The George and Dragon, Northwich

Situated in a rather chocolate box village directly opposite the dramatic imposing church, without the hanging sign you might not even realise that this is a public house. No other external signage or branding on view, the only other clue is the compact car park to the side. Within there is an elongated L, the bar straight ahead on entering. A mixture of original functional ceiling beams and decorative but functionless add ons, pleasingly awound with hops. Wood panelling to picture rail height then plates, jugs, brasses and so on, a Grandfather clock in a corner by the bar. Leather banquettes to the front recess, retaining the old bell pushes, a mounted stag's head and a stuffed fox in a glass case. Rather too much hunting memorabilia too but this seems endemic in Cheshire country pubs. The longer side section features a large table in a square bay window with excellent stained glass, then a through fireplace with a log burner and sofas in front plus a coffee table of magazines. Eventually an open to view kitchen, some tables down here set for formal dining from the top end priced menu. JW Lees beers, MPA, Bitter and I assume a rebadged Great Budworth Bitter. I was offered a choice of a jug or straight glass. I seemed to be in a minority on choosing a straight version. Quite possibly the hottest pub I have ever been in, a log fire was roaring away plus the burner further back, this place could provide a serious challenge to another correspondent on here's living room....apologies for the private in joke.