The Pickering Arms, Thelwall, Warrington

We were a party of 16 Saturday evening on the night they were celebrating Halloween. we were there early and although our original placing was a bit squashed because other tables were booked for later they extended our area which made the seating so much better. This is a very traditional pub that serves the local community but its reputation for good quality food is expanding fast. As you enter the bar is straight ahead and a bar area with sports TV is to the right. To the left is the seating for food and whilst it is not massive it can handle about 30 people. There is seating outside in a well proportioned garden area close to the car park but not on a cold evening. We had pre-ordered the food for 5pm and bang on the dot it started to be served. Our only real problem was some garlic bread that could have been used to build a house but that was quickly replaced and everybody said they enjoyed their main meals. Considering there were so many plates and only one serving girl then she had many trips to make but the food came out hot and plates were eagerly cleared. Half the party had deserts and they were tasty as well (try the Afpel Strudel - it looked delicious). Best meals on the night were Roast Lamb which was cooked perfectly and looked so moist and the Chicken Stroganoff that was very tasty and plentiful. So we were served politely and efficiently and had finished by the time the entertainment had arrived for the main thrust of the evening. However, the waitresses did dress accordingly for the night which made us smile. All in all was very impressed and will not leave it so long before making a return visit.

I've only ever popped in for a quick half whilst out on the bike or rambling but it's a lovely little pub and I remember the beer being good. It had a cobbled forecourt and a stone flagged floor in the bar. Worth a visit.