The Lower Chequer, Sandbach

Joule's pub tucked away off the main drag down a side street near the town's main church. It is presumably called the Lower Chequer to distinguish it from the Swan & Chequers in the centre of town, which is now closed. The interior was probably the nicest of the 4 Sandbach pubs we visited, with plenty of low beams, wood panelling and tiled floors. Service was friendly. The barmaid was tied up with a beer delivery when we arrived. Although, we didn't have to wait long. It gave us time to select a beer. 3 regular beers were Pale Ale, Pure Blonde & Slumbering Monk. I chose the Batch 1011, which was occupying the 4th handpull. This ended up being quite a tasty brew at 6%. Sandbach has a number of decent pubs. This is definitely one of them.

Now reopened following refurbishment. My visit was back in mid April and I think I caught them shortly after reopening, as they explained they only had two cask ales on and others were settling in the cellar after a busy weekend. Chocolate Corker and Slumbering Monk were the two available. Thankfully the opening hours, according to their web site and Facebook page, are now a bit more sensible, so makes paying a visit less of a tactical mission. Bar snacks are sold in the way of nuts, pork scratchings, etc. The entrance is slightly odd in that you almost find yourself walking behind the bar, so you have to make sure you bear left as you enter. The usual old signage and pub memorabilia adorns the walls, as I have come to expect from Joules pubs. Service was friendly and I may well return to this one.

Official site of The Lower Chequer - www.joulesbrewery.co.uk

Official site of The Lower Chequer - www.joulesbrewery.co.uk

Closed on Mondays, and doesn't open until 5pm Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm on a Friday. Would have called in yesterday for a swift one but the opening hours prevented that. Can't leave a review but have added a photo of the exterior.

A multi-roomed Joules pub. 6 handpumps on the bar with the usual Joules beers plus a guest. A nice enough interior to have a drink in but the rather eclectic opening hours seem to make this place hit or miss.