A Couple of Hours in Prestbury...

About a month ago now, Andy and I headed off to De Vere Mottram Hall Hotel for a night, on our five year anniversary. We stayed close to home, as it meant we could stay somewhere lovely without adding on lots of travel costs! The hotel is set out on its own, so we thought we’d have lunch in nearby Prestbury before going to check in. Although it’s near home, it’s a relatively small village, so not somewhere I’ve ever thought of popping to explore.

I texted my friend Emily for food recommendations, as she used to live in Prestbury, and we jumped on the train just before lunch.

We first went to the Legh Arms pub, right in the centre of the village. It’s a beautiful old building, and had a real ‘local’ feel to it. They offer a quite extensive menu at reasonable prices, and although there was some confusion at first as to whether it was table or bar service (it was half and half) we settled in to a nice tall table tucked in by a wall.

Knowing we would be having a proper dinner in the evening at the hotel, we were both feeling like a snacky lunch, and ordered the garlic bread and fries off the sides menu. The portions – especially the garlic bread – were enormous, and we both left feeling pretty full! The garlic bread was also accompanied by a big salad, and the fries were cooked to perfection.

Emily had told me we absolutely had to visit The Chocolate Box, so after a little stroll we did as we were told. We were so full that we only managed one cake to share, but I’ll definitely be heading back to enjoy more. They also offer afternoon tea, which looks really lovely, as well as lunches. The women working in The Chocolate Box couldn’t have been more friendly, recommending their favourites, and also helping us to find a taxi number.

We went for one of their choices, a Malteaser slice, with Malteasers (of course), chocolate, and general deliciousness. It’s rich, but so tasty. Next time I’ll opt for a slice of cake – they had a sponge and a chocolate cake still on offer, with a few others, and they looked so indulgent. As I said, I’ll have to return without a full tummy, so I can sample a wider range of delights!

Truth be told, there isn’t much going on in the middle of Prestbury, apart from some nice looking restaurants, banks and estate agents, but my first dip into their eating scene was friendly, satisfying, and tasty. Fuelled perfectly to explore our home for the night, we headed on to Mottram Hall.

What would be your pub lunch and cake of choice?