Carden Arms, Malpas

Out in the countryside, this a very ordered pub with old varnished floorboards, crisp white walls, dark varnished beams, crackling fire, tasteful landscapes, library room, objects d'art – tick boxes for the Cheshire country set that frequent the place which also makes for a little stiffness in the atmosphere. Friendly dogs, locals and staff, we felt quite welcomed. Ten pumps on the two bars with the same clips on each - Salopian, Weetwood, Coach House Gunpowder Mild (NBSS 4), Merlin Spellbound, Bragdy Conwy. There was also an Astroturf bench covered bench outside, a new one on me. Anyway, despite its upmarket pretensions it was an enjoyable enough stop for this mid-market Southerner. 7.5