Cotton Arms, Nantwich

Close by the Llangollen Canal, this is a food-led, ex-Greenall's pub. Semi-traditional in appearance inside, with a partially opened-out three room layout at the front, but a slightly annoying single step down to reach the bar. A smaller public bar can be found further back. Four real ales - including 1924 from the Mobberley Brewhouse and a cider - available from the six handpumps.

I won't dwell on the building as Mr F has given the detail below but we were greeted by a friendly barmaid and offered the chance to sit anywhere for dinner. The menu looks good and there were one or two tempting choices there. I suspect that the food is home cooked and there were references to local sourcing. Beer was Black Sheep, Brains Rev. James and Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, which was excellent. Had the ale range been more imaginative and the Bhurtpore Inn not within walking distance, I'd happily have settled in for the evening.

The blurb about the history of the pub talks about the oldest building in Wrenbury built from ships timbers,but there is no sign of this today,exterior rendering and internal makeovers have left a functional if unremarkable building.However it does retain a two room layout with a side games room the haunt of the villagers,while the much larger lounge through the front door is aimed at diners.To the right is a section with a fireplace and bench seating around the walls,the middle lobby has some old furniture set up for diners while down a step the area around the bar has large banquettes and another fireplace.Four handpumps but only three working on our midweek evening trip.My Purple Moose Snowdonian Ale was in good shape (£3),but the other choices of Black Sheep and Reverend James ensured this was a one pint visit. Food is the main draw,but the menu and ale selection wasn't enticing enough the sustain a full evening session which was a shame.A better ale range would have tipped the balance.