Blue Cap Hotel, Northwich

A road house on the main road from Knutsford to Chester, it says built in 1716 but it’s now under the Chef and Brewer brand. Low ceilinged and with old looking woodwork and exposed stone, nevertheless it has been modernised to an open plan layout. Enough wall remains to divide the place neatly into separate areas. Entering at one end, the more pubby part of the set up, the counter is in front and left and along with a swathe of solo keg fonts there are six pulls with three in use, Greene King IPA, Acorn Barnsley Bitter and Beartown best bitter so nothing frightening for traditionalists or too exciting for hop lovers. At one end the floor rises to a probably newer bit and leads to the adjacent Premier Inn. Decent enough beer quality, Cheshire Camra has put it in their book this year. Look out for old signatures scratched into some of the window panes.

Dating from 1716, this rambling building is named after a famous local foxhound purported in his day to be the fastest dog in the country and who had to be handicapped by a lead weight around his neck. The interior has lots of nooks and crannies, exposed timber beams and posts and a number of open log fires. Split-level and with a variety of floor types from boarded, to quarry tiled and carpeted. Nowadays the pub is part of the Chef & Brewer chain, so despite the history there is that feel of corporate standardisation, and of course tables are set with those large menus. The pub is very food-centric with table service the norm, even for drinks which despite ordering at the bar, the response is that they'll be brought over. Seating is nearly all at standard tables of varying sizes but there are a few armchairs. Decor includes lots of black and white local scenes, and the side entrance has a statue of the celebrated hound. Disabled WC facilities are available. The handpumps offered Adnams Broadside, GK IPA and Marstons Single Hop. This is certainly not a drinkers pub but at least there is some real ale to accompany a meal. accommodation is available in the adjacent Premier Inn which shares the site.

Blue Cap page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com