Axe & Cleaver in Trafford

I'd booked a small space with Alison for a small wake following my Dad's funeral. The team kept in touch on the run up to the day, always kind, always helpful and always professional. On the day itself Paul took great care of all who attended the wake, providing a huge array of hot/cold sweet and savoury dishes. The quality was fantastic, the sausage rolls and mini burgers went down a treat! I genuinely can't thank you enough for taking such good care of us in such an unobtrusive way, but with such humanity. I highly recommend you to anyone thinking of holding a wake here, given its close proximity to the crematorium.

A lovely lunch served by lovely team members

Great atmosphere, great food will be back!

We held a reception following a funeral and opted for a buffet. Firstly, the staff (Paul + Alyson) were incredibly friendly and their laughing/joking made the day feel a bit more normal. Secondly, the food was incredible and they put on a very generous spread to ensure everyone left with full stomachs at a very fair price. We will be returning for a roast as they looked fantastic.

Gorgeous pub. Paul and Denise were fantastic, really friendly and couldn't do enough for us. Food was 10/10

Brilliant! Paul and Alyson were superb!!

Many thanks to Neil and team who provided a 5 star service when we hosted Dad’s wake here last week. From the start, Neil was super helpful and accommodated our needs. The service on the day was friendly and the food was great. The cheeseboard and chocolate brownies were particularly popular!

Sunday lunch fabulous, friendly capable staff. Felt looked after and comfortable despite being a lone diner

Absolutely fantastic! Food and customer service are both really excellent. Highly recommend.

A nice place and decent food but let down by the miserable and odd service from the Lady with short hair, also not attentive either considering how long we were sat down having a meal. Tried again and better service this time.

Paul was so friendly & kind xxx

Had a lovely lunch here yesterday. Would definitely go again

Good staff, funeral wake buffet was good

We booked a table for 2 people Monday evening I asked Alison if it was ok to stay over in our campervan as we were going to a funeral the following day she said that was fine and we could leave our van there the following day while at the funeral,which we did so kind,thank you,we ended up asking if we could change the table for 6 people family members joined us the food was lovely and very large portions everyone enjoyed it, we'll definitely be stopping there again when in the area

Great pub, perfect for a stop off after visiting Dunham Massey National Trust!

Popped in for a quick bite to eat. Was seated quickly and served drinks promptly and order was taken swiftly. Food was good quality and was filling. Had a couple of dietary requirements that were dealt with without issue. Overall a great visit and will not be the last, will definitely be back when next in the area

Good food, nice atmosphere, plenty of parking spaces, very slick service. Reasonably good range of ales and moderate proces. I reduced to four stars as although food is good it could be improved in places. But overall a really nice experience, would happily go there again. Dined here again recently, excellent food (Sunday lunch), sensible prices and great and friendly service. The triple roast is amazing value and really nice. Definitely recommended.

From charming country pub to budget buffet vibes Used to come here all the time back when it felt like a proper village pub — cosy, friendly, and full of character. Fast forward a few years and now it’s like a Wetherspoons… only difference is I actually got more chips here. The food was below par (and not in a fun golf way), the tables were stickier than a toddler’s fingers, and there were more flies than customers — which says a lot because it was a sunny Sunday and still quieter than my group chats on a Monday morning. The staff looked rushed, were pretty blunt, and didn’t exactly make us feel welcome. I felt embarrassed bringing my partner here, which is saying something considering I once took her to a Toby Carvery on a date. Only saving grace? Free parking while we wandered round Dunham Massey park and walked to the Swan with Two Nicks for desserts — should’ve just eaten there instead. Honestly gutted to see how far this place has fallen. Used to be a gem in the village, now it’s just a postcode with chips.

We had two lovely dinners on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening whilst staying locally. The menu was interesting, the atmosphere was welcoming and the ambience was charming. Paul was helpful and provided us with friendly and timely service. We came back on the third night (a Thursday) and were confronted with 2 grumpy women who didn't want us to be there. We felt unwelcome so we left. Motto is - only go when Paul is working.

Very good service and good. Paul and Neil were great!!!!!

Good amount of outdoor space, perfect for when the weather is lovely. Beers well kept.

Very good pub. Excellent. Traditional food well prepared and a good example of chef and brewer establishment.

The incredibly friendly staff and faultless service make lunch at the Axe and Cleaver a joy. I had the chicken sandwich from the lighter bites section of the menu, but it was much bigger than I expected, coming with chips and salad. My dining companions all loved their meals too. Paul and Leah really looked after us and we can't wait to go back.

Took 2 Canadian relatives for lunch. Excellent quality food. Great atmosphere and a very friendly service from our waiter Paul.

Amazing food, in beautiful surroundings, great hosts too. I can't recommend this place highly enough, well worth a visit.

After enjoying a drink outside, we went inside to eat. All of us enjoyed eating different main courses and desserts. Paul makes you feel most welcome.

The fish is amazing, light batter and very fresh. The staff are so lovely, Paul was serving us and he was very friendly and quick.

We booked for a small family party of 15 the food was all served together and was piping hot and delicious. What a lovely place to celebrate and great value too I would highly recommend!! We would like to say a massive thank you to Neil and his lovely staff for helping make our day so very special . Nothing was too much trouble and it was such a lovely atmosphere too. A beautiful pub!! Thank you all Linda & Terry

The food was amazing, huge portions and absolutely fabulously displayed. The service was extraordinary everything and anything we needed help with the staff were absolutely on it straight away. I had the garlic mushrooms as the starter, pork belly as the main and chocolate brownie as the dessert and it was amazing. Will definitely be coming here again. Was AMAZING👏

Amazing. Thank you so much, the food was great and huge portions. The staff couldn't do enough for us with our big group booking.

Went with a group of friends Lovely surroundings and very nice meal in the garden The service was exceptional A great time had by all

Paul and Kassie provided a warm welcome and good assistance. Fantastic atmosphere and superb food, there is a choice of light and substantial lunches to suit many tastes. We had lunch yesterday; it is also great for coffee and soft drinks, opening earlier at weekends.

Very nice pub, good service and friendly

This pub is a real neighbourhood treasure! Very cosy interior, always delicious food. Staff is friendly, attentive, always helpful trying to accommodate us during busy weekends.

Homely atmosphere all Staff amazing especially Paul and his friendly banter. It’s like being in the company of family . Thank You as always 👍

We had a lovely meal. Eight of us celebrating mum's 91st. The card presented to her on arrival was a nice touch. She really appreciated that. Neil and Paul were excellent. All the staff very polite. Everyone seemed happy with the food. Very pleasant. Not been in there for decade, but would certainly consider going again

Came for a Sunday Lunch with friends Food was lovely everyone very friendly and helpful especially Paul 5*

Me and my patner love coming here , it’s a friendly vibe and it’s just great value for money all the time , Paul always goes above and beyond to make our visit amazing , the lamp rump and ton mess dessert is to die for , and the little abit of humour the staff have with is great

Great place to eat, always a warm welcome on arrival. Paul is a tonic it you go in there sad he will have you smiling in no time. The food is always really good and the service is excellent. Paul and Neil are the perfect hosts.

Quiet Sunday afternoon Prompt and pleasant service. Lovely food. Everyone enjoyed them selves.

We love coming here on a Sunday after visiting Dunham Massey, friendly staff and food has always arrived promptly! We had the pork roast dinner and a side of pigs n blankets and it was stunning 😍 the meat portion was a smidge small but it was a scrummy dinner after a big walk, thanks! ❤️

Best vegetable burger I've ever had! Also, beautiful setting, quick service and friendly staff ❤️

Firstly visit today, lovely food and atmosphere, great service. Will be returning😁

The Axe and Cleaver serve the best fish and chips, the steak pie meal is good too and all served hot. Great friendly efficient service and served in a peaceful relaxing atmosphere.The special offer was a bonus. Thank you Neil and staff.

Paul was the best server and made us feel very welcome in the restaurant. The roast gravy beef dinner was superb and cauliflower cheese was amazing.! Will defo be returning again!!

Not been to the Axe and cleaver for a few years. It was lovely to see Nel and Alyson again. Sunday lunch was amazing. I had the roast beef which had thick slices of tender beef. My partner had the so chicken which was also tasty and plentiful. Great value for money.

After a lovely day in the sun me and the husband treated our selfs to lunch and what a treat we were in for, this was a new stop for us and it definitely won’t be the last time we stop here after the warmest welcome by the kindest gentleman at the door we were seated in doors in a surprisingly quiet spot for a Saturday near the bar, the tables were all well presented and spaced far enough apart for just the right atmosphere even when full, the waiters were so polite and well mannered and went above and beyond to be on hand whenever needed, the manager looked a little stressed but that is to be expected the man deserves a raise as he must run a tight ship because I have not 1 thing to complain about, the food is Devine they plucked the chef straight from heaven Also book lovers there’s a book station to get give swap borrow share books it’s great definitely going back

Paul and Kassie were excellent servers. Food was lovely.

Booked a table for 5 as a Mother’s Day treat, arrived early but we were soon given a great large round table in the window. The pub is well staffed and the service excellent, had a little wait for our meal but it was busy and the food is proper stuff so that was no problem. Great variety of meals available at reasonable prices, good portions & vegetarian options, we all enjoyed them! There was a big car park and picnic tables outside, we’ll have to come back in summer, cheers!

Lovely food, friendly staff good atmosphere

Arrived for a meal on a Wednesday evening (walk in, no booking) and we were greeted by Paul who gave us a warm welcome and made us feel at ease. Food (a rump steak and a mixed grill) was great quality, cooked to order and there was a lot of it which was great. It was a tasty meal that my wife and I really enjoyed. Thank you to all the team 👏

Lovely friendly atmosphere with great staff who make you feel welcome from start to finish . The Sunday Roast was excellent 🙂

Came here after a funeral. Food and service excellent. Would recommend.

Thank you so so much Alison ,Neil and Paul absolutely amazing appreciate everything you guys have done ! food amazing !Service outstanding ! Todays Celebration 🎉 of our Johns life you made such effort. Can’t wait to visit again for a meal . Mary Jane & Family

Wonderful pub Got.pulled in her by two dear friends who are regularly in here Wonderful service from all staff, lovely setting and the Sunday lunch was worth every single penny I cannot recommend enough

Not visited in a long time, staff very friendly and helpful, Food tasty

This is my favourite country pub! It’s a beautiful establishment and has been my choice for many birthdays. We went in today and the two front of house staff were amazing. Really appreciated their service and non gluten menu!

Very nice little pub with amazing customer service. Went there for a family members wake and the environment was very calming.

Great Sunday roast, service was fantastic! We’ll be back again. Thanks Paul & Leah

Alyson looked after me and my wife this afternoon, the food was exceptional and atmosphere was great. She was very helpful and assisted us with our choice of food and puddings. Great job Alyson

Excellent food. Great service from Paul & Kassie

We always love coming to the A&C. Great food and service in lovely surroundings. We like to linger over Sunday lunch and always end up having the third course which we never intended but the diet had to take second place! Thanks to all the staff and we will be back.

Always enjoy the food and service. Highly recommend . Thank you Paul and Alyson

This is an update on my previous review - I had nothing other than praise earlier but like so many things that are too good to be true something always comes along to spoil it. We booked a table well in advance for a birthday treat for my sister in law. We turned up an hour early so that we could park and walk the dog before eating. A rather aggressive character (turned out to be the bar manager) stormed across the carpark and told us the we couldn't park because it was only for customers. When told we had booked and would be customers in about 45 minutes his response was "well you can't bring the dog in because it is not dog friendly". At no stage did this self important character ever apologise - if we could have found somewhere else quickly and easily there is no possibility we would have actually eaten here. HOW THINGS CHANGE - PLEASE READ ON Certainly we can describe this place as a very successful find. Having searched wide and far for a pub capable of catering for a small group of both meat eaters and vegans we found the Axe & Cleaver - a great success. We had been on the point of despair and began to believe it would be better to stay at home. Given the extensive menu which was hard to believe existed providing meals for vegan, vegetarian and meat diets there were also a number of dishes marked as gluten free. We can only say we all had a feeling of disbelief and a suspicion that it was all too good to be true. However, the food quality was excellent, served piping hot, with good sized portion control and nicely presented. The pub decor appears a little dated but is clean and tidy. Toilet facilities also were clean and reasonably fresh. Overall a worthwhile trip out with a lovely walk from Dunham Town along the Bridgewater Canal and back through Dunham Park - on one of the few warm, sunny and dry days all year. Many times it is so much easier to find things to criticise but that is not the case here. We can only provide compliments and say we hope that with so many pubs closing all around that this place continues to be a success. These 2 reviews demonstrate how experiences can change!

Food was excellent we had absolutely no complaints though we did wait 45min - 1hour (Sunday). The only let-down for us was slow service, we had to get up a handful of times and ask for drinks, desserts and the bill (twice). Further, the mood of who we got served by wasn't 'bad' but it certainly wasn't friendly. While it wasn't the end of the world and again- the food is excellent- atmosphere is important and it simply wasn't great.

Great breakfast selection and food was amazing. Service was excellent, friendly and interactive staff. Definitely recommend.

Dropped in for breakfast.Staff were very polite and knowledgeable about the menu.Food and drinks came promptly. Three breakfasts ;all delicious and just what we were after. Been before but not for breakfast ; will be back.

We were looked after really well by Alyson and Paul!! Food was fantastic. Will definitely be back and highly recommend.

Called late lunch time on a Friday, excellent friendly service and quality food very helpful and efficient staff Kassie & Lace they made it excellent value for money, we will be returning soon as we can

Thanks to Paul for a really enjoyable evening and Sam for serving us. Great food and drink and we appreciated the 2 meals for £20 offer. Will be back again soon.

Friendly staff, reasonably priced comfortable environment. Unplanned visit and called in on the off chance to see if we could get a table. The guy who spoke to us upon entering was very helpful and found us a table but did advise us we needed to vacate after about 2 hours. This wasn't going to be an issue as we already planned on having a Sunday lunch. I had beer rump, my wife had the roast turkey, we had a side of cauliflower cheese. The food was very good, and they did provide an extra mug of gravy when requested. If I was picky, I thought the roast potatoes could be more cooked, but that is my preference. The portions are good and we both felt full afterwards, this resulted in us sharing a desert. We had the bakewell tart and custard, which again was very nice. Looked like a reasonable selection of beer, I stuck with my usual Guinness, my wife had shandy due to driving. Overall, a nice experience and the staff are good. One thing we both noticed, we weren't asked about allergies, which is unusual. This is something that will improve the business if they make it something the integrate into the greating, we have a family member with a severe allergy so this is why we noticed it. This is not a criticism, more an observation as we really enjoyed this place. Thanks

I absolutely love the food and staff here! It’s definitely my go-to spot for brunch on the weekends. Servena and Paul were the staff members who served us today, and they are both so lovely. They always make us feel very welcome! Highly recommend!!

Really impressed with the great quality food, clearly made with fresh ingredients. Pub was gorgeous and top notch service from Servena, Kassie, and Alyson, all really welcoming and professional. Top notch Guinness and all, can’t go wrong!

This was a return visit after a previous one which was really not very good 5 months ago. Having decided to return I bkd on line and mentioned we had been before and were hoping this time it would be ok. We visited as a party of 3 like last time for Sunday lunch. We all ordered the turkey Sunday dinner. All the meals were lovely and nothing was missing from the meals we requested extra gravy and this was not a problem and a jug of gravy was brought out. We were too full for desserts. We were served by Servena who was pleasant and friendly. She came and asked if everything was ok and so did Paul. Paul later came to speak to my mum and I as he remembered us from our previous visit when we had problems. He wanted to check everything was ok . This time the experience was really good the staff were attentive and the food was great. Thank you for making our return visit a memorable experience. We will be back soon.

A wonderful Lunch with 15 old work colleagues and to celebrate an 80th Birthday of one of the guests on Wednesday 12th February. The booking process was straight forward and whoever I spoke to was so helpful and obliging with helpful advice on how to deal with a large group. On the Day, a nice touch of a "Happy Birthday" Banner for the Birthday Boy. The food was fantastic with the Pie and Mixed Grill very popular. The two young ladies serving were exceptional, dealing with a bunch of OAPs and retirees efficiently and in a kindly way. Settling up was easy following advice prior to booking - this can be difficult with a large group as to who had what!! I can't thank the all the Staff enough who made the Lunch so wonderful and made the organising of the event so easy - they were all exceptional. Everyone had a great time. Thank you so much

Fantastic service !! Alyson and Paul served us. As always, outstanding

Met here today for lunch and it was delicious as always. We received a warm welcome from Paul, and excellent table service from Servena. Thank you.

Held a funeral buffet here today. Would highly recommend as a venue for any event or just a meal out. No room hire fee if you use the area just as you go inside. This is slightly raised and separate from the rest of the pub. Really good buffet and was reasonably priced. Staff very attentive and even though it was obviously a sad day, it went very well. Thank you.

Called in on a very busy afternoon and the pub was clearly full. Lovely front of house / waitress named Serrena quickly attended to us and managed to find us a seat. She was so polite and attentive throughout our whole meal. Server Kassie was lovely too, checking if we wanted sauces etc .. Food excellent and bonus if your a blue light card holder as they offer 15% off food. Great place to call in if you’ve been for a walk at Dunham Massey. Will defiantly return .

We visited here for my mother's 70th birthday last Christmas, and it was truly a memorable experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by Paul, the manager, who was incredibly friendly and attentive. His warm hospitality made the whole visit feel extra special. The pub itself has a classic English country feel, warm and cosy. As for the food, it definitely lived up to the reputation of good pub grub. A fabulous hearty menu with something for everyone's taste. It was a great place to celebrate and we could not recommend this place enough to anyone who happens to be in the area. Again, thank you so much to Paul and his wonderful staff for a brilliant evening.

This was the best WI Ladies Lunch for some time. The food was delicious, the surroundings were comfortable and clean and the serving staff, Kassie and Servena, were wonderful.

Wont be back here ! Lunch visit today, unhelpful , arrogant female staff member informed us if you haven’t booked you’re not sitting down! and then she walked off .there was several empty tables we could have used.

Visited with the family at the weekend for a light lunch. The service from Paul and Alyson was excellent from start to finish, they were flexible to our request for our kids food and I ordered the coronation chickpea sandwich which I would highly recommend. Lovely atmosphere with a fireplace warming the place.

Spent several hours on a Sunday afternoon, relaxing with the wife over a fabulous bottle of Malbec. Although we didn’t eat here, the plates of food being served looked amazing (particularly the enormous Yorkshire puddings) and the host (Alyson) was super friendly and helpful. We will certainly be back in the near future !!

Lovely post run meal. Very tasty burgers. Great service from Paul

Came here for Valentine’s Day with my partner, food was absolutely lovely, however £25 for the lamb shank in abit of gravy (was suppose to be in a shepards pie) was extortionate. The picture attached is our food untouched, that is definitely not in a shepards pie. My partners mixed grill was lovely he really enjoyed it.

Great Sunday lunch, and great service from Paul!

Great food as always, service was amazing as always, managed to get a last minute table on Sunday, thanks guys.

Highly recommend. Was visiting from Canada. Great atmosphere and great food.

A lovely gastropub, full of atmosphere, with great food, wines and service. Highly recommended.

Lovely roast dinner. Service was top notch, super friendly and service was quick. We booked for a friend’s birthday and they went the extra mile to make us feel welcome and for him to feel celebrated. Would recommend and visit again.

Great food and team, well recommended

Such a lovely warming atmosphere to this hidden countryside gem.

Basic. My pie was very expensive for what it was. Almost no accompaniment except for a few leaves. My wife's steak was lukewarm.

We went for breakfast on a recommendation and so pleased we did. The food was amazing (full cooked and Chef and Brewer Benedict - gluten free option). Sat near the open fire which was lovely after our walk and service was spot on (thanks Neil) Would definitely recommend.

Lovely food, very helpful staff

Huge car park, nice pub and friendly staff. Food was great too. First class

Couldn't really fault the staff/service but food very mediocre. Portion sizes rather stingy, particularly chips, veg, salad etc. Cutting back on these things makes little business sense. Also £4.45 for a coke is extortion, even the draught beer is cheaper. Not the worst meal out I've ever had but won't be back anytime soon.

We dropped in solely for a quiet drink. Lovely pub and beautiful surroundings. Sat by the open fire and had a fantastic evening with friends

First time at this venue-- and very pleasantly surprised. Very ' oldie worldly' and full of charm. Had a birthday meal for three-- food was exceptional and beautifully presented-- WELL DONE TO THE CHEF👍 coffee just right as well! Also important-- the staff were very professional and friendly!! Well done everyone-- and definitely be visiting again very soon. 😘