The Bickerton Poacher in Cheshire East

Stayed here for the night whilst doing some of the sandstone trail. We found it warm and friendly, food was great and breakfast was included which was also lovely. The rooms are a little dated and as the windows are old it was quite noisy in the room and there were cold drafts from the windows. Having said that the rooms were clean and had some lovely touches like toiletries and ear plugs. Also had a lovely big double bath which was nice. The staff were also attentive and friendly; I would definitely stay here again.

Nice quiet lunch at the Bickerton Poacher. Over 20 years since our last visit - lovely to return. We asked for a quiet table away from music or TV and were shown to a lovely dining area (the library) Staff couldn't have been more helpful. Good lunch menu. We were told that the Bickerton Poacher has recently come under new management - it's a lovely old place - beautiful building. Lots of seating choices, plenty of parking and in a beautiful part of the country. We wish them the very best of luck

This pub is open for breakfast from 8.30am so great for early risers. Met up for friends for coffee/mocha/hot chocolate. Tasty and good service. Clean toilets. Very large pub with several walkers enjoying breakfast. A few years since my previous visit as a group for drinks and skittles

Not as welcoming at that time as has been in the past. Believe now under new management (again) so will return to find out if improvements made

Used to visit here often but it dropped off when the trio of Martin family chefs left. Now its better than ever with the former head chef and his partner back as landlords. What a transformation. Well done and see you soon.

We camped at the back of the pub for 7 nights, and can honestly say we had a fabulously stay. We drank and ate in the pub over the week. The food was amazing and the drinks flowed well. Sunday lunch was divine. Having recently been taken over by Sean (previously the Head Chef) and his wonderful partner Sam, things were a little slow at times as the staff were learning, but we could see the progress they were making throughout the week. An amazing location, with a wonderful management team and staff, be sure to give the Pub, Restaurant and the Campsite a go. We will definitely be going back.

Had a lovely stay here. Had an evening meal and breakfast. Both delicious. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Would stay again.

I met a friend here for lunch. I hadn't been in here for many years despite passing it pretty regularly. It hadn't really changed inside but the food was very very good and it was busy for lunch on a mid week day. We both had sandwiches and fries but to be honest we had too much food as the sandwich portions were very generous, thick fillings and 6 sandwiches plus salad garnish.

Driving around trying to find somewhere to eat and came across the poachers. Sat in a pleasant outside area and we both ordered the cajun chicken, one of the less expensive items on the menu. The meal was one of the best I'd had in a pub for a long time. Excellent seasoned fries, lovely dressed salad and beautiful chicken. Definitely return, well done.

Bed was uncomfortable so didn’t sleep well and the bathroom extractor was one of the noisiest I’ve ever heard. Dinner was a let down, poor quality ingredients and chunky chips were undercooked and solid inside. ‘Market’ fish was tasteless and the steak & ale pie was like a casserole (including carrots) in a small dish with a pastry lid floating on top. Not our idea of a pie. Breakfast was good but I asked for my full English without tomato which didn’t happen. There were only two other tables to serve at the time so it’s not as though they were over run. The tomato was chopped/diced which itself was unusual so I couldn’t just lift it off the plate. The other ingredients were very good. We also ordered ‘dippy eggs’ as described on the menu from memory but both eggs were hard-boiled. So overall it was a very disappointing stay which is a shame as the bar/restaurant and outdoor areas are everything you would want in a country pub.

A warm welcome when we arrived, the room was cosy and clean. Excellent evening dinner with a good choice of menu. The food is of a restaurant standard with amazing quality produce including the full English breakfast we can not fault anything about our stay. All staff colleagues were attentive and nothing was too much trouble providing excellent customer service making our over night stay a real treat - Thank you. We hope to visit again soon.

We went there for mother's day and a 60 th birthday all in 1 go, the food was very nice but they had said there was a free glass of prosecco for the mother's, mmm still waiting for that to arrive. The service provided was very poor, we had a young woman who started to clear our table and we asked for dessert menus at the same time, she cleared half the table, 20 minutes later we asked if someone could finish clearing the table and requested dessert menus again. There was 9 people for this gathering and the bill cost roughly £218.00. with very poor service I think it may be quite a ling time to revisit this place.

Came to The Bickerton Poacher for lunch with some business partners. The food was delicious and unbelievable service. I had the Beetroot salad starter then a the potato stacker and it was well worth the money. The service was outstanding and the staff were so friendly. Very clean family friendly pub,

We have wanted to come here for a Sunday carvery for a very long time so today we thought we would give it a go. First time and probably the last. As nice as the food was ( apart from pudding ) we were highly let down by the service. All staff members were rude and looked like they didn’t want to be there. Gavin was the only server who actually had a conversation with us and made us feel welcome. We didn’t get a check back on any of our meals, had to ask for drinks, menus and the bill and every time it was all replied with attitude. I am a Waitress myself and I would never dream of giving service like that to my customers. I was really let down by this visit as we had really high expectations and were excited to try. Sorry but we will not be back and won’t be recommending it to friends or family.

My sister and I stayed 2 nights at the Bickerton Poacher and enjoyed delicious breakfasts, dinners and a lunch. We were looked after so well by Laura, Daniel and Sabrina during our stay. Despite the beautiful building clearly suffering a little water ingress after a long wet month, we would highly recommend ***** If I have one small criticism, it would be related to the lack of any low calorie options on the menu

We were walking the Sandstone Trail and arrived a bit footsore. Nice coal fire and very welcoming bar staff. Good selection of beers. Evening meal was very good with Sabrina and Daniel especially attentive. Room was very comfortable and breakfast was freshly prepared and wholesome. Cannot fault the whole experience the staff were excellent and helped to make our brief stay very special.

Fantastic service, very friendly, couldn’t do enough for you. Food was sublime, far from your average pub grub. Room was beautiful, clean and comfortable. Exceptional stay, wish it was longer 🙏

That was our second time in this place for carvery, unfortunately my experience was unacceptable. We been sitted by the door, our table service wasn’t what we expected, the girl (Grace?) wasn’t interested of taking orders from us or even bring the bill when asked twice, but she had plenty time to be on the phone by computer and having chat with the lad who sitted us. Carvery was dry and cold! Definitely I don’t recommend this place.

Called in on Sunday (18th Feb) on the off chance, and Daniel was really lovely in finding us a table. We went for a Sunday carvery, which I have to say was one of the nicest we've had in Cheshire. Holly, Laura, Gracie & Olivia couldn't do enough for us. The service was very efficient. We'll definitely be back!

Can honestly say that this Sunday's (18th Feb) lunch was the worst one that I have ever experienced. When arrived for 1pm the table wasn't set but the duty manger sais he would get it done - he didn't, after 30 mins), so we asked one of the waitreses and she got it done. ordered starters for the nine (9) family members and waited half an hour and then the first starter arrive, yes one starter, and this went on for 30 mins with starters being delivered one at a time. we were even told that the first starter wasn't actualy for us but was a special for someone with an allergy, so what did they get? Very worrying! In fact during this time tables and starters were being mixed up! main meal served OK, as this was the carvery, and we controlled that. It then came to deserts and coffee and the scenario was much the same as that for the starters. If you asked me to scorew this experience out of 10 it would be, guess, 0>

Excellent service by Gavin and Callum, friendly staff lovely food and excellent menu for my gluten free diet. A good choice of menu

Had a birthday meal recently. Everything was spot on. Food was delicious and the service was top notch. We’ve been there few times and it’s great every time. Looking forward to visiting again soon. Thank you for your service.

Called in for a meal and overnight stay, great food, great banter from Gavin and the staff, a really enjoyable night. I highly recommend the Lattes for pudding recommended by Gavin, he will understand

Visited the Bickerton Poacher for lunch on our way to Pickforton Castle. What a lovely pub/restaurant Very friendly lady on the bar, great food menu and excellent service. The food was delicious and excellent value for money. Would definitely go back if in the area.

Yes it called a “Pub” but not a pub as most people would expect, I called in just for a drink on a late afternoon in February. The “drinking “ area was just 4 /5 tables pushed together next to the bar, occupied on my visit, by 3 guys and 2 young girls each occupying their own table. The rest of the place was just laid up for diners !.

The food and staff are excellent. Gavin and the team are very attentive and efficient. Would 100% recommend. It’s a great place to visit after a walk.

Came for lunch after a Sunday afternoon walk! Gavin was efficient and friendly…. Service makes a huge difference and we would 100% return! Thanks Gavin and the team

Lovely meal and a very warm welcome. We called in on the off chance on a busy Sunday but the staff were lovely and managed to find us a table. Food was great, as was the service provided by Laura and one of the best...

Hubby, me & our 2 chihuahuas stayed Saturday night DBB. Plenty of parking, easy check in. Dogs stay free! Our large room with comfy king bed was lovely, very clean & ‘hare’ theme (hares on lampshades, cushions, pictures). Plenty of tea/coffee provided. Shower (over bath)...

Lovely meal, great atmosphere and service. Have stopped here several times before for dinner and also lunch and breakfast and always had good food and service

The service we received off Daniel was excellent, he was quick to serve us and was extremely pleasant through the evening. He was helpful when we asked about food and his cookies were fab.

We, as a family, all had a lovely time. We each were pleased with our choice of food. The service was caring and attentive and we had ample time to relax and enjoy our lunchtime meal together.

Lovley spot following a walk upon the Sandstone trail. Friendly and attentive staff with lovely sandwiches served. Nothing was too much trouble for Laura.

Ellcellent service first class food will defo be going again even has a great spot for weddings great customers service for laura

Excellent food, lovely staff. I was extremely impressed, by how accommodating the staff were. A lady popped for afternoon tea and they didn’t serve it, but said they could do Sandwiches, tea & cake for her anyway. These days everyone says no to anything off...

Laura told me about an amazing dish they serve beef stew and dumplings OMG it was amazing great service from Gavin, this was just how you parents made it.

Fabulous food and the pudding choice was amazing! I would definitely recommend visiting. Cheers to Daniel who served us.

Went in for pie, took the stew and dumplings. It was a great choice. Service was helpful, polite and quick. Food was excellent. Beer was cold. Laura and Sabrina looked after us really well, and will definitely be returning.

Decided to pop for the carvery as it always used to be such a good experience and tasty food. Very disappointed as the quality has gone down hill and wow it has definitely changed since I last visited. The meat was over cooked and dry....

Fantastic stay at the bickerton poacher, big shout out to Dan and Holly who made our stay welcoming, warm and friendly! We had a comfy and pleasurable stay. Fantastic food and a great variety of beverages on offer also. the location was ideal for what...

Highly recommend anyone to come and try the carvery..came today it was 10 out of 10. A massive thankyou to Holly,Olivia and Daniel for their warm welcome and the service provided today. Both girls couldn’t do enough for us and Daniel showing us to our...

Excellent Sunday carvery! Had a great walk with our springer Holly who was also made very welcome with a dog bowl of water and biscuits 😀 special thanks to our waitress Gracie & Daniel. Highly recommended for Excellent food and dog friendly 👌

Great post bickerton hills walk pub meal. Well looked after by Gavin. Great deal with kids being £1 with adult meal. Thanks.

Warm welcome from Gavin and the team after a chilly walk. We really enjoyed our Poacher burgers and the beer was well kept.

Frosty walk on the Sandstone trail followed by a warm welcome at the Bickerton Poacher from Gavin and Daniel. Delicious homemade broccoli soup and ham sandwich and a Cajun chicken panini with salad and fries… perfect for sharing!! So glad we called in and will...

Amazing service. Daniel, Laura and Nathan were a pleasure. The smiles never left their face. They are a shining example of todays youth. Will definitely be visiting again just to be blessed with their presence. Ellie, the volunteer, was cracking. Third place in the quiz....

We stayed this weekend and must say everytime we stay it’s fantastic. The Room was clean, fresh and decorated to a high standard. No expense spared. Comfortable and spacious. Excellent kids play area for the little ones to run around so there not board. The...

A family meal(13 of us) after the pantomime in Chester. Very friendly team, excellent service, nothing too much trouble and we had use of the skittle alley, which the children, aged 3 to 11, loved. Good quality pub food.

Despite a very busy New Year’s Day, not enough staff and impatient customers, my family and I enjoyed a lovely meal with very good service. Some people just want to complain for the sake of it!

We have been coming for the last few years for our Christmas day and we were shocked how bad it was, we were booked for the 12pm sitting and didn't have starters till gone 1pm we where the 2nd party to be seated but every...

The whole Xmas lunch was truly awful. Waiting 20 minutes to be seated, 2 crackers on the table for 4 people. Not enough cutlery, I had to hunt for a soup spoon which I suppose was fine because we waited another hour for the starters...

OMG o payed £300 for the family to go here for xmass dinner what a waste of money total cold stodgy crap I would not put in my body I would like a full refund it was a disgrace I hear your staff lay you...

Arrived for 2nd sitting at 3pm waited over 20 mins to be seated, still clearing up from previous sitting and setting tables up, only 1 person manning the bar who then said he wasn’t bother as he was leaving in 3 minutes! Starters came an...

I rang the pub some time back to enquire about booking a table for Boxing Day. I was informed it would best to book and that it was the ‘normal menu’ on Boxing Day. Upon arriving with our family yesterday it quickly became apparent there...

This pub usually is a great pub to visit! Service is usually amazing although I visited on Christmas Day with my family for the second sitting waited over an hour for starters, then had to serve my own main! I then had to ask for...

My family and I had Christmas dinner at this pub and it was awful. It frankly ruined Christmas Day. The pub was clearly understaffed with no table service, very long waits at the bar and even longer waits in the queue for the carvery. We...

arrived for 3pm. The staff weren’t ready and clearing up after the first sitting ( think they tried to be greedy by squeezing in 2 sittings with a skeleton staff. Waited 20 mins to be seated. One hour-wait for starter which had to chased up,...

By far the worst experience we have had eating out on Xmas day .. and just to clarify we had Xmas dinner 2 years running at this very same place a few years back with no issues but back then i dont think they did...

Disappointed attended second sitting for Christmas dinner and was 3 staff serving over 120 covers. Food took a long time to come out and when you have small children you can appreciate how difficult this was when they were so hungry. Saved up to go...

I’ve visited here a few times and have never been disappointed . Amazing home cooked food , with a warm and friendly welcome from all the staff. Would highly recommend a visit 5*

We had our Christmas party here, and WOW! The best Carvery I have ever tasted. A truly wonderful experience. Excellent staff, unbelievable food, lovely Christmas atmosphere, great location! Just all round beautiful. If you’re thinking of having a Christmas party, or any party for that...

The pub and restaurant are very nice and Sunday lunch was exceptional but the Campsite at the back was definitely not. It was more of a quagmire, suggest they get it sorted. The alleged hard standing was anything but and the pitches are not wide...

Warm friendly welcome the food was spot on faultless, dog friendly, the landlord and staff were pleasant couldn't do enough for you, will definitely be back soon

We come here every year for our Xmas party and skittle alley and stop on the campsite behind, great pub and food and lovely owner. There was a problem last night with the electric going down which did mean we had to eat our dinner...

Smashing weekend at the Bickerton Poacher fantastic food excellent staff. couldn't fault it. Definately be returning. Dog friendly. overall fab.

The food was great credits to the chef plates and dishes were very clean also credits to the kp must be hard as I know what’s it like to be one

Called in on the way back from shopping in Chester. Looked good from the outside and inside was nicely decorated. We sat at our table which was sticky and dirty looking and chose our food. The starters were disappointing, but the main even more so....

Best I can say is average. Expensive for what you get. The food was nothing special, may as well go to a chain pub. Dirty sticky table, poor service. Shame as it used to be a decent place. Would not recommend.

Wow what can I say, had an amazing time. Stayed 2 nights, the food was amazing, the accommodation was amazing and the staff outstanding. Nothing was too much, they went above and beyond to make the stay the best. Would recommend this place to anyone...

Went for bonfire night and stayed over with my and baby girl . Was great atmosphere, really friendly staff . Room was lovely and food great . Great all you can eat breakfast and carvery .

I always love this place! Never disappointed. Their new winter menu is fantastic, so much choice for everyone in the family .. including the fussy eater kids and our dogs !! The food is so good here and I am so glad I live locally. I’d recommend this place to anyone. I also have a Christmas party booked here in a few weeks, and cannot wait to experience this … (2nd review to follow I’m sure!) Kids play ground has also had some improvements recently I’ve noticed! Honestly if you haven’t been, it’s worth a visit !

Highly recommended for a celebration!!! Booked the private room and skittle alley for a birthday celebration with my friends. What a good choice! Had a fab evening - lots of tasty hotpot, both meat and veggie (compliments to the chef) ), generously sized yummy desserts too, and a fun game of skittles! Super helpful staff from easy booking through to excellent service on the night - special thanks to Lily Gracie and Laura. Highly recommended for a celebration party!!! We'll be back!

This is a good pub to visit if you are planning a walk in the area. We walked around Bickerton Hill then drove a short distance to the Piacher for some food. The pub was nice but the hill was the dog poo capital of the northwest, dog owners get a grip.

Amazing staff always on hand. Incredible welcoming atmosphere. Been many times now with partner and never disappointed. Love it. Will be back soon!

So as always with reviews we alway leave our true reviews after 3 visits amd 3 completely different meals and as always on 3 different days , and I have to admit it’s definitely one of our favourites, not just because of the selection of craft beers on offer ,also a note for the beer trails they sell NECK OIL BEAVERTOWN !! The food is spot on , no shy plates , all cooked as it should be , must note they have there own in house butcher !! Proper English joints and you can taste the quality , soft and juicy just as it should be , farmhouse style :-)))) well worth a visit. Highly recommended , a big thanks to all the staff and especially Laura and molly and holly behind the bar , cheers 💪

Stayed here for the Halloween party, rooms lovely, great outdoor space. You have to try the salt and pepper wings they are amazing. Breakfast good the following morning, the lady on the breakfast shift (Sunday 29th October 23) was rude to some of the staff, this isn’t very professional in my opinion. Dan and Laura are amazing, so friendly and professional they are a real credit to the place. Sunday carvery is one of the best I have had. Will be returning very soon

Have been a few times now with my partner and we cannot say a bad word about the place! Staff are all lovely and friendly Have great selection of food and desserts! Never disappoint at all!

Family of 8, 5 adults, 3 kids, waited 54 minutes for the 3 kids meals to come out, adults had all finished the carvery way before and were waiting, asked the waitresses where they were and 2 of them didn't come back, let down the experience, as the food was good, we were just forgotten about

Beautiful Food. Sunday dinner is amazing! Cosy Country Pub. Plenty of Room. Great outdoor area. Great staff and service. Can’t go wrong

We discovered this hidden gem when on the way to a day out at Bolesworth Castle. Fantastic place, friendly and helpful staff and lovely food. Plus great outdoor play area for the kids. Sadly we didn’t get to try the desserts - the pub has the biggest dessert menu in the whole of Cheshire allegedly (and I’m inclined not to question that claim given the size of it) as we had only stopped for lunch and had to get on our way, but we will surely head back one day to try one… just might be sometime deciding which!

Really nice rural feel to the pub with lovely views through the window of the hills from our table.We had a game pie and an ale pie which were both delicious! Recommend the toffee pudding with toffee sauce ( melts in the mouth!) and my other half liked the sundae and being able to choose ice cream, sauce flavours etc. Staff ( Laura, Daniel & Holly) were really friendly and made us very welcome and said they hoped to see us again when we left- they will!

Visited following a walk around Bickerton Hill. Enquired about the menu to two bar staff regarding vegetarian gluten free options after stating this was my dietary requirement. Staff had no clue and wasn’t able to support but did say they would check with the chef....

We have been here many times over the years and have always enjoyed the food. Again it did not disappoint. The lamb shank was excellent. We will be back again soon. keep it up

Visited today with my wife and son, with a view to making a booking at Christmas time for our family (a party of 15). Given the number of people in the party, we were keen to include the hire of the skittles alley as part...

From one of our favourite regular pubs to somewhere we won’t return, how could you go from so good to so poor, you’ve lost you’re whole team and they’ve taken the service and food quality with them. Saturday night and the car park was empty...

Had a meal with some friends on Saturday night. Staff were welcoming and friendly and in general it was alright. I opted for the southern fried chicken, there was nothing basically wrong with it; well cooked and a decent portion. However, it seriously lacked any...

What a beautiful weekend my family and I had, including our pooch! We stayed in the B&B and ate here every morning and night. I cannot fault our visit in any way! The B&B rooms were beautiful and had a real home from home feel,...

This B&B is Awful booked 2 nights stay only stayed 1 night. Couldn’t find laptop to book us then then to be told we had to pay, we had paid. Our room the shower was cold plug in bath didn’t work had to move kettle...

Sat in the bee garden with other couples and children and a load of yobs using the F word every other word, rubbish food, felt very uncomfortable, needless to say we won't be going there again. Discussed

Visited on a hot late summer evening with family. My 5 year old granddaughter was stung by a wasp, the staff especially the chef were excellent. Privided first aid and even an iced lolly to make her feel better. The service and food were as...

Visited The Bickerton Poacher with the family on Saturday, excellent service and the staff were so welcoming. Such a great menu and huge desert menu. The food came out freshly cooked and was beautifully presented. On arrival we were welcomed and seated by Nathan. As...

This place is going downhill. My family and I normally stop through on the way back North however this time is was not table service. Far too expensive for what you get considering one the accompaniments to the meal wasn’t even served to neither myself...

Visited recently for Sunday carvery. Was told bar service only as short staffed. Didn’t recognise any of the staff, who historically have been excellent.Not anymore. Has management changed? Mixture of carvery and menu options were below par. But mostly staff attitude felt like they couldn’t...

Our family have camped here numerous occasions and always enjoyed it, and always been impressed with the breakfasts, last year they were really good with us when we had to keep changing bookings as my husband had been diagnosed with terminal cancer we looked to...

Had a meal there last night food was awful service was really bad Had lasagna cold in the middle garlic bread soggy

Been lots of times over the years. Often on sundays, but other days of the week too. This Saturday was a family birthday meal nd no one told us all orders were at the bar. We're sat at the table looking for staff to take...

5, would definitely go again couldn't have had a better night anywhere else! The food, drinks, staff and the music just made it such a good night

I live local and come here often for the breakfasts, the Sunday carvery and the live music on occasion. The staff are so inviting and couldn’t do more. The food is absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere is homely, the reason I come back, time and...

Really really disappointed. We came in March and boy it’s gone down hill since! We pre booked but they hadn’t set a table for us… Tables were then pushed together which were different heights, really sticky and a sticky floor. It’s not clear that you...

Food very disappointing we have been coming here for years & the food has gone down hill. The service & staff are very good & really friendly. A great atmosphere in the pub too.