The Smoker Inn in Cheshire East

The Smoker was a nice pub restaurant.Very sadly the thatched roof caught fire on the early evening of Wednesday 23rd October 2024,so will be closed for the foreseeable future I would think. This was reported on local news..it is Very sad.such a lovely atmosphere when I visited a good few years ago.

Tasty food 😋excellent service have visited the Smoker three occasions each time have had tasty food & good customer service Steak pie huge & Sunday lunch is fab Will definitely be back very soon.

Came here to meet some old friends. Four of us ordered our meals. Gammon x2, Steak and scampi. As our food arrived the fire alarm went off. As a result we all had go the fire assembly point, some 100 yards away. After 10 minutes we were allowed back . As you cam imagine the food was not has hot as we would of liked. No one came to us and offered us fresh food, nor did they apologize in any way. I personally asked for mine (steak)to be re heated in the microwave, hint dropped. Brought it back never said a word. One of our group didn't like complaining, so just never touched the meal. The other two left half there's as it was now cold. I had three quarters of mine, as a micro waved steak, isn't like a proper cooked steak. They came and cleared the table, and again not a word. we paid up and left. Since then i contacted Robinsons brewery for there comments. They replied, sorry we just rent the building. but they did forward my email to the pub direct. After two weeks of hearing nothing, i messaged the pub direct. That was two weeks ago, again total silence. Abysmal customer service to say the least. Very, very dissapointing.

Myself & 2 other friends arrived about 1.45pm, which we booked, to have a 2-3 course meal. We were shown to our table and after a couple of minutes we were asked for our pre-meal drinks order. 2 minutes after that the drinks arrived. That was the last time we saw a member of staff. We had decided what we were all going to order but no staff arrived to take our order. After 35 minutes of waiting, we unanimously decided to leave and go somewhere else. So I went to the bar to pay for the drinks. Not only did the lady behind the bar seem unphased that we weren't ordering a meal, she then told me the the card reader was down and could we pay by cash. If we had had a full meal, none of us would of had enough cash on us to pay.

Stopped in at The Smoker unplanned on the way home. We all enjoyed our meals and it was nice to see that smaller options are available if you’re not particularly hungry (the ‘small’ gammon was actually quite big and delicious with a big piece of grilled fresh pineapple). The kids liked the kids menu and absolutely loved the play area. The pub itself is very clean and welcoming. It’s a shame to see the negative reviews. It would be an even bigger shame if a 500 year old pub like this closed down….please visit and give it a try!

Very dissapointed with this place. Called for a meal on the way home from Northwich yesterday early evening. I suffer from coeliac disease so chose one of their few Gluten Free options on the menu. It was the Nicose salad with chicken. I queried the dressing when it arrived. Our waiter asked in the kitchen whether it was definitely gluten free. He informed that it may contain gluten! He took it back to changed for a salad without dressing. This took about 20 mins. The rest of my party of 4 had, by then, almost finished their meal! So had to wait for me. They offered an alternative dressing of olive and herb but instead it seemed it was Just olive oil. Definitely not safe here for coeliacs, I wouldn't trust them. No proper apology from Chef/manager. They obviously need some training gluten containing foods and cross contamination 🙄

Beautiful building. Unfortunately, found the staff a bit abrupt, not very welcoming. Food was average, took too long for food to be served, waiting a while for condiments. Desserts were ok but treacle sponge and custard was lukewarm. Would not go again.

Had lunch here on a Tuesday. The car park and the pub itself were, I felt, well subscibed for midweek and contrary to some mixed reviews over the last few months, I was immediately greeted by a very helpful and cheerful member of staff. Once seated, our food order was prompty taken and on arrival was very well presented and cooked. It was fish n`chip Tuesday, so a deal is offered on that particular dish, which I felt was great value. The Smoker is a very nice pub and this wasn`t the first time I had eaten there. Although fairly busy, staff were attentive and I would say it is value for money. Based on my experiences over several visits, I can`t really fault it.

Lovely outdoor seating and nice inside. We were greeted by a friendly lady at the bar who gave great service throughout our visit, but the food was extremely disappointing. I had steak pie which had no flavour to it at all, my daughter had a jacket potato which she had one bite of and wouldn’t eat anymore saying it was disgusting, I think it had been cooked for quite a while and reheated, as when I tasted it I had the same opinion on it. A friend had fish & chips, he also wasn’t impressed with the food.

We went for a meal with friends four in total. The service was the best with a very pleasant young lady and the food was hot and very good portions. Definitely go back soon and would recommend. Thank you staff for the lovely lunch

I went with my brother and sister for, what we thought, would be a pleasant lunch. However, the "manager" was very curt in her approach. She appeared to be chewing, even though she said she wasn't!! My sister would have liked some chicken with the vegetarian curry and she said " she couldn't do that" I then pointed out that you could add chicken to a salad for £13 so why was it not an option with the curry, she said "no we can't do that"!! We all then ordered 3 x chicken breast to be told "we only have two because we were very busy last night, SO, we sold out. This added to her rude attitude and the fact that they serve gin without a straw or stirrer! made our decision to leave. She tried to apologise, unfortunately too late and insincere!! We left and went to The Golden Pheasant around the corner where we were greeted with a smile and lovely staff, eventually spending £140 which we are glad The Smoker didn't get. Avoid!!!

This is the second time I've reviewed The Smoker Inn. I'm doing another review as what I wrote previously is no longer accurate. I think their quality has seriously dropped. We went on a Friday evening in late January, meeting us with some friends. We found where they were seated and joined them. The staff seemed to take about 15 to 20 minutes to come and take our drinks order, yet the place wasn't busy. We ordered our meals. I bought their salmon tart as a starter. It is possibly the worst value I've ever had. It's described as "Smoked salmon, leek and dill tart with crème fraiche, served with dressed leaves". What actually arrived was two tiny tarts, each about the size of an Oreo or a Jammie Dodger biscuit. They were quite tasty, but you could have eaten them in two mouthfuls. There were a few salad leaves which were not particularly tasty, they would benefit from some dressing (although the menu describes them as dressed). These two tiny hors d'œuvres cost £6.50. They have stopped doing their wonderful seafood mixed grill, but their cheese pie was excellent last time we came. They had sold out, so I found an alternative on the menu. I tried their "Spiced Tofu Skewers in Chinese spices and mixed vegetables. Served on rice and coated in sweet chilli sauce". This was a really poor choice. Tofu doesn't absorb flavours very well, this course was particularly bland. If it had Chinese spices, I couldn't taste them. There were a few mushrooms and slices of red pepper with the tofu. The rice was served in a shaped mound. Just dry flavourless white rice. There was a small pot of sweet chilli sauce, about an egg-cup full, but eating dry rice and dry tofu without any kind of sauce to bind it together and give it some flavour was hardly enjoyable. This culinary delight cost £12. What surprises me was that someone in management thought that this was a good selection of ingredients to serve as a main course. Still hungry, I bought dessert. There was nothing wrong with the morello cherry tart and cream, but it was hardly a generous slice. The service was a bit hit and miss too. Although the place wasn't busy, the servers were not attentive. We had to try to attract their attention to get more drinks. There were 5 of us, the bill was £180, including two rounds of drinks. I didn't complain, we were having a good evening with our friends but I've rarely had such poor food.

25/12/2023 My wife and I had Christmas day Lunch at The Smoker. The food was good but the atmosphere in the pub was like a wake. The staff were miserable & there was no music that made the afternoon festive. I've had a better ambience in a funeral directors. Lunch should of been from 12.00 till 16.00 but we left after 1430. £80 a head for one star service.

We have been to the Smoker several times in the past and always enjoyed it until yesterday which was very disappointing. The staff were rude and unhelpful. the meal was mediocre and wasn't very warm and we all left the vegetables as they were hard. We ordered coffee but when we asked for sugar we were told that they would try to find some, when it finally arrived it was slapped on the table and our coffee was cold, it was the final straw and we won't be going back. Pity as we've enjoyed it in the past.

Food absolutely delicious Good portion sizes New menu lots of choices Mussels and chips really good Steak mushroom pie - delicious Manager - Julie very welcoming Highly recommended

Our first visit here. Beautiful cosy pub, welcoming and attentive staff despite being very busy. Delicious food, I'd go as far to say tastiest meal I've had out. Definitely be going back.

The food was very good but... Don't pay in cash unless you give the correct money. You won't be given your change. We handed over our cash and waited for the change. And waited. And waited ... We came to the conclusion they had assumed they could keep the change as a tip. I was dissuaded by my husband not to ask for it back as we would have given a tip anyway but that's not the point. To assume this is in my opinion is a bit of a liberty. At no point did we say the change could be kept. If the change had been brought back we would have given a tip as the food and service were good, but this presumtiousness and quite frankly taking the p*** spoiled an otherwise good visit. Won't be back.

Popped in Sunday lunchtime with my wife. Had not booked but we were found a table quickly. Polite attentive and friendly staff showed us to our table. Very good menu plus Sunday roasts. Wife had a small beef dinner and I had a beautiful homemade steak and mushroom pie. Wifes wine was lovely as was my Robinson's Stout. Would recommend highly. Thankyou to all the staff. We will see you again soon.

Have been to the old smoker many times over the years and been just ok , but since the refurb and new management we were surprised , attentive polite staff and the food excellent, fresh , good size portions wow!, we will return on a regular basis , our thanks to you all 👌

Absolutely brilliant, food amazing, staff great, drinks cask ale partner loved, pub refurb is gorgeous, lovely and cosy atmosphere, a must try for everyone

Creepy crawly in the salad on the pate ,more like salmon mouse . Cold veg with the main 2 slices of carrot 1 piece of broccoli Green beans Cabbage Gravy like coloured water With cover everything

It was with a certain degree of trepidation I suggested we eat at the Smoker. Both my husband and one of my friends saying “Is it open?” None of us had been for years. A warm welcome, followed by being shown to our table which won the most comfy restaurant chairs award. We all agreed we were spoilt for choice with the menu options. All our choices were tasty, well presented and generous portions. The service was pleasant and attentive. Our friends are already planning on taking other friends next week and were very grateful for my suggestion. We dine out in Cheshire regularly; we will return.

Excellent roast dinner Huge portions, tasty food, good service, great prices Chose a mixed roast for £16:50 - immense! Even the small roast Turkey was enough for an adult Good selection of veg, crispy Yorkies & plenty of gravy Staff were friendly and efficient

The food was excellent best chips in northwich and the staff were lovely fantastic all round we will definitely be back .

Great food, wouldn’t go for a steak but salmon supreme delicious and other food coming out looked nice….service needs a little attention, but not by all staff members just a few.

Easy access for disabled. We had the most fantastic waitress seen to all our needs. Food & drinks served with a smile in a lovely setting.

We both had the Wild mushroom chicken it was amazing and a little sneaky TiaMaria coffee. Thank we will be back

Once again a wonderful evening meal. There were three of us of which two do not eat meat. The menu was very varied and the food very tasty. The manager and waiting staff were very polite and friendly. We did not have to wait very long for our food to arrive which was well presented. Once again thank you to the manager for allowing me to park up overnight in my Motorhome at the back of the car park. It was a win/win situation, I did not have to drive after drinking beer and between us we spent about £100! Will return.

Very nice dinner, I had beef and my farther had pork, we both thought it was very well done and dad's not got many teeth so that says something 🤣. Only missing sprouts.

We visited here yesterday for Mother's Day and what a lovely experience. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff were very friendly and helpful and the food was absolutely 1st class. I've not enjoyed a pub meal this much in a very long time. Portions were great and it was all so tasty. Will definitely be coming here again. Thank you to all the staff.

Hi very pleasant staff wednesday 15th march..great food.service.the new lady and new guy.lovely and sociable.cant do enough 4 u.makes u want to go back.

The food was absolutely delicious. Never seen a pie quite like it packed with meat. Just such a shame that a staff member was so very abrupt and un welcoming that it really let the meal down. No warm welcome or charisma. Like I say...

Lovely little “proper” pub with great food. Stopped here for a Monday lunch and Liam and Lauren were very welcoming. The food and drinks were great and we’ll be back

Had an excellent Sunday lunch with friends. The food was excellent and the portions were generous. It was very busy and popular but the serving staff were friendly and hospitable. The restaurant was a bit short on serving staff so the meals were not as...

Went for lunch. The staff were excellent. Food was great with some great alternative options. Catered well to needs of older family and requirements. Would definitely return.

the food was good and the staff were very helpful and polite and friendly great service the soup was very delicious and the main course was very excellent as well we both enjoyed it

On the downside the restaurant was not busy and had 3 members of staff working. The service was very slow. One member of staff was attentive but who we had to keep on reminding to attend to a few if our requests. The other two...

We went for a dog walk around Knutsford and often have Sunday lunch at different pubs, that are dog friendly in the area. The pub is welcoming as are the staff and it is the best Sunday lunch we have had in a long time....

Delicious food, good portion’s & friendly service My husband says the Steak & Ale pie is the best he has had & with the most meat in it. I had the cheese & onion pie which is really good & the offered baked beans as...

Went over Christmas and had the festive menu. The glazed ham was delicious. We then decided to go back and try the pie as we had seen people ordering it and it looked amazing. We were not disappointed, it was definitely the best pub pie...

After an unpleasant experience at the Golden Pheasant we called here What a difference a warm welcome only one table available but told if another table available we could change to be nearer the fire as we were cold It proved unnecessary Both the food...

We recently visited this Robinsons pub restaurant with friends for dinner. Perhaps we should have been alarmed by the almost empty car park on a Saturday evening....This is a lovely old pub which the sign outside says has been serving people since the time of...

Been several times before so did not need to check reviews we thought,however,place was empty on a Saturday night,service was not great,had to go the bar to order our food after waiting 10 mins for waitress to come to us which she did not ....

Called for food this week. Ordered drink they arrived with menus. We then (after we have the drinks) ordered food, to find 50 % yes 50% of the mains were not available! As there wasn’t time to go elsewhere, we ordered. Food arrived without cutlery....

Called in for Sunday lunch as not been since it was renovated. Advised fully booked and could only fit us in the bar (was far from full). We’re seated and 10 mins later asked for drinks order. After a very long wait had to ask...

Food was amazing as usual lovely place to eat 😊 We have been eating there a lot lately & never been disappointed Starters Mains & Desserts all perfect 😊

Lovely surroundings, comfortable seating. As there were eight of us we sat at a long table in a side room, seemed a bit like a naval officers wardroom. Top quality timber throughout. Cosy open fire in the main bar/dining area. Staff very welcoming and helpful....

First time visit and wont be the last. In all honesty iy looks a bit plain from the outside, but inside is anything but. We had the Gammon £13. great value and first class food.

Dined at this pub many times over the years. The service, value and quality are first class. Good British grub and excellent Robinson's beers. Totally recommend.

Called in quite late on Sunday 28th Aug on the off-chance for a couple of Sunday dinners. Hadn't booked but not a problem. Had soup and a warm roll for starter, absolutely delicious. Ordered some drinks which were brought very promptly. First impression was that...

Went for a family lunch today. We've not been since pre-covid times and it didn't let us down. For a start when we booked, we were asked if we could come half an hour later as they'd be quite busy at our original time -...

Tough vegetables served with meal. I persevered (perhaps shouldn't have) and highlighted to two members of staff after they asked if everything was ok at the end of the meal. They said they would feedback to the chef / apologised for the problem but it...

Lovely Saturday lunch and the now re-opened Smoker. Duck breast for both us was cooked perfectly. Nice with a pint of Dizzy Blond. Whilst on the A556 we sat in the garden and you wouldn’t know the road was there!

The 2 female staff are extremely rude. If customer service is an important part of your dining experience I would not recommend eating here.

A friend and i visited The Smoker where i had worked in the 80's and my ex between 2002 -2010. We were greeted by Joe at the door and it turned out that his mum had worked there when i did. The drinks were served...

The first experience of the Smoker pub was a all round fantastic evening, Brilliant service with friendly staff and amazing food. Definitely will be returning in the near future.

Excellent staff and really tasty food at a reasonable price. Would definitely visit again. Nice sized menu with a lot to choose from. Very clean and inviting

Stopped for an evening meal 4/5/22 here the food was great, staff attentive and helpful. My wife had the Duck, l had the BEST.. Steak and ale pie....l also got the best "afters"...Sticky toffee b pudding!!!!! ,Well done Smoker

We had heard that this historic pub had changed hands and had recently undergone a major refurbishment. We had a most delightful mid week lunch and were pleasantly surprised not only by the interior appointnents but by the excellent and varied menu, superb choice of...

"Considering that the food is cooked to order" don't know why my food was lukewarm! Onion rings were very greasy the dish was full of oil.... yes i know they are deep fried but should let the oil drain first. Drinks very expensive. Plus side...

The food was really good. I had roast chicken stuffed with mushrooms and my husband had the steak and ale pie and chips. Both tasty and good sized portions. The chicken was tender and succulent and the potatoes were great. Service was prompt and efficient...

Went with friends for birthday lunch, it has only just re-opened so we thought we'd give it a try. Decor is lovely, very welcoming, roaring fires which were lit as it was quite chilly outside. which added to the general warmth and atmosphere. Staff excellent,...

We went today for a family birthday, 6 adults and 2 children, we all had a fab meal infact one of our best! Food was fresh and hot! Service on the table could have been quicker but wouldn't say spoilt our visit. The pub is...

The food was outstanding however the service was the worst I’ve ever experienced. Drinks took for ever to arrive, food arrived and I had to get up to request salt & pepper, then no one returned to ask if everything was ok. Went to the...

Visited with friends for lunch and we all absolutely loved it, so cosy with the fire lit, the staff where really friendly and the food was amazing. Will be back soon.

Great pub servicing great quality food. Was really impressed with the dishes we had. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Definitely recommended.

The smoker Inn has had a revamp and its excellent food,wonderful staff great. Julie the manager made us feel so welcome. this is one place I will definitely be going back too

The meal we had tonite was lovely the chips to die for steak cooked beautifully pub lovely and staff so lovely and friendly would well reccomend I will deffo be visiting again u would not be disapionted❤

We visited The Smoker Inn for the Sunday roast. We called to book on the day and were able to be seated 30 mins later. The lady who took our booking was quite offish over the phone but we just presumed that she may be...

We used to frequent The Smoker until it closed down last year. Now, under new management, things are however rather disappointing. We've been back twice since its reopening and on both occasions the food was not great, ranging from dry burgers and overcooked steak, to...

Lovely, relaxed and cosy setting and the best Thai green curry I have ever had. Two visits and two curries (one chicken and one tofu), both exceptionally good. Highly recommended 😊

Visited the Smoker today and the service and food was excellent. Best roast I have had in a long time. Will definatley be back!

Ordered grilled gammon, egg, pineapple and chips. The gammon was as tough as old shoe leather and the egg was burnt around the edges. The service and attitude of the staff left a lot to be desired. Will not be visiting again!

After a very difficult 18 months for all it was great to finally get back to some kind of normality. Going out to have a nice meal with family just great. The first person to to greet us was Emily who dealt with are needs...

Family meal last night , service was slow even thou it was not busy, waitresses no people skills, over priced tough steak with a sauce which had no flavour at all , Childrens pizza had to be sent back as under cooked and cold ,...

Tried the gammon, good choice, presentation on the plate was excellent, see photo. Fresh pineapple nice touch ( not tinned) good craft beers, whole ambiance was lovely and will return soon.

I popped in for a quick pint by myself quite late on Wednesday evening. I was served by a lovely lady called Mica and I wasn’t made to feel like I was a bother and she was very lovely and chatty. Will defo be back...

Served by a really hard working young lady called Emily and the food was great, would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn’t been before

Went last night for a meal before going to the cinema. Menu only offered one dish gluten free.no other indication of gluten free options on any other course so asked the waitress who had to go back 4/5 times to see if i could have...

Came with a friend and had a amazing time! The food was great and the service was quick. The deputy manger was so friendly and made sure everything was up to standard. The portions were a decent size as well as the drinks. Will definitely...

First time visit for lunch. Driven past this place hundreds of times thinking that it was rough. How wrong I was. Completely the opposite. Ticks every box. Great menu, food, value and service. The internals are probably the nicest around, and there’s plenty of competition....

I cannot fault this place and can’t recommend it enough. It was clean with quick service and lovely, friendly staff. Saturday late lunch with the hubby and the teenage, after a long trawl around the antiques fair. We were tired, thirsty and hungry. Reading the...

We had the homemade beef and ale pie with homemade chips, it was the finest pie we have tasted and the chips where really great also . The staff Mica & Chris are fantastic, superb service, friendly polite. A Big thanks to Mica & Chris...

I chose the Wexford Steak with all the trimmings, swapping my double cooked chips for a jacket potato - which was no trouble. I really enjoyed my Wexford Steak, which was cooked, to perfection, Medium, as requested. I fully recommend the Wexford Steak and The...

Three of us booked lunch today - all very Covid safe and we had a lovely table. The food was excellent and the service superb. Highly recommend the pies and the mixed grill. Special thanks to Gareth and the friendly young woman who served us...

Visited with three friends on Wednesday lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Excellent value food and very tasty. Need biscuits with the coffee! Thanks Sue and Chris for making our visit special, we will be back.

Visited the smoker yesterday with my family my auntie included who recommended it as she goes a lot.The decor is lovely and the place very clean.The food absolutely gorgeous and reasonably priced.We had the steak baguette the tuna baguette fish and chip and gammon.Everything was...

Dropped by for Sunday Roast with my 2 daughters, the place is delightful friendly and food was restaurant style, roast had all all the trimmings sweet red cabbage and cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings, roast and mash potato, all home made. Much nicer than golden pheasant...

We went here yesterday for a quiet meal to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Perfect social distancing, hygiene, signing in on entry. I felt very secure and relaxed about eating out. Friendly, attentive staff. We shared a fish sharing platter, which was amazing. So much choice...

Lovely three course meal enjoyed by myself and my parents. We had the fish sharing board to start between two of us. Beautifully presented with dips and garnishes, more than enough for two people. My dad had the Scotch egg to start which was perfectly...

Had an amazing meal. The food was Lovely excellent portion sizes. The staff where very kind and helpful. Would definitely go again.

Great service, amazing food, great portion size and a lovely atmosphere. 10/10. Will definitely be returning again.

After winning the fish and chips meal at christmas, due to covid, it has only just been possible to partake in this lovely prize. Well worth waiting for, fish was huge (thought it might be whale) lovely and white with beer batter. Lovely seating area...

Visited recently for lunch mid week. Service was fine but the food left a lot to be desired. The baked potato looked and tasted as though it had been reheated several times. It was a strange colour and the skin was floppy. The salads didn’t...

I visited in May when it was just reopened and on a limited menu. The food was just as good as I remember, the service was great. You must try the chefs home made cheese and onion pie! Was so good the chef gave us...

Great visit. Lunch with family in a lovely relaxing environment. Food was excellent. Great quality and value. Service from Mica and Gareth was outstanding. Highly recommended.

We where served by Mica and Gareth Food was lovely, I had the seafood mixed grill off the specials and my husband had the mixed grill We felt very safe and very special with such a lovely place and lovely food We visited at 2...

First visit to this pub and we will definitely visit again. We were visiting family in the area and they booked a table at this amazing venue. When we arrived we were advised of a reduced menu due to reopening this week and I must...

We visited the Smoker Inn on 25th April around 2pm. There was 4 adults and 2 kids with us. Arrived having only decided last minute to attend. Fab service, great portion size, very Covid friendly, delicious food, good menu choice and the price was great....

Food was absolutely delicious!!! I had the vegan Sweet Potato, Cashew & Apricot Tart served with roast potatoes & seasonal vegetables. It was cooked fresh & served piping hot, which isn’t often when you order a vegan dish. Staff were warm, friendly and helpful. Will...