The Old Hall, Sandbach

Yesterday we met a friend for a meal near Sandbach. We typically meet up every couple of months and have been trying out various restaurants and pubs close to the M6, to make driving easy for all of us. We haven't been delighted with any of the establishments we've tried until yesterday.

I booked a table at the Old Hall near Sandbach. A great location really close to the M6 and, as it turned out, a wonderful pub with a delicious menu and a fabulous building.

The construction of the present building dates from 1656. It was built on the site of the previous manor house of the Sondbache family that had been built in the 13th century, but had been destroyed by fire. There is evidence of an even older building on the site dating from the 12th century. This had been a rectangular wattle and daub structure with a turf roof serving as a seminary for the priests serving the nearby church. The present building was built by John Radclyffe, the son of Sir John Radclyffe, the lord of the manor of Sandbach. The first phase of the building was rectangular, and was constructed in oak timber framing with wattle and daub infill. Later an extension was built to the left; this was also timber-framed, but some brick was used at the rear. The building was further extended in the 18th century and the stables at the rear were enlarged. It then functioned as a coaching inn, and the Liverpool to Lichfield coach stopped to change horses. Passengers were encouraged to stay, and the inn was reclassified as a hotel. In the 19th century the hotel was part of the Crewe estate, and it was extended again, this time adding a carriage arch to the right wing. The building was restored in 1887 by John Stringer for the Crewe estate. During the Second World War the hotel was used to house American officers, who were visited here by General Patton. The hotel closed in 2005, and remained empty, its structure deteriorating, until Brunning and Price purchased the building and restored to its current state.

We had a lovely evening and we'll definitely be returning soon.