The Swettenham Arms in Cheshire East

Lovely pub but service was very poor. We were eventually seated and after 30 minutes we had to find someone to take our order. I could only presume the staff were more invested in the wedding going on rather than the paying customers. Food was tasty but served luke warm. No one asked for if we'd like condiments or water for the table and no one checked on our table until we had finished. Attention to detail is lacking.

We had our wedding reception at the Swettenham Arms on 30th August and the team delivered the perfect day for us. Steph was a brilliant events manager, who was easy to communicate with and said yes to everything we asked. Phil had taken over as general manager just two days before but you wouldn't know it - he was really organised, helpful and proactive. Glen and Alex were also brilliant at helping set the room up and making sure everything went smoothly, along with the bar and waiting staff. Some of our guests said it was the best wedding food they'd ever had! Thank you to everyone who made it so special for us and our guests.

I feel a bit strange writing this review, we have visited the pub several times since we moved to the area & have posted a couple of really positive reviews, however on this occasion it was a disaster. We decided to walk up & have lunch, ordered drinks at the bar & picked up some menus, returned back to the bar to order, no fish, no problem changed one to a chicken salad, another round of drinks all good up to now, an hour later still no food, went back to the bar to enquire, shockingly they said there was no chicken for the salad & our order just sat there, nobody bothered to come and let us know! Changed it to a chicken burger, 30 minutes late lunch arrived in dribs & drabs, they still couldn't manage to serve 6 lunches at the same time. Always enjoyed Robinson's in the past & happy to support a local business but this was a terrible experience & needs sorting out.

The pub is lovely but the food is really disappointing. The quality average, lacking flavour and over cooked. The outside area needs patio heaters. Good range of beers prices average. Menu is quite limited if you don’t eat meat.

Friendly bar staff but wait for food was over an hour and it was only when we asked what was taking so long that we were told they had run out chicken breast for the salad but didn't think to tell us! We had family visiting from Devon and were very embarrassed by such poor service.

Beautiful looking pub but sadly let down by the service. Maybe they are short staffed? We asked to sit at a table in the bar which hadn't been cleared. The waiter removed the crockery but didn't bother to wipe the table or restock the basket of cutlery, serviettes etc. We waited 45 minutes for 2 fishfinger sandwiches which were not worthy of £14 each. The tepid tomato soup that accompanied it tasted tinned with some basil thrown in and a swirl of oil to garnish. Very disappointed. This was a treat for my husband's birthday. Not rushing to return.

We were there this week in The Lovell Suite at a family funeral, for about 60 people. after going to this pub for over 50 years we were so disappointed how much it had deteriorated. There were no toilet rolls in the ladies, there was tea & coffee available but we had to ask for milk & sugar, while the food was fine there were no serviettes on the table & had to be asked for. There was a small bar in the room which only sold minimal drinks so we had to go to the main bar to fetch them. The bar itself I couldn’t believe , the beautiful copper top which the previous owners used to keep beautifully polished look looked like it had been wiped with a dirty mop. They had stopped serving Guinness but there was a substitute which was nothing like it. This country pub had a reputation for being one of the best in the area has really let itself down in my opinion, such a shame.

A massive thank you to Steph and the team at The Swettenham Arms who helped with accomodating our daughter's first birthday party. The room layout and food presentation was perfect, Steph was great with communicating with us in the run up to the event and very supportive with buffet menu changes and late change of guest numbers. Thank you again Looking forward to visiting again soon

From our initial enquiry to the actual event on the day ,Steph the events manager ensured that all our wishes were catered for. Her fast response to email queries and her experience, suggestions and flexibility enabled us to plan a 90 th birthday celebration for our dear Mum. The event was for 40 family members. The room looked beautiful and Steph and her team worked hard on the day and nothing was too much trouble. Many thanks Steph and the team for a fabulous celebration. Kind regards Paula Mostyn

Lavender field closed -not on the website Light lunches on the weekend website but not at the weekend on arrival Service appalling Waited an hour for food Total disappointment

The last time we visited The Swettenham Arms was about 20 years and, despite it being highly recommended, we didn't see what was so special about it. The pub has now been taken over by Robinsons and most of the recents negative reviews seem to be from people claiming that it is not like it used to be. Personally, I'm quite glad about that. We booked a table in the dog friendly area and our two labs settled under the table. The young staff were friendly and attentive, even when I complianed about the "slimline" tonic. More on that later. The food was perfectly decent and at £46 for two people to have a two course meal with drinks, I feel the price is reasonable. Whilst we were there a couple came in with their enormous Great Dane which caused much amusement, and excitement from my labs. Overall, my experience was much better than my last visit and I'd happily recommend it. The only negative thing I have is the abscence of any sugar free tonic. This is probably Robinsons policy rather than any decision by the staff but I find it suprising that they take such care to cater for people with alergies on their food menu but don't make any concession to diabetics on the drinks menu. Fevertree "light and refreshing" was served to us when we requested slimline, but it is packed with sugar. Just see diabetes.uk to see what people have to say about this product. The only alternative that we were offered was diet coke. Robinsons - please review this policy.

Recently moved to the area, went for dinner with some friend's and Betty our six month old blue Staffy. The pub has been refurbished really well, great selection of beers, found a table and ordered food from the bar, the food came in about 20 minutes, it was really good as were the staff. Really nice evening and can't wait to go back.

Lovely pub. But won’t be going again. I don’t mind dogs in a pub but I DO OBJECT to them being allowed to sit on the furniture. We were going to eat but the fact that a dog was allowed to sit at a table completely put me off. I do not go out for a drink to sit on a seat that a dog has been sitting on.

Visited with friends, great pub and very welcoming and well presented. The team are attentive and provided great service. The food was hot and well presented and the menu was varied and offered a great selection of fresh home cooked dishes. Will visit again soon in the near future.

Swettenham Arms. A picturesque Ken-ub (Kennel-come-pub) in Cheshire. Plenty of parking space and fab for sitting outside on a sunny day. If you like the kennel/pub combo then this is for you.... everybody and their dog and the usual anti-social dog behaviour along with owners feeding dogs from tables and owners who think we all love their dogs. Food was fine, as were the drinks and staff. It was 'ok' overall.

Lovely food and ambience plus dog friendly. The waitress was very cheerful and pleasant which makes all the difference! The only negatives: ( would have been 5 stars otherwise) Took a long time for the food to arrive. The fire was lit in the dog friendly area making it too hot for the dog (our reserved table was located in front of the fire!) and making my daughter feel faint. Bearable once the windows and door were opened to let air through. The crumble was stodgy and undercooked although the fruit was nice - not worth £7.50 I should have complained

Last week we held our Goostrey Probus annual dinner at the Swettenham Arms with nearly 40 people attending. Having worked with the events team and planned the event for some time we were able to select our meals from a choice of three or four starters, mains and desserts plus tea and coffee. We pre-selected our menus, provided a table and seating plan and everything went according to plan and bang on time. The Lovell Suite, (which has been extensively redecorated), looked brilliant and the tables were beautifully laid out. We also had use of the private bar facilities in the room. The food and service were excellent and we would certainly recommend this venue for such events. We were brilliantly looked after by the Events team, led by Jodie. Thanks for making this a great success and see you again in the future.

Just 2 of us, both gluten and dairy free. Had a choice of seating, had booked Tuesday so quiet. Tomato soup excellent with crusty, gluten free bread. Main course slow cooked roast beef with lots of vegetables. Beautiful, meat so tender. Couldn't manage a dessert. Excellent service dietary problems were sorted. Would recommend.

Robinson’s, you have a beautiful great pub used by all the locals and this week you have put some horrendous relief manageress on. A business is not a business without good people and the staff are the heart and sole of a pub. This is so bad all the locals have decided to start using the Space Invador until you can bring back your good people. Also just to note, the food is bang average and for what you charge there are way better options about. Get a grip.

Table was booked for two and on arrival, there is no reception, a long queue at the bar, only one young lady was serving the drinks. Went to second room and approached a waitress, again she was the only one serving the entire restaurant. Good heaven, we got table but it was difficult to pass through the chairs, so congested. Placed order, beef brisket was really tasty but side chips served were left over broken crisps like. Service was pathetic, because there was only young waitress, customers were raising their hands including us to get her attention. We can’t believe how the owner runs big restaurant with two young staffs, one for drinks behind bar and one for serving food. We don’t think it deserves more than two stars that goes to Chef for lovely and delicious food.

lovely food great service ate after new year lovely to get out after being in over xmas really lovely setting and great helpful staff

Booked here for Xmas Day in the restaurant we were seated near the toilets so not great! But we didn’t complain. The starter was very nice I had soup but other starters were tiny portions the main tasted like catering food, turkey and veg all tasteless gravy like instant powdered, the Xmas pudding and sticky toffee were also tiny catering portions, cheese and biscuits were good though for what we paid was very disappointing. The Service was good even so wouldn’t go again.

First time we have been there, sat down ordered drinks had starters still no drinks Ordered chicken supreme got a chicken breast with gravy not great Ordered coffees 35 mins later left without them It was busy but not rammed didn’t enjoy the experience won’t be going again

Lovely meal for Christmas meet up, festive menu was amazing, everyone enjoyed their food. Lovely decor and setting. Walk before with the dogs definitely going back in the warmer months the trees in blossom will be beautiful

Breakfast with Santa 2023 was really lovely. So much effort by the staff for the kids. Lovely arrival of Santa in horse drawn carriage with all kids watching outside. Breakfast then a meeting with Santa who gave kids a gift and lovely cone of sweets. Plenty of time for photos with whole family and Santa and kids. Lovely experience. Thanks to all the staff dressed as elves. Wonderful.

Dropped in for a coffee today and received a lovely welcome from Holly. Nothing was too much trouble and even though we arrived before official opening time she made us a coffee and brought it to our table. We will definitely be returning for a family meal based on our experience and the reception we received today.

Food was great, but completely destroyed by the extremely low ambient temperature, mentioned 3 times to staff “heatings on full” but all the radiators cold, other party’s also complained, if this how Robinson treat there lunch time customers won’t be returning any time soon in winter periods.

As always fabulous meal - I wanted to walk to the pub with my partner- so called ahead to book a table (ideally by the fire ) .. totally no problem - place reserved .. a very warm welcome by all the staff .. and a great winters day/night enjoy .. so love this pub and all the staff !! Just don’t go as it’s mine ;-)

Lovely cosy place for Sunday lunch, busy, great ambience and top service and no waiting as booked. The vegan roast is amazing and best i have ever had (ask for extra gravy !) Highly recommend and lovely in the week too !

Holly was friendly, warm, caring and quick. She was very engaging and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend.

Celebrated a friend's 60th birthday with lunch. Dining room was beautifully styled, with an original inglenook fireplace and lovely atmosphere. Mains were fabulous - between us we ordered beef brisket, beef & ale pie, and veggie burger. 3 of us finished with meringue & forest...

Lovely country pub/restaurant, very friendly staff, excellent food, very clean. Always visit when we are over from Lincolnshire visiting family. Also been to several events in their beautiful function room

Excellent fish and chips and staff outstanding- reasonably priced food £9 Wednesday fish and chips dog friendly . Beautiful surroundings - stunning gardens and woodland walk - a hidden gem .

A beautiful pub, in an idyllic location, what more can you wish for. Friendly & helpful staff & a special mention to Tracy serving front of house, professional & enthusiastic.

Our fourth time dining here in the past year, usually a wonderful meal and good service, today was dire in comparison to past experiences. The service was incredibly poor and the quality of food and portion sizes were extremely bad in relation to previous times....

Lovely food served here for our local pub I wish other local establishments could follow how these run there business! friendly staff and always have a good night and enjoy great quality meals highly reccomend

It saddens me to write this review, we used to regularly visit this establishment but this was our first visit back for a while. It all went wrong from the beginning, we arrived for our booking and stood waiting close to the door to find...

We drove from Newcastle-under-Lyme as we wanted a nice country pub, found The Swettenham Arms on Google and I'm so glad we did, the service was tip top, the food was unreal, I love a traditional Sunday roast and this was that and more. I...

We were booked into the Swettenham Arms with a group of around 20+ other people for Sunday lunch in early November. We had been asked to make full payment a number of weeks before the booking. Unfortunately a few days before the booking myself and...

Staff are brilliant and will go above expectations, great food and a great choice of drinks. Highly recommended

So we recently had a poor experience whilst visiting for lunch with friends. I raised my concerns with Eric Howe the manager. He took on board the issues that we had encountered and asked if we would give them another try. So we did. It...

Amazing food, amazing staff been here several times over the years. Warm open feeling with so much charecter and charm.

Lovely country pub. Sat outside as the weather was beautiful. Unfortunately our chicken wasn’t up to the usual standard, it was tough and chewy. We told the waiter who apologised but that was it. Also the plates were ridiculously small! Disappointing visit today.

First time I have been and it'd a beautiful environment. It was lovely and sunny so we sat outside. The menu is really varied and interesting so it was hard to choose, I went for the chicken, it was the best meal I've had out...

Oddly Off-putting is how I'd describe the Swettenham Arms. The atmosphere was really nice and it suited the style of the local village, however some of the staff (I don't know if they were new) seemed really off-putting to me. I went up to the...

Had not visited the Swettenham Arms for sometime but had good memories of our past dining experience. Tonight however our high opinion of this venue was shattered when despite assurances that the food we had been served was gluten free it clearly was not. We...

Food not as good as it used to be. Dessert was barely warm asked for it to be heated but was returned after having to ask where it was, same temperature but hotter custard. Not impressed with response, very underwhelming experience 😞

This is a lovely venue let down by complacency and arrogance and substandard quality for the price (lunch was not cheap) I had sea bass with prawns - I was told they had taken the prawns off because they wanted to be certain I wasn’t...

Restaurant deafeningly noisy so had to transfer to bar area. Sea bass more like a starter than a main course

Called in for lunch but found the choice of sandwiches was very disappointing.Humus with red peppers not good and served on dry bread! Nice glass of cider and out door excellent but your food offering needs updating and improving ( like it used to be)

Sat outside, the sun was shining . Lovely place to just relax and enjoy lovely food and drinks . Would recommend, also super dog friendly

Went for Sunday lunch with friends. Great location. Good food, Good service. Would recommend. Bar, restaurant and outdoor areas all nice

An excellent meal spent in welcoming and attractive surroundings. Our waitress, Emma was helpful and accommodating. Service was professional and prompt. Would definitely recommend the steak, both sirloin and rump were absolutely delicious. The Swettenham Arms is a great place to have dinner. Quick mention:...

Very polite on arrival. Table ready as booked. Excellent choice on the menu and food and service superb We will return

We met for a family gathering six people. We had a fantastic greeting and when booking in Anne was brilliant. Superb service friendly and welcoming. The Food was fantastic. Great meals and six empty plates! We had a great choice from the large menu and...

Came for snack Sunday lunch outside. Chose tempura prawns (a starter but ate as a main) & fish & chips. Prawns were described as in seven spices but tbh they were just tempura prawns. Supposed to be with an Asian salad but came with 3...

We were celebrating a family event with 18 people, for a Saturday lunch. Lovely venue and everyone enjoyed it. We had pre-ordered the food, through Jody, as we were a large party and it was all fine. Family feedback on the lunch was very positive!...

I am a local, Eric and the staff are great, just what Swettenham needed. Have no hesitation, the food is lovely. and not expensive. A beautiful area. Adrian.

So after seeing a video on social media of the rump steak with blue cheese sauce we couldn’t resist going tonight! Having not been for 15 years or so it was lovely to sit in a pub/restaurant with welcoming staff, great choice and family friendly....

This is a great pub in a fantastic location , and a firm favourite to meet friends . Under new management can someone have a quiet word with the chef …..really …..how many things can you get wrong in a sandwich , well …..dry over...

Son had the burger which was great. Wife is vegetarian and not a great choice so went with Houmas and red pepper sandwich. Was basically a houmas sandwich. Daughter had club sandwich. Should be called a mayonnaise sandwich. Oozed with the stuff. Hardly any chicken....

The Swettenham Arms had been a regular go to pub, mainly just for beverages, after walking there from Brereton. I was disappointed to hear that the pub had been taken over by Robinson's, but thought that it was perhaps worth a visit. I only wish...

I came here with a lovely friend of mine in May 2023. We had a great walk with the dogs first and then an excellent meal together with great service and great food. Thank you.

First visit since re-vamp. The setting for this pub couldn't be better, lovely both inside and out. On a very sunny lunchtime we sat outside on the patio at the front, with the new garden furniture looking impressive, and very nice it was to. Lager,...

We went here for a Celebration of Life event & Jody & her team did a brilliant job for our family from start to finish! The Swettenham Arms & its setting is so special, with its lavender gardens & beautiful countryside … We understand from...

My husband and I came to the Swettenham arms for a classic car meet. Obviously when we were arrived it was extremely busy but that didn’t stop the staff serving very efficiently. The food was absolutely beautiful staff friendly and very attentive. Such a lovely...

Excellent bar, good choice of high quality food, attentive service and all in an amazing location. We have been a few times now. The lanes can be confusing: use the sat nav !

I can not praise this wonderful pub enough. It’s in an idyllic setting with gorgeous surroundings. The staff were so accommodating and could not do enough for us. Sending a bit shout out to Ann who went over and above. It was the first trip...

.We cycled here as there was a motorcycle meet on. Great food and drink. Made to feel really welcome by Charlotte. We’d like to make a suggestion for a bi-annual VW camper stay over (have to buy a meal) as this is the perfect place...

Service slow and there did not appear to be enough staff serving waited over an hour for food to be served. No one checked to see if we were happy with the meal. One meal portion was small & not as stated! Items not available...

Heard that Robinson had finished the referb and they have had a new head chef so we thought we would venture out on Friday the 2nd for lunch I had a sea bass and it was cooked to perfection skin was crispy and the meat...

First visit after recent refurbishment having visited many times in the past. Refurbishment is great (& needed) but revised limited menu is poor. Doesn’t cater for the light lunch crew as the previous did. Will not rush to return …

Back after over 50 years and wasn't disappointed. Exceptionally busy but eventually found a table out front. Was told that there'd be a delay with the food due to high demand but it arrived in an acceptable time considering the amount of food being prepared....

Disappointed. Visited with 3 other friends, we all live on the same lane in Congleton, ladies between 59 and 82, and were excited to visit the revamped iconic pub and restaurant following Robinsons's takeover. Very similar look inside, outside has been upgraded whilst holding on...

I have visited Swettenham Arms regularly for over 40 years and had many great meals and experiences. We had a good evening and a pleasant meal - very good quality if not the heartiest meal I have ever had and can not believe the calorie...

We had a delicious and very leisurely early supper at The Swettenham Arms this weekend. Highlights included the Crab Crostini and Tempura Prawns from the starters and the Steak Salad and Seabass from the mains. We were a large multi-generational group and we’re looking forward...

A fantastic location for just about everything! Great staff, great food and a brilliant overall experience. We’ll be back for sure!

We were a large party of 24 people, booking at short notice for a busy bank holiday. Although my emails initially went to your junk mail and I was told on the phone that we couldn’t be accommodated, I did then receive a warm reply...

We’re so glad the Swettenham is back!! And wow is it better, what a brilliant job done by the team. Food was the best it’s ever been, service better again still. Why would you go anywhere else!!

This pub is on our doorstep having just moved into the area We have been waiting for it to reopen !!! After our first visit we have booked again to take our family

Idyllic location but … Location: There is very little wrong with the location and the building/interior feel is just the same after the revamp New Road: the new Congleton bypass makes it easier to get to from Cheshire Walking: The Lovell gardens next door has...

Lovely refurb x staff friendly x food gorg well worth a trip out ! Menu extensive will be back ! Function room amazing x Emma and hope lovely x

Absolutely great meal. Been before refurb but tonight was exceptional. Refurb is great. tasteful but not taken the atmosphere away. Service was brilliant . Special mention for Emma . Very effiicient and relaxed . Would definately recommend. A step up from normal pub meal somewhere...

Always a favourite of mine. Great place for an evening meal or a coffee and a snack after a local walk.

Just been to the swettenham arms for a complementary meal as guests of Lucas Dale the refurbishment is absolutely stunning the food was to die for the staff were very welcoming and attentive thankyou to everyone involved for a truly amazing experience

We booked a couple of months ago for New Years Day lunch and then when we arrived found our table was not in the Restaurant but in a corner room with no heating. Only 2 people serving which meant trying to speak to anyone was...

At a busy time of year you think they would put on more staff. Two girls worked hard to keep up but service was slow. We ordered our meals and patiently waited. Eventually enough was enough and I went and enquired when our meals were...

We visited the Swettenham Arms today for lunch taking our dog with us. The food was excellent as always. It was extremely busy, the weather was good and there were many walkers, cyclists and other casual visitors. Luckily we had pre booked. There were only...

Technically not true - just that they would not sell us their beer. Having walked a mile and a half we called in at 3.40pm for a drink with 6 people. Four others at the bar told us that it had been closed for 10...

Simple review. Just enjoyed a fantastic Christmas Day at this pub. The food was very well cooked and fantastic quality. We had a large table and yet there were no problems; everyone happy. The staff were brilliant. We will be back.

What a great disappointment. Local and visit often. Recently it’s been a good experience. However last nights food was shockingly bad and service was poor too. The place was empty. Two staff on the bar /service! Soup was served at scolding temperature and we both...

Fantastic evening and perfect venue for a special family party. Staff were attentive and the meals were delicious. Made to feel very welcome; went above and beyond to ensure all ran smoothly.

Had no food so cannot comment have a flat pint of blonde and the blonde 👱‍♀️ that served was as flat as the beer place lookt dirty and old ask are you still doing food answer …. Ye One hi guys are you eating with...

Been here before but first on a Sunday. If coming for food, make sure you book a couple of days ahead as it gets busy. Nice choice on light bites menu with great prawn sandwich. Salad and chips accompanying the meal were nice could have...

We called in for coffee in middle of the afternoon last week, very quiet so not busy. As we entered no greeting or smile in fact the woman who served us looked as it we were a nuisance. We ordered hot drinks, no interaction or...

I wanted to make an impromptu trip over the weekend so I check it’s website. When I saw the reservation is full I thought I could call the restaurant to check if we can walk in or there’s a waiting list…. Im pretty sure the...

Arrived just after 11, enjoyed a cup of coffee in a comfortable bar, asked for the lunch menu, told no food until 12.30. Went for a walk around the adjacent Arboretum. Returned just after 1 pm, told no food for an hour. Left the pub,...

My parents called today for a passing by drink .. They only stayed for one because there prices were ridiculous, one pint & a glass of wine £15.35 ... REALLY I understand that things of late are crazy with things going up but that's just...

I rang up the Swettenham arms before hand to ask about reserving a table outside as two members of our group are still vulnerable but looking forwatd to a first outdoor meal at a pub after over 2 years, only to be told no we...

As we arrived to the pub for the first time we were so excited to see it had a lovely garden to sit out in. We went into the bar to order, waited just under an hour for the food and 2/3 meals were ok....