The Wickstead Arms, Nantwich

Pub SignMan left this review about The Wickstead Arms

This is a tidy, two bar pub in the town centre's main retail area. On entry, you are confronted by a porch with unmarked doors to either side. I took a gamble on the left-hand option, which led me into a comfortable lounge bar with a rather funky carpet, neutral shaded walls and a small servery to one side. The bar has an angular, dark wood counter with a glazed tile band beneath the top, a plain canopy and a simple, dark wood bar back. Tartan upholstered banquettes run around the front and left-hand walls, extending a good way to the rear, where a huge mural details the history of The Battle Of Nantwich (1644). Lots of potted plants in the front windows add a nice splash of colour, whilst the end wall has bookshelf-effect wallpaper and a couple of blackboards listing upcoming events. A separate bar can be found through the right-hand porch door, which has similar decor, but is bare boarded and offers basic tables and chairs, with a large TV screen showing live tennis, and a fireplace which looks like it doesn't get much use. Punters can switch between the two bars via a passage behind the servery, which is lined with old black and white photos. 80s pop tunes were playing quietly in the background and there was a decent buzz from the late afternoon clientele that slowly grew during the course of my visit.
There were four handpulls on the bar, all happily in operation, offering a choice between Salopian Shropshire Gold and Hop Twister, Winchester Sir Philip and Draught Bass. The service from the young barmaid who served me was very friendly and my pint of Hop Twister was in good nick.
I didn't have particularly high hopes for this place - how often do you find a good pub on a retail street like this - but left the place pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a nice, traditional two bar pub with some good local ale and welcoming service and was up there with the best I saw on my mini-crawl around town.

Date of visit - 18th January 2024

On 7^th June 2024 - rating: 7
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