televisions located throughout were showing Champions League football via BT Sport. The bar supports standard keg and one of the four hand pumps was in operation drawing GK Abbot Ale. Flaming Grills are fairly good value for money on the cheap meat front, but I wouldn’t ever go to one just for a beer.

Previously Winnington Lodge, then the Sir John Brunner, this is now simply The Lodge, a large building in extensive grounds, much of which are now used as a car park. One of GK's Flaming Grill brand, inside is an expansive meandering single space with areas demarcated by various floor and seating types but mostly geared for cheap family meals. There are numerous screens for sports and there is a nod to pubbiness via a small corner area near the front entrance which has darts and a pool table. A conservatory area at the rear overlooks a garden with mature trees around and an outdoor terrace also looks out onto the same patch of grass, decking and some kids' play equipment. Some framed stuff provides a bit of interest with old town pictures and more of the former local salt industry. Five handpumps with the usual GK suspects of IPA, Abbott and Old Golden Hen, two not clipped. Not much else to see here, it does what it says on the tin.

Official site of The Lodge - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Lodge - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk