The Cross Keys Hotel, Knutsford

Probably the worst pub we visited in Knutsford on Saturday night. You enter into a fairly bright bar area, where music was being played at a volume which was far too loud for my delicate ears. Darker and cosier areas could be found to the rear. But there was no escape from the music. If I wanted loud music, I'd choose a nightclub! Boltmaker & Dizzy Blonde were the real ales. No real cider was available.

Lovely old coaching in Knutsford's olde worlde historic centre. It will have been much altered over the last 300 odd years, the most recent changes including conversion of part of the cellar into a dining area and the addition of an accommodation block to the rear. The wooden partition between the two bars is probably a Victorian arrangement. It's very popular with Knutsford's older, more mature citizens, and gets busy; it suffers the current huge table syndrome which reduces the seating capacity. IN the 2014 GBG with nice TT landlord and Jennings Cumberland amongst others. Well worth a visit.

A pub of some age, possibly 17th century, the upper floor is timber framed and cants out over the ground storey. There are still separate lounge and public bar rooms here, the public bar is fairly small, bare boarded and has a pool table, TV and rarely seen today, a sit down original Space Invaders table. The larger lounge is L-shaped and to the rear of this room is an unusual crypt like space under brick arches. Boarded flooring again, there is a nice looking dark wood and glass partition between the bars. Leaded windows, fireplace with the fire on the go, conventional seating, decor includes the usual local scenes, mounted plates, stone jars, pot pigs and ducks. Food is served with a choice of the "Nibbles" menu or main courses. Nibbles included Fall off the Bone Ribs (£5.45), chips and dips £2.95, mains offered steak and ale pie at £9.95, home made chicken and mushroom pie at the same price amongst other steady pub staples. The beer selection was very good, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Cottage MGA, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Tatton Brewery Blonde (£3.40), Derwent Brewery Derwent Blonde and Jenning's Cumberland Ale. The best selection I found in the three Knutsford pubs I tried; thirds are available. There was a friendly and efficient welcome from the landlord who took the trouble to walk around the pub at 2.30pm advising he was about to close and whether anyone wanted to order a last drink. Accommodation is available.