Axe & Cleaver in Trafford

Booked a large party in for a family gathering, from making the booking to paying the bill service was above and beyond, thank you. Food was excellent, everyone in our group really enjoyed their meals. Would not hesitate in recommending the Axe and Cleaver. We will definitely be returning.

Thank you for the lovely visit and warm soup, Paul and Kassie made sure our visit was welcomed and warm 🤗

It's a lovely country spot here. Comfortable, great food great service. A cosy warm haven when we popped in for a spot of lunch with a friend on a cold wet midweek when we wanted to avoid town. The smaller lunch menu was great, service from Paul spot on. Keep doing what you do Axe & Cleaver!

Fantastic evening: good food, good value, plus the friendliest welcome imaginable, (with outstandingly congenial service too) by our host, Paul. Highly recommended!

Lovely food, warm inviting setting

What a hidden gem. Warm welcome on arrival and another from our server, Paul. Food available from either the standard and/or the festive menus, I was spoilt for choice but decided on (with Paul's welcome insight) on steak & ale pie with chips and mixed greens. It was delicious and oh so filling, I had to decline desserts. All in all, great venue, great food, great staff and competive prices. Highly recommend.

Lovely pub. Mushroom pie was amazing and had several vegan options. Service and price all good. Will visit again for sure.

Lovely food, very helpful staff

Really enjoyed a Sunday Roast, lovely Atmosphere

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

Had Sunday lunch, food was great, staff are all lovely, lovely and warm very welcoming pub, will defo return

Huge plates. Good food and lovely service. The Rope and Anchor feels like you’re eating at your mums house, it’s has a real family feel. Will return!

Xmas Dec's look great, such a lovely warming atmosphere to this hidden countryside gem.

A great lunch as always. Excellent service from Paul & Alison who are both very attentive without being obtrusive. Made to feel very welcome

Brilliant food and polite staff

Lamb shank pie & Trio of deserts! Lovely food! Comfortable surroundings in a lane somewhere in the countryside near Altrincham! Our 1st visit but our friends have been many times. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and Paul. I will not forget you. You cheeky chappie! You are funny! Made our visit memorable! Look forward to seeing you again in the near future!!

Kassie & Neil were fantastic! Decor is beautiful, food is incredible! Staff & atmosphere perfect

Family get together meal, great service from Paul, who was friendly and professional, and looked after our party, ensuring drinks and food were brought over in a timely manner.

Lovely meal and great service from Paul and Alyson.

Great pub and well worth the extra mileage. Warm friendly atmosphere with excellent food

Excellent reception by the staff from the moment we walked through the door. Lovely warm friendly pub, with delicious food.

A wonderful 75th birthday meal. Many thanks to Paul & Alyson. A special mention to Paul who made the evening so enjoyable.

Excellent food great staff easy to park very clean pub recommended to anyone great atmosphere close to dunham massey Park

The place is lovely, the food delicious but unfortunately every single member of staff is miserable as sin. Not a single please, thank you or smile. You feel as welcome as a root canal

Fantastic food and great service

Only stopped in the garden for a quick drink, service and beer faultless

As a local, we’ve been coming to the axe and cleaver for years. Great choice of beer and cider. Amazing food with some Truly delicious specials. Fantastic Evening entertainment from the Friday night quiz to Saturday night fever with local bands and singers. Always a good atmosphere and always made to feel welcome by the staff and fellow pub goers,Would give more stars if available.

Sunday morning full English in a beautiful quiet time. Service was lovely and friendly. Food fresh and hot. Sausages yummy. Paul who served us was a super friendly guy. Highly Recommend

Just had a lovely light lunch there in the middle of an enjoyable Autumn country walk. A very pleasant place to be

Lovely experience- food was good and fantastic service from Neil

Excellent food tonight , service excellent thank you Alyson+ Paul and not forgetting the rest of the team in the kitchen . We will be making a return visit.

Not a very warm reception here. The service was frankly hostile feeling. That being said the food was good. It is a generic chain pub but they do it well.

Paul and staff were great today.The food was amazing 👏.

Sunday lunch for my nans 91st birthday, lovely warm welcome and they'd even decorated the table and left her a card. She really enjoyed the effort and friendliness of all the staff, along with a lovely beef roast dinner. I'd definitely return and recommend

Great food, service and atmosphere. Good sized portions, well presented and perfectly cooked. Excellent choice of wines. Highly recomended.

Fabulous Sunday lunch with The Axe and Cleaver - very much enjoyed by us and our guests from abroad. A quintessentially British Sunday menu with great quality food and warm, friendly service from Paul and Sophie, despite the fact it was so busy. Book in advance and enjoy the homely atmosphere.

Great little pub, came in for a Sunday roast, really good food, thanks Paul and Sophie for making us feel welcome!

We have been visiting The Axe & Cleaver for at least 15 years Unfortunatly today was the last time. The food was below standard and the service was very miserable. We were made to feel very unwelcome.

Went there without booking 3 adults and 2 children for lunch and even with a funeral party just arrived they found us a table Service was very prompt and food great and good value. Just had Sunday lunch today and service and food was great. Paul and all the staff working today were great in looking after us.

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.

Very nice and well-kept English beer. Average food

Very welcoming and good was delicious!!

We've just had a lovely family meal. The food was delicious. Yorkshire puddings to die for !! All the staff were brilliant , great value for money. Will deffo be back.

Food was high quality, especially the meats Waiters were very nice and kind (Paul, Sam and Sophie) Atmosphere was great! (Specials were very good try them)

Always a pleasure coming to eat at the Axe and Cleaver. Came with my family the other day in a tight window, with commitments before and after. They were very accommodating, served food in good time (but not so quick that it was rushed!), and the food was delicious. I recommend one of the current specials, the Duck Pie. I have been many times and will be returning many times again!

I was so disappointed in my recent visit here. The staff were not helpful. When me and my friend turned up the lady said they didn't have a table available even though there was at least 5 empty tables. She eventually checked with someone while we just stood near the back door like lemons. He seated us in one of the many empty tables. Then we served with baked apple tart that wasn't even cooked, and I have suffered with stomach ache and diarrhea because of it. I doubt I will be returning any time soon.

Seven of us went for Sunday lunch yesterday we were also celebrating 4 birthdays. The staff were absolutely wonderful especially Paul who looked after us. Alison and her team left a happy birthday banner on the table as well as a card, which is a very, very nice touch and at the end of our meal, they brought in a little pot of ice cream with four candles on it - that put a smile on all our faces simply excellent, and we shall all be going back.

Popped in late on a Sunday, enjoyed a wonderful meal, great service with excellent food, will definitely be going again.

Paul was an amazing example of a waiter and provided me and my girlfriend with a smile and great manner .

All a bit under par I'm afraid. Would not choose to go there again

Attended for Family birthday meal at 5pm. Sunday roasts were great. Unfortunately there was no roast pork left or rib of beef. Good friendly efficient service. Looked after by Paul and Kassie.

Went with my elderly mother for a meal one evening, nothing was too much trouble, menu was varied and the food was outstanding. We enjoyed it so much that we went back again the next night and had the same experience. We will definitely be back next time I visit the area. Thanks Paul and Alyson for a great time!

We've been visiting the pub for a few weeks since starting canal walks from a few miles away and it's become a favourite. Went tonight for dinner and as usual the food and service was fab! Paul took care of us, what a lovely guy, so helpful and very funny. We'll be back soon.

Nice atmosphere, lovely meal and friendly professional service from Denise

Nice pub, I had lunch with a former work colleague, The food was good and had a cracking pint of Guinness.

We've never been to the axe and cleaver before and we won't be going back, we went for Sunday lunch yesterday, we had 3 roast beef dinners and 1 turkey dinner. The beef was tough and chewey and the turkey was taste less, the so called roast potatoes were greasy and the vegetables in general were not the best.

An important element of my meal was missing when served. I pointed this out to the waitress Kassie who was doing a really good job of single handedly manning the bar and taking food orders from tables. She offered us a free desserts as recompense, but then deducted the price of my meal from the bill when we decided we didn't want any desserts. She explained a new chef had just started and he subsequently apologised and admitted his mistake. These things happen. Other than that, I liked the place and would go again.

Large family party of 7, for my wife’s special birthday, including in-laws, arrived at 6.45. It was originally 7.30. Disappointingly, a large amount on the menu had already run out. Heaven knows what would have been left at 7.30. All the Sunday roasts, pies, soup etc had gone. We were going to leave, however out of loyalty stayed. We were left choosing from a very restricted choice, only 3/7 had starters and the mains were running out on the iPad, as we ordered. The food when it arrived was good, and the waitress did her best, in difficult circumstances. We go quite regularly to the Axe, however for such an occasion, we left very disappointed.

Went based on trip advisor reviews having been disappointed locally over recent weeks What a good decision- we had the rib of beef - a meal to remember that left little room for dessert Everything about our visit was perfect from reception to wait time to service and the quality of our main course Congratulations to all staff who were involved It was faultless

Lovely breakfast, good quality. Great customer service. Definitely worth a visit. I would highly recommend........

We had a small buffet, which was not bad Good service and friendly staff Good parking

Very nice IPA and the shearing platter perfect for 2 people will be back for both

Lovely lunch great value for money , excellent quality of food very efficient and friendly service from Alyson & Sophie. Not sure why we don't visit more never been let down by this place.

A lovely pub: great service, the staff was very friendly and made their best to make sure that we had a nice evening. Food was great, as well as the choice of beers. A very nice way to spend the evening and have a delicious meal. The outdoor area is nice as well, with trees and flowers and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, no loud noises from people chatting or loud music, just great.

really nice food. great service

We went here for lunch today the food was absolutely amazing will definitely come here again 😋, Alyson and Sophie really looked after us ,we had a great meal thank you 👍

Great service, great food and drink, great staff including Paul and Sophie, great atmosphere and great locality, recommended.

We tried breakfast on Sunday and it was truly one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. We had eggs benedict, and a full English breakfast, and in particular the bacon was superb. You can tell that the produce is fresh and local. We will definitely be coming in the future and thank you Alyson for the great service.

Went for breakfast with a friend and food was nicely presented and good portions. Paul who served yous was very efficient and friendly. I would recommend 👌

not very impressed by our visit we attended to find lots and lots of empty tables inside however when we asked for a table we were told there were no tables and a wait of nearly 1hr if we wanted a table, considering the tables were empty i would prioritize walk-ins this is what we would of done when i worked in the bar / restaurant trade guaranteed income / speculative reserved tables

We had a lovely meal out with family. The food was lovely and the service was excellent. Emma and Sophie made sure we were well looked after and really made sure our birthday boy felt special. It always feels like we're surrounded by family when dining there.

‘Country pub’ that doesn’t allow dogs. Needs to get with the times.

Great food and Beer. Amazing staff and ambience. Reasonably priced. Ample parking space and set in a picturesque location.

A bit disappointed, very slow service initially, 30 mins before we were even offered a drink. Had run out of roast dinner and vegetables altogether ( 90 mins before end of service) Food tasted quite nice though, reasonable prices and the staff were friendly. croutons in soup were just soft pieces of bread, dessert was supposed to have clotted cream ice cream with it, but served with custard instead and my cocktail was supposed to be garnished with rosemary and raspberries but came with no garnish at all. Menus were quite tired and tatty and generally feels a bit unloved and a bit lacking in care.

Excellent meal in lovely surroundings including beer garden. Service was a little slow but it was a busy Sunday lunchtime so we understood why. Our server Denise looked after us well. Recommended, we will be back. Very handy for Dunham Massey.

Not been here for a while but managed a visit recently and again very impressed with all the food was lovely. Plenty of choice for drinks and the staff were brilliant. We cannot recommend the Axe and Cleaver enough. A+

Excellent food Paul and sam were really helpful and friendly and a great atmosphere with the background music we will be back

It was my mums birthday and Paul & Sophie were looking after us. They were very attentive and made the birthday girl very happy. We even got a card and cake. We had Sunday lunch which was lovely

My friend and I have just enjoyed fish, chips and peas followed by a latte. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is welcoming. Had Sunday lunch today 11/8/24. Very enjoyable and made more pleasant by being served by jovial Sophie & Paul. Well done.

Lovely family pub, great atmosphere and lovely staff!

Pub looks very tired, seat covers torn. No sauvignon blanc! Food OK. Staff very nice

Saturday lunchtime surprisingly not at all busy. We were made very welcome, food was pretty good and arrived promptly. The service in particular was excellent.

Excellent service, many thanks to Paul who looked after us, I had the steak and ale pie and it was lovely, we will be back

Only a quick stop but food was good quality and reasonably priced

My five friends and I stopped by for breakfast last Friday. The food was excellent and our waiter, Paul, was cheerful and attentive. Highly recommend! Many thanks!

Really delicious, fresh, good value for money. Paul, Sam and Sophie (staff) were helpful and friendly. Can’t wait to come back again!

Great family pub, tasty food and hearty portions. Regularly updated menu and interesting specials, local Dunham Massey beer on draught. A good range of choices for kids too. Staff are fab, always friendly and organised, and there's a selection of seating inside and out (dogs only permitted outside). Perfect place for a quiet drink, a nice meal, or a get-together for a birthday or life event, in a beautiful location near Dunham Massey park and village ❤️

Angela & Kassie were fab and the food was just delicious. Many thanks, M&T

Excellent food. Great atmosphere. Outstanding service from Paul and Sophie. We will 100% be back.

Absolutely delicious food, very welcoming and friendly staff. The little extra additional touches that Paul , Lace and the team did for my friends birthday was a lovely thought and made it even more enjoyable. 100% recommend Axe and Cleaver for a relaxed meal out .

What a lovely place - food, service amazing and friendly staff. 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. Wouldn't rush back

80th birthday meal. There was a birthday banner and card on our table, which made the atmosphere extra special. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the service was attentive, but not intrusive.

Delicious reasonably priced meal here with great service from Denise and Kassie. Good selection of dishes, would recommend the chef specials for something a bit different from standard Chef and Brewer menu.

We have been so many times but more recently, we went for my Grandads Birthday. They were very kind, patient and went the extra step by putting a happy birthday banner on our table, gave him a birthday card from Paul and Axe & Clever Staff. One of the members Sam gave him a free pudding on a wooden board, with icing saying Happy Birthday. We all really appreciated their extra step by making his day more special Made us all feel welcome, was joking around with all of us. Great food options, overall would recommend going to this place!

Excellent service of fabulous food (Sunday Lunch) by Kassie & Leah Not forgetting Paul (bar service) thank you so much we will definitely be back soon

Really excellent food, unusual choices available different from the average pub fair.Ihad steak which melted in your mouth and the best peppercorn sauce ever at a pub, almost as good as my homemade!. The rest of my family had the fish from the specials menu which was excellent. Service by Lassie and Paul was very good. Great customer service

Excellent country pub with way above the average pub food. All excellent quality and prompt service. Peppercorn sauce was the best I've had in a long time. Great service from Paul and Kassie.

Another wonderful visit with my friend and Paul and the team and meal amd service was awesome xx will keep coming back Polly x

Four of us went for Sunday lunch on 30th June, as always the food, service and atmosphere was superb, we would highly recommend the Axe and Cleaver in Dunham, it is a credit to Paul and his team for make us so welcome. Paul & Pat B