The Cholmondeley Arms

The sandblasted brick walls of this famously dog-friendly old schoolhouse rise to raftered, vaulted ceilings and large windows pull natural light into every corner. Shelves of gin hover above fat radiators, cartoons and photos nestle amongst old school paraphernalia, and oriental rugs sprawl beneath an auction lot of tables, pews and chairs.

The glorious carved oak bar dominates the main hall and apart from the malted charms of Cholmondeley Best Bitter and other local cask ales; a staggering 366 varieties of ruinously good gin to discover, with the aid of a well-thumbed guide or one of the charming staff. Study the many events on blackboards while sharing a traditional pub and seafood board followed by their legendary steak and kidney pie.

Rooms in the old headmaster’s house behind are calm and civilised with all the comfort you need. Gin tastings can be booked on Saturday afternoons.