Guardian Best of 2023 - top eight pubs and bars revealed

Where do you go for a quick drink after work or to meet family and friends at the weekend?

Is there one pub that is better than the rest and deserves to be crowned Best Pub or Bar in Mid Cheshire?

In the latest instalment of our Best of 2023 competition, pubs are taking centre stage and it’s time to reveal the shortlist in our search for Mid Cheshire’s best pub or bar – which will you vote for?

In our Best of 2023 campaign, we’ve given out 21 awards so far in the area for hair, nails and beauty as well as tattoos and independent shops and businesses and many more.

Next up we wanted to find the best bar or pub in the area.

This was a popular category and we were inundated with nominations.

We’ve shortlisted our top eight pubs and bars that will now battle it out to be named the best in Mid Cheshire.

We need your help to choose an overall Best Pub or Bar winner from our shortlist.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Pub or Bar posts on our Northwich and Winsford Guardian and Knutsford Guardian Facebook or Twitter pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich and Winsford Guardian and Knutsford Guardian (September 14 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different voting coupon submitted. For full terms and conditions go to newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday, September 18.

We will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR TOP EIGHT PUBS AND BARS SHORTLIST:

The Swinging Witch

The Swinging Witch, Crown Street, Northwich

One review on their Facebook page said: “Fantastic friendships and a homely welcome by the bar staff and patrons of the pub.”

Another gave the reasonable prices a huge thumbs up.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheSwingingWitch

The Broken Cross

The Broken Cross, Northwich

The Old Broken Cross is a family-run business serving cask ales and good food every with quizzes and live entertainment for customers.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheBrokenCrossCW9

The Cheshire Cheese

The Cheshire Cheese Pub, Lewin Street, Middlewich

One nomination said: “This is a unique, proper local pub with a long tradition to serve customers.

“It has lots of history!”

For more details go to facebook.com/CheshireCheesePub

The Bird & Hat

The Bird & Hat, Bull Ring, Northwich

One review on their Facebook page said: “Lovely staff, a great atmosphere and live music.

“It’s an easy place to spend hours in!”

Another said: “By far the best in Northwic.”

For more details go to facebook.com/birdandhat

The White Bear

The White Bear, Knutsford

One very satisfied reviewer on their Facebook page said: “The service was outstanding and the food was amazing.

“The outdoor terrace made us feel like we were on holiday.

“We will definitely be back!”

For more details go to facebook.com/TheWhiteBearKnutsford

The Plough

The Plough, Beauty Bank, Whitegate

Happy customers love the wide menu choice at The Plough Inn and the warm and friendly welcome that greets them as they come in through the door.

The generous portions and good selection of beer and ales made this a popular choice for the shortlist.

For more details go to facebook.com/theploughWG

The Lion at Moulton

The Lion in Moulton, Main Road, Northwich

One review on their Facebook page said: “Really friendly, great beers and fab pizzas.

“What’s not to like?”

Another said: “An absolutely belting atmosphere and we’re always made to feel welcome.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thelionmoulton

The Church Inn, Mobberley

The Church Inn, Mobberley

The Church Inn swept the boards at The National Pub & Bar Awards 2019, winning Best Pub in Cheshire, the North West and the UK after topping the tables in 2016.

This beautiful building is much sought after wedding venue and customers like its fantastic food, warm welcome and lovely ambience.

For more details go to churchinnmobberley.co.uk