A COUNTRY estate pub in Cholmondeley Castle has been nominated in the Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2023.

The Cholmondeley Arms has been shortlisted for 'Dining Pub of the Year' and will find out if it has won on Monday, July 24.

The pub, which is part of Cheshire Cat Pubs and Inns was originally a Victorian schoolhouse founded in 1862 and opened to the public in 2011 following restoration work and it has proved to be popular with visitors.

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Brand manager, Emily Bloor spoke about the reaction to the nomination and mentioned why she felt the pub was nominated.

She said: "It is great, it was quite unexpected and a nice surprise.

"The team is all really excited about it."

"The kitchen team all work really hard.

"I think the consistency and delivering traditional local food is the main reason."

Whitchurch Herald: The pub was refurbished in 2011.The pub was refurbished in 2011. (Image: Cheshire Cat Pubs and Inns)

A special mention was given to general manager, Helen Mosford and head chef Richard Williams for his role in leading the kitchen team.

Emily said: "Richard joined the team at the Cholmondeley Arms a few years ago from our Church Inn in Mobberley.

"He played a pivotal role in guiding the refurbishment of the kitchen, and the kitchen team has since gone from strength to strength.

"During his days at the Church Inn he was named ‘Pub Chef of the Year 2019’ for Pub & Bar Magazine and the Church Inn was named ‘Best Pub in the UK’.

"The pub was also featured in the Michelin Guide for eight consecutive years.

"We are delighted to bring his skills and enthusiasm to our Cholmondeley Arms and the team has created a locally-derived, delicious and traditional pub menu which has now been given the recognition it deserves in the form of the nomination as 'Dining Pub of the Year' in the 2023 Cheshire Life Awards."

Visitors are able to enjoy 365 different gins, different local ales and fresh seasonal food which is sourced from the surrounding area.

Emily spoke about the positive reaction from customers to the news and how it receives visitors from outside the area.

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She said: "We have a lot of regulars who love the pub and the food and are really excited.

"We recently refurbished the six guest bedrooms in the headmaster's house.

"We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting experience and bring guests from near and afar to this historical pub on Lord Cholmondeley’s estate."