The White Lion Inn in Cheshire East

It's not often you find somewhere like The White Lion, that seems to have everything you want in a pub: Friendly staff Good choice of beers Delicious, reasonably-priced food Unspoiled by refurbishments of dubious merit I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and I wish I lived nearer and could go there more often.

Great ambience, food excellent as was service. Meeting friends and parking east. Dog friendly what top stuff. Cannot recommend it enough

Best homemade vegetable soup I ever had followed by excellent roast beef lunch and all the trimmings. Vegetarian friends raved over the vegetable bake. Great waitress and barman. Olde worlde village pub. Buckets of ambience and exposed beams, run by local husband & wife. Dog friendly. Tables inside & out. Car parking. 5 minutes drive from M6 junction 16 yet felt like the middle of the countryside. Highly recommended.

Casual trip literally had a pint of shandy used to go in all the time but not been as much as I don't drive

This Place used to be amazing & food was good, This time wasn’t to be, staff don’t look interested, the member of staff they had serving looked about as interested as the girl behind the Bar!!! Portions on food are like what you would give a child & They charge you a fortune for it, no receipt as well so they could charge anything, Not much idea realy by the staff, I won’t Rush Back!!!!!! Complete waste of my time & Money !!!!!! & don’t even no there own menu specially desert it’s on the board with one & the other don’t no what deserts they have 🤦Gr8 Staff That. Dont waste your time or money, with this place!!! Terrible 🤢 Show less

If you are looking for character in spades, friendly service and history in one hit, then look no further. Paul and Lisa have recently taken over the White Lion and it really is excellent. They have just started serving food and the simple menu is excellent. Quality home cooking. Good beer and wine and great company really do make this a very special place. Could not recommend it more.

The food was lovely, my partner and I had checked out local menus and decided this was the best vegetarian option for Sunday lunch. Lovely olde world restaurant and atmosphere ruined instantly by 'welcoming reception ' chap who was quite rude and stroppy. Difficult to get past that when you're out for a rare treat. Disappointing. Don't think I'd go back even though the rest of the staff were lovely.

17th Century Inn with good food , pleasant staff , log fires , decent Beer and a Mummified Rat , what's not to like ! Book as it gets busy especially on Sundays when you do get the locals in trying to look like Clarkson in Barbours and Wellies [ and that's just the girls ] knocking back the G + T's and hogging the Bar . This matters not a jot as they are generally pretty tame and friendly imbibing the pub with a good atmosphere and vibe which is also down to hundreds of years of hunger satisfied and inebriation fulfilled within its walls . Recommended . Note to owners - just one thing , please kindly up the amount / size of roasties on the Sunday Lunch , this won't cost you much but will be greatly appreciated by the greedier of your customers !

Good place for lunch, but nowhere near as good as it was a couple of years ago. I did call in about two months ago and I left all the chips as they were totally burnt. Told the bar staff and not even an apology. I called again as I love this pub and used to live near by. The food was good in fairness but nowhere near as good as the previous standard. Also it was very quiet. You can’t blame covid now!! I have a pub and restaurant and we are far busier than pre covid. Would I go again. Yes. I gave it a 4 because it is probably the best place in that area for a quick lunch but I ‘m sure it could be even better.

A really enjoyable experience, lovely old pub, good beer, great food, friendly staff. This place is worth going out of your way to visit.

Great food and service with a smile. Made to feel really welcome. Note that dogs are allowed, but this just added to the ambiance of this character pub.

Faultless. Husband had the lamb & I had the Cod Loin with mussels & sapphire. Best meal out in a long time. Reasonably priced too.

Came here for lunch today as a party of four and as a reunion with my brother who I haven't seen since pre-pandemic and left very happy. Whilst many pubs have gone down the "Gastropub" route (a term I hate btw) the White Lion has retained its essential charm as a typical English pub with a menu which reflects its market position. Great beer served at the right temperature and my fish and chips was very good. Real fried potato chips rather than the skinny fries you sometimes get offered, or those with a crisp outside but nothing in the middle , and the fish was nicely coated in a thin crispy batter and the fish was very soft and tasty. I couldn't fault it. I did want to order a steak and Guinness pie until I was told it was one of those in a dish with a pastry lid - not a real pie in my view. All in all a good experience and one which I am likely to repeat.

We can't wait for Saturdays to come.Our favourite place for quality home cooked food..Everything served is lovingly prepared. Always a warm welcome and a roaring fire.A little place full of charm untouched by modern day life.

This is an unspoiled country pub which serves good quality pub food. If you are on or close to the A500 / M6 and want a break, look no further. The young lady behind the bar at lunchtime (Friday) was so helpful. She is a credit to the pub. The chef also deserves praise. Try their mussels or their fish and chips. You won't be disappointed. The big pub chains would do so much better if they were to look at - and mirror - the quality of service which the White Lion at Barthomley delivers.

This is a fantastic Olde English pub ftom the 1600s with a thatched roof, which has its original interior from the 1600s, which is wonderful, as not many buildings of thus age tend to retain their original infrastructure . The staff are warm, friendly and...

I've been here several times, but revisiting with friends in the Covid situation was different. All dining outside. They have made the best of their space. One way system and good social distancing. The menu was the same, with plenty of choice. Waitress service was...

Excellent stop for lunch just off the M6. Great for dogs, amazing range of beers and good food. Also a really great welcome

This was suggested on the Driving with Dogs website. We found a great walk for our dog opposite the pub and circled back for lunch. The pub was well set up for covid with a one way system and tables spread apart. The staff were...

We visit this pub quite often, whether it’s for a meal or just a quick drink. We’ve also taken part in the pub quiz a few times, (back in the day when social gatherings were acceptable!) The fire is always lit, making it super cosy...

Great 17th century and very homely pub, located in a small village close to the M6. We visited to see family and love the pub. Real fires, efficient staff, good food menu, tasty food, good beer choices and all professionally served. Well done to Mark...

Just a mile off the M6, a quiet oasis to have a meal/snack in a peaceful 17th century thatched pub with proper beer. Mark who was in charge that day was chatty, helpful and efficient. Wife left sunglasses behind which the owner posted back to...

We have called in for Sunday lunch a few times, it is a proper old pub that is like a step into the past. A lovely relaxed atmosphere, everyone is welcome, bikers, cyclists,walkers,dogs etc A good choice of ale and the food is superb, I...

Having reviewed The White Lion very postively after our first visit- by chance and just a few drinks - our return for lunch was disappointing regarding the food. The building and bar still has the same charm and atmosphere and staff are very welcoming. Admittedly...

Beer and food very good pleasure to be there pub is very olde worldly which it is easy parking glad we went there

Se dovessi tratteggiare il mio immaginario del tipico pub di campagna, descriverei esattamente qualcosa di simile a The White Lion...

This place is a must for anyone interested in genuine old pubs and well kept ales. The White Lion is the old Village Clerk's house, built in early 1600s and backing on to a brook with beer garden. The main pub has two rooms with...

We called in for Boxing Day drinks and were not disappointed. The pub was busy and buzzing. Loved the log fire. Cosy and relaxed.

No better place locally for a drink from a wide choice in a very convivial atmosphere . An old coaching Inn with a remarkable history.

Met some friends here for sunday lunch and drinks. Great food and service, really nice atmosphere there too. Children had a great time and the cosyness of the Inn and friendliness of the staff was really appreciated. Definitely go again.

Meal average but they are the worse “ hand cut chips “ ever , must be frozen why can’t places get the simplest of things right

Visited on Wednesday lunchtime and the lunch was good. The last time I visited it was a little disappointing from the previous owners but now is certainly on the way to previous standards. I love this place. Only criticism is the cottage pie was not crisp and golden on the top. It was just warmed and the cheese melted. Having said the quality was great and was enjoyable. Great to see a more extensive menu, but could it be too big to ensure each dish is perfect? Anyway, I would recommend this place and look forward to May lunches when I am in the area. Thanks

Terrible food, slopped on plate, ‘caramelised onion’ from a jar poured all over salad, all meals resembled school dinners and tasteless. Not at all the usual high standard of previously enjoyable visits from the small option with delicious quality. New menu change and standards awful and the beer not to standard too. Has this pub changed hands?

Lovely food they have. The inside is really cozy and warm, so I would suggest coming at winter. If you take about 20 steps to your left of the restaurant, you will a cool rope swing and tire swing. Go on a Sunday and you'll find they serve Sunday roast dinner.

The Blue Boy burger with stilton is the best burger I've had in ages. The staff were very friendly and it's also dog-friendly, which was the reason I chose this pub. It's just minutes from the motorway junction in a quiet village and I even stopped there again on the journey back down south. Well worth a visit!

Great ambiance, food mostly good, depending on the time of your visit.( open all day ). Would prefer the tables to be more private, tables for 2 are far too close together to afford privacy.

We needed a halfway break on our journey to the Lakes for our dog who is a bad traveller. Driving with Dogs suggested this pub was dog friendly and good value. It is and it is. Easily reached from Jct 16, lovely traditional pub with friendly staff and good sized portions of wbolesome food and 6 real ales. Dogs (and owners) made really welcome. Really reconmend it.

We used to eat here all the time when Laura owned it infact every Sunday, it got sold and was awful so stopped going. When we heard it had been taken over again we were overjoyed and thought we would give it a go!

I've been visiting this pub for 30yrs.Seems to have it's breif lost spirit back.Friendly staff always smiling.Great Sunday lunch.Varied menu which all looks lovely from what I've seen.As for people saying locals stare,have they ever thought of speaking to them?.There's no tv to look at so there's no where else for them to look.Im not local but always found villagers extremely friendly if you smile.

It’s the first meal I’ve ever had in this pub. Excellent quality. Amazing price. The leg of lamb was perfect, Cajun carbonara was a revelation and the vegetarian lasagne was a cleaned plate. I’ve been coming here for a swift pint for 20 years niw. The beer is always excellent. Especially the snecklifter.... the atmosphere is perfect, full cross section of local farm workers, hikers, dog walkers. Normally 4/5 dogs in at any time. The pub has kept its charm inside as well, not doing any bistro frills. You feel you’ve walked into a pub from 200 years ago, apart from the electric pumps and flush toilets....

Booked for Sunday lunch. Not disappointed. Had a table by the open coal fire. Food was delicious. Although too much for me. Plenty of parking. Friendly staff. Well defintely be visiting again.

I went in recently for a drink with someone I was getting to know. I have never felt so on edge and uncomfortable with the locals staring. It’s nice to see that people are friendly with each other but not when you feel you’re being stared at. One man staring smiling in a displeasing manner as though you’re being spoken about. And then this all being followed by a sarcastic comment being shouted from the door at our exit “I’ll shut it for ya!... I’ll shut it for ya!” He shouted continuously until he got our attention at our modest mistake which we apologised for before he slammed the door shut. Very unwelcoming. The only compliment it the bar staff but the atmosphere makes it a strong never again!

Lunch here was a treat, I chose the Chjicken & Bacon Salad which was very well prepared and tasty. The Location is in a tiny hamblet off the beaten track, a real treat of a place. The atmosphere is rustic and real old worldy English, real lof fires, woodern beams and block carved furniture , just the place that I would take a foregn visitor for lunch!.

Visited Saturday lunchtime. I love this place and always have great food but over the past year the portions have certainly decreased.

Took my manager here and was not disappointed. big home made portions of lamb, home fried chips and veg. Very, very good. Friendly informal and prompt service in great surroundings. Upcoming food pub

This was my first visit to this lovely old unspoiled pub/restaurant.

Excellent pub food - sensibly priced - good beer and friendly staff - steak pie and belly pork were both delicious and plenty to eat - thank you for a lovely lunch

This wonderful old pub has become a restauarant that serves excellent food I am quite sure you won't be disappointed with the food however the beer is rubbish, unless you enjoy lager, in which case you will not be disappointed. The poor beer doesn't help the pub, however the beer has never been very good. Unfortunately the service is poor, the maitre d has been replaced recently, unfortunately the service is still poor, expect 2 -21/2 hrs for a 3 course meal, this is just not good enough, and doesn't make effective use of the tables. Nevertheless you will enjoy the food and perhaps the leisurely pace.

It was about twenty years since my last visit to the White Lion and when I walked through the door I was delighted to discover that nothing had changed including welcoming log fires in both of the fairly small rooms. The bar lady was welcoming and there was a reasonable choice of decent beers for such a small pub. Once ordered food arrived quickly and was a generous portion for the cost. Sausage and mash with onions, vegetables and gravy was excellent. There was a wide range of dishes on the menu from full meals to huge bagguettes. The location is so peaceful and rural and seems a million miles away from the m^ motorway and industrial estates at Crewe. The White Lion is fairly unique as a pub in Cheshire. Let us hope that it stays this way.

Without question I always say 'this is my favorite pub. The unspoilt appearance, comforting atmosphere super staff and value for money the food is reasonably priced and super tasty, dont expect too fancy but great food, It encompasses a wide range of client el so friendly, warm, traditional,unspoilt full of charm. We hope it never changes its uniqueness a perfect place to pop in and warm your heart by the fabulous open fires. Great food wines and beers . Katie and Ann & staff always make you feel welcome please keep it that way

came off the M6 ( usual problems) to find a very warm welcomein a warm beamy bar and lovely fire and barlady. Good beer and excellent food well presented and served quickly.

Stayed for two nights on buissness stay very comfotrable room bed comfortable plenty of hot water and really nice shower cubicle although a bit snug room was very nice and spacious good beer at bar and really good full english breakfast with proper home made sausage .nice oleasent and polite staff and great service. Nice bar good beer with nice resturant meals looked nice but didnt try as a bit pricey would recomend to stay here

Lovely little village with a pub to match.

Had a couple of lunches here as I was staying in the area for a wedding.

A stunning setting. Beer enjoyed by us all. A friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Well worth a visit to this 16th century black and white treasure.

Stayed locally for a wedding and travelled up the day before. Buoyed by the good reviews on Trip Advisor we headed there for a drink and more importantly to get some dinner. Ordered our drinks and asked for menu but were disappointed to be told they weren’t doing food in the evenings. Had our drinks and had to find somewhere else to eat.

I can’t recommend this pub highly enough. Very traditional. The food is lovely. Service is spot on. Beautiful surroundings.

Had one of those Sundays when you just stop at the first pub you find to have lunch and really hit the jackpot here!!

I used to come here as a kid and love the place, always busy with friendly people.

Called In Saturday from start to finish food excellent and drinks. Not overpriced all very very nice will be back for some more. Thanks

Everything you want in a proper pub .. good company... vibe .. beer... grub.. staff.. oh and of course roaring real fires anytime of year

Forget about fake heritage and paraphernalia this pub is for real. Its hardly changed in the 40 yrs I've known it and thats all for the good. Wholly traditional, welcoming and generous. The food is the same even though it has changed a touch with the times. But, on the menu, there were 7 different dishes I would have been more than happy to eat. Yes, it steak and ale pie, fish and chips, steak, lambs liver, ploughman etc but its fantastic pub food. The beer isn't too bad either. In winter the open fire is so so welcoming and in summer you can sit outside in the middle of an idyllic village. Give it a go!

We went for a meal 2 days on the run and both times the food was absolutely beautiful. Really well made home cooked food. Staff are very friendly, the atmosphere is relaxing and the pub itself is amazing, like stepping back in time! The food was a reasonable price, came out hot and tasted divine. Best tasting meal you can get in the area. I would highly recommend this fabulous pub for lunch. There may not be huge options but what they do have is delicious.

Went for a cheeky beer and the beer was good. Staff really accomadating and cheerful. Real open fires, oak beams it's like walking back in time. And don't forget to say hello to George, the friendly ghost.

Haven't visited this pub for many years since we both worked in the area. It's just as we remember, so unspoilt and in a wonderful spot. If you want to sit in a pub with fires going and a great selection of Ales, then this is the place. The last time we went they only did either Ham or Cheese rolls, that tells you how long ago it was. We were out elsewhere for dinner and so only wanted a sandwich for lunch, but the service was excellent and the food great - wonderful ham and a great salad selection. Must say, all the food that we saw coming out of the kitchen looked great. Definitely stayed away too long. Lovely friendly staff and nothing too much trouble. Dog friendly and there are plenty of walks in the area. Put it on your bucket list.

Lovely quaint pub, friendly staff when entering the hotel side, shown to room nice big room with en-suite. Had a lovely meal in the evening with friendly service with a smile they were particularly busy that night.

Nice lunch and good atmosphere! We looked up pubs near where we were staying and when we arrived we realised we had been before in 2011!

Came here for lunch with the grand kids after previous fantastic meals , one of the kids had sausage and mash , the sausage was so hard , small and burnt we couldn’t even cut it so that was returned , the main meals arrived I took one look at the roast potatoes , actually snapped them in half in front of the very apologetic waitress they were so burnt , looked at the “ cauliflower cheese “ and returned all 3 of those , kids were starving so had to go the meir to eat , way to go to ruin a brilliant food pub

Change of landlord brings a little fresh air to this incredible historic pub, terrific booze, great food and a proper pub atmosphere. The young lady running it is a treasure. Despite the distance it’s my “local “ from now on! Taxi please.

Had lunch here after a very blustery walk. The lovely fire was warm and welcoming. Bar staff were nice. Food arrived promptly and was home cooked. We all cleared our plates and would return if in the area again.

Since my last visit, post the change of landlady in 2015, I have read the reviews and decided to try it again..........and......... It very good!

Lovely little pub in a charming village, good food, friendly staff, a roaring open fire, just what a country pub should be. Lovely!!!!

The most fantastic country pub, now with a Land Lady that is intetested in the pub and the community. Three years of having a absent land lord that did not care.

Great pub to go to, in the winter sit by the fire and warm up and in summer sit outside and enjoy the scenery. This time we had a Sunday lunch, cant fault it for that price, fresh food served quickly by friendly staff!! Great range of cask ales too, will be back soon.

We had some drinks here Saturday, one of my favourite every traditional Pubs, so Historical dating back to 1600 in winter the fires are roaring in both rooms. Good choice Beers and Wines. Plus the staff are great too.

One not to miss. Real fires; real ale, real people.-a proper pub! The wainwights ale was perfect and great atmosphere with wooden beams and thatched roof.

Stumbled upon this atmospheric, medieval pub whilst visiting the neighbouring church.

We went here for Sunday lunch. They will only take bookings for 12.00 noon which was too early for us, but we were lucky and there was room and food when we arrived. (I suspect that in the summer it would be more difficult.) The pub is in a hamlet and very old (15th century). Very picturesque outside and equally so inside (unusual in my experience of British pubs). We had the Sunday roast which was good, as was the service. The whole experience was delightful. Open fires. Local customers. Felt genuine. It was also cheap. My partner said the beer was good. In the summer you can sit outside. Strongly recommend. The local church was medieval and was also worth a visit.

Lovely pub not far off the motorway. Food was delicious and the atmosphere was delightful. Staff were very nice.

Well located tucked away in a tiny village only a mile or so from Junction 16 of the M6. Ancient quirky interior to this thatched black and white pub. Cosy with coal fires, good choice of ales, and importantly, freshly made food. We have visited this pub a few times now, and never been disappointed. Well priced daily menu. Steak pies legendary, and homemade quiche generous and deep filled. Friendly staff and very quick service. They don't do puddings but this wasn't a great loss. We were very full after the mains!

We were so glad to rediscover this fabulous Tudor pub. A truly authentic old pub with good pub fare, open fires and no piped music.

Fantastic little thatched pub.Excellent real ale.Home cooked well priced food.Lovely staff.Great open fires.A must

We were a large group (17) who had just visited the Primitive Methodist Museum in Crewe and were looking for a place for lunch. The White Lion were so friendly and accommodating, finding a spot for us and getting our food out quickly and efficiently. Everyone enjoyed their meal, no complaints which is saying something with 17 of us!

Omg this is a lovely bar and restaurant. Great food and service in a beautiful setting. The burger platters are to die for along with burgers. A must do if in the area.

As another reviewer has said, we like to divert off the motorways for lunch and found this pub at the right time while passing. Limited menu had enough to satisfy us. The ploughmans was the best ever according to my husband with good cheese and pork pie. It would only be better with crunchy bread! The home made quiche was also tasty. Good value. Lovely village. Will return next time we are passing.

This pub is a Tudor building in the historic and picture post card like village of Barthomley. The pub has open fires in wonder and quite a bit of outside space in good weather. There is a good basic home cooked menu. My favourite item is the roast beef and stilton sandwich with chips.

Instead of using motorway services areas, it's nice to sometimes exit the fast lane and find a quintessential pub for a good lunch. If that's the way you like to travel, try the White Lion as it's superb. Mind your head when you go in as it really is that old and ceilings are low. A real fire warmed us through and it was difficult to find a table (they have, maybe, a dozen). The menu is not extensive but, that said, the food was great. My mixed cheese ploughman's was better than expected as they have stayed traditional whereas so many pubs now try to "Chef things up" a bit. Only drawback is that they don't do desserts but worth a trip anyway. Keep up the good work.

The White Lion is a lovely place to stay with great food and good room rates. The rooms have recently been refurbished and are well decorated and comfy. The car park is ample. Plenty of choice at breakfast.

Walked into a roaring fire lovely smell of foodAn old codge digging into to his hearty pie - greatYet went to order at the bar to be told the kitchen had closed, at 1.03pmTried to beg for a morsel of food but no luckFood looked great but customer service very reminiscent to the 1970's

Went out to lunch with older brother and our wives. Very old building in a pretty little vilage. The food was first clas and plenty on the plate. Good old fashioned food at reasonable prices. Service was good and the open fire was toasting anyone standing to close. Well worth the money.

I have been to the White Lion quite a few time recently as its not far from work. Its a great little pub and like stepping back in time to a slower way of life. Real Coal fires burn away in rooms untouched for decades. The food is of a very good standard and there is a good selection of real ales. Go on, pop in!

From the outside the White Lion gives a sense of Olde England, that sense is confirmed as you walk through the old oak door at the main entrance. A little off the beaten path this ale and food pub nestles in the village just across from the ancient church. A fine range of beers are available, all kept very well, food is available freshly cooked in the small kitchen at the back. Food is only available in the afternoons, so plan your journey if you're expecting to eat, otherwise its the usual pub nibbles. Dog friendly and usually full of walkers, cyclists or motorbikers alongside the friendly locals. Two real fires, quarry tiled floor, black and white interior, subdued lighting, a visit is highly recommended.

Two of us met an old school friend who lives locally for lunch. What a gem, thatched roof, wattle and daub walls and two lit fires. Two of us had the hot pot, with loads of bread roll and butter plus pickled cabbage. The hot pot was full of large chunks of really render good quality steak and all for a reasonable £6.95. Great selection of ales and the staff were really friendly and helpful. We will be back, shame I live over an hour away and have to drive. A great lunch that we stretched out to over 3 1/2 hours.

My husband and I were looking for somewhere for lunch whilst our sons were playing golf. Found this place on tripadvisor and so glad we did. Quaint English country pub in beautiful setting. Bonus dog friendly too. Staff very friendly and the food was delicious. Not a massive menu but enough choice. My husband commented that the steak pie was the best he's ever had. Highly recommended.

If you want an old rustic pub, excellent service no music, & don't want to be ripped off this is the place to go. Love it every time.

Very basic menus only 4 hot dishes 2 of these sandwiches good selection of drinks pub is quaint and service quick 4 of us in and out in 45 minutes.

This is a stunning property in a beautiful village location. Has a real local country pub feel to it. Food was delicious and well priced. Look forward to going again.

The White Lion is the quintessential English pub in the beautiful hamlet of Barthomley. A wonderful pub where you can just kick back and have a quiet drink.

Just what you want when you find a little thatched pub, next to the church in a little tucked away village. Beams, creaky floors, open fires and welcome dogs! The choice of guest ales and cider makes you drink more than you intended, the service is friendly and the food at lunchtimes is great. We'll definitely be back!

Visited here with family for lunch. Can't fault the place, very friendly helpful staff, excellent cask ales and amazing food. Simple, but just what you need by the coal fire. Will definable be returning. 5*