The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

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#5 of 20 Restaurants in Holmes ChapelBrew Pub, Bar, ££ - £££

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The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

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+44 1477 533393Improve this listing

About

The Vicarage; Freehouse & Rooms is a 17th Century Grade II listed country pub & hotel - essentially a restaurant with rooms. We are foodie-hub with a locally sourced menu - everything is driven by the gardeners, foragers, farmers and suppliers of Cheshire. The Vicarage takes its inspiration from the Cheshire countryside, utilising British produce and resources while championing eco-sustainability. The menus change depending on the seasons and what can be sourced locally. All our rooms echo our own country-boutique style ... but not overdone. We strip out any unnecessary nonsense and focus on everything that matters for a quality stay. A comfy bed, all have en-suite facilities, great decor, quality coffee facilities and a cracking breakfast. A simple recipe really...

Features

CUISINES

Brew Pub, Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Buffet

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Live Music

Mastercard

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Private Dining

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Validated Parking

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

Knutsford Road Cranage, Holmes Chapel CW4 8EF England

Parking Available, Validated Parking

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Hours

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Open now

Sunday

0:00 - 23:59

Monday

0:00 - 23:59

Tuesday

0:00 - 23:59

Wednesday

0:00 - 23:59

Thursday

0:00 - 23:59

Friday

0:00 - 23:59

Saturday

0:00 - 23:59

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4.1

945 reviews

Excellent

546

Very good

186

Average

Poor

Terrible

Joe

2 contributions

Nice place, nice people, reasonable prices

Sept 2022 • none

Served by a nice fellow called James K (its on the reciept). I walked down with my dad to give the vicarage a try, we sat out back which felt pleasent and secluded. we ordered the beef brisket loaded fries and OMG i think they are supposed to serve 3 people (on a side note i think chicken may be the best option for loaded fries). Food wasn't the quickest but the weather was nice and the service was happy to go get more drinks or check up on the food which was nice. the bill for 2 people plus drinks was £26.60 TLDR: Food and drink is good and not overpriced, the location is nice and the staff pleasent... just dont go in a rush

Written 2 September 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charli Maggs

Thank you for your lovely feedback, we will share with all the team here and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Many Thanks, The Flat Cap Team

Written 9 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

toe19

Stockport158 contributions

Little gem of a place

Oct 2024 • couples

Booked here by chance after a quick Google search of eateries in the area as we were staying at the De Vere Cranage Estate up the road. What a lovely place love the decor and ambiance of the place, very friendly staff. The place was buzzing with 2 private functions but they booked us in, great choice of drinks and food … we decided to go for a sharing platter (Fish board) with added sides of onion rings and chunky chips and dips, was not disappointed in the slightest food was great, so glad I found this place. The Sunday dinner was recommended if we was too return which after the food we had it’s a definite yes!!

Written 27 October 2024

Andrew Culshaw

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we hope to welcome you back soon!

Written 28 October 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christine M

2 contributions

Enjoyable evening meal out

Feb 2024 • family

I wanted to have a night off from cooking. My husband and I decided to go out for dinner and booked a table at the ‘Vicarage’ Holmes Chapel. We were greeted and shown to our table by a very pleasant and well mannered member of staff (Lottie). Although it was ‘happy hour’ at the time of our arrival, we opted for a glass of Malbec from the wine list, For our main course we both chose the steak and ale pie with mash, mixed seasonal veg and gravy. Although the pies appeared to be a little ‘small’ they were really tasty and along with the perfectly cooked mixture of veg, the meal was very satisfying. So good we both cleared our plates!! Couldn’t resist one of the delicious desserts to share (as couldn’t have managed a whole one each!). So ordered the classic apple crumble (lovely)! Overall the service was excellent with such friendly staff! Lottie, our server was super. She was so pleasant, attentive and helpful with the items on the menu and wine list, The other member of staff to mention is ‘Cat’, also very pleasant, well mannered and efficient in serving our drinks.

Written 24 February 2024

Rachel Cooper

Dear Christine Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Your kind words about your server and food mean a lot and we've shared to our wonderful team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best regards,

Written 10 March 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

steelman53

Macclesfield81 contributions

It’s a nice place but chef can’t cook

Nov 2024 • business

I must conclude that the chef can’t cook after what he served up for lunch . French onion soup massively over salted and a lamb rogon josh curry that was an insult to India and an abuse of ingredients . Dry without any sauce & littered with roasted carrots and squash . Totally inedible it was like scrapings from a couple of pans put out fur washing . Someone is pretending to run a kitchen whilst taking the piss . I know it’s tough in the hospitality business but if you serve up a dogs dinner like this you are not going to survive long .

Written 23 November 2024

Andrew Culshaw

Hi there, thank you for your feedback. We apologise you were left disappointed by your dinner, we'd like to take the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Please get in touch with us on generalmanager@vicaragebridgecheshire.co.uk. Thank you, Andrew - General Manager.

Written 18 December 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris

1 contribution

I can't say anything good about this place - the earlier reviews are right

Dec 2024 • couples

I can't say anything good about this place - it is dirty, the staff and management are obviously absolutely clueless... Like kids pretending to run a business, service is poor, as the previous reviews agreed, the chef simply cannot cook, the food is completely rubbish and the staff just don't care. The manager is obviously completely incompetent, seems to bluster around just trying to fix the absolute carnage that this place is. An absolute joke of an establishment

Written 27 December 2024

The Team

Hi there, thank you for your feedback - we apologies that you felt disappointed by your visit and this is not up to the high standards to which we hold ourselves. We would like the opportunity to discuss your review further via email on generalmanager@vicaragecheshire.co.uk - The Vicarage Team.

Written 16 January 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeanette R

1 contribution

Appalling and they don’t even answer your complaints

Nov 2023 • family

As you can see by the photos the meat was raw and not pink as the manager stated, the food was also cold, the vegetables were not cooked and to only be given a 1/4 of a carrot and parsnip was shocking for the price. The cauliflower cheese just had cheese melted over it and had no cheese sauce! When we asked for the manager he was very rude, dismissive and found the whole thing funny, the whole experience was one to remember and not in a positive way. The place was lovely but it was disappointing that the rest of it did not live up to the decor. The service was appalling and the manger whom we spoke to needs to learn some people and managerial skills. I look forward to your response! I’m still awaiting a response since 27th November 2023. Would not recommend anyone to go here for Sunday lunch as they are to ignorant to even respond to any emails or phone calls and I would not serve any food looking like this. As to there management they need to learn man management and people skills, total unprofessional outfit. It was a family gathering totally ruined.

Written 6 January 2024

Cassie M

Breckenridge1 contribution

A unique dining experience! Why aren’t all restaurants like this?!? Hmm…

Jul 2023 • couples

A novel restaurant experience! If you thought that a salad would be quick to make and would arrive at the same time or before cooked meals like chicken burgers…. Well you are clearly mistaken. Furthermore, you if go to a restaurant expecting to get what they’ve described on the menu on your plate… well not here! They clear think that’s boring. This restaurant likes to keep customers on their toes. You are left waiting with anticipation for your food and when it arrives you may find a lack of the ingredients that were mentioned on the menu. E.g., a superfood salad with quinoa, tender stem broccoli, rocket, seeds… may actually be lettuce and wilted broccoli. Oh and if you add goats cheese thinking it would be sprinkled across the salad… NO… you get the bonus of a big slab slapped in the middle of the said lettuce surprise. So if you like the surprise of paying more for less ingredients… this is the place for you. However, I decided to go home and make myself a salad with the ingredients the menu suggested… for less money. I even timed myself… yep it was also quicker to arrive! ROFL

Written 22 July 2023

Mancitydad

Manchester33 contributions

Disgraceful and disgusting and the food is terrible also

Mar 2023 • none

Extremely disappointed! We waited 45 mins for 4 burgers eventually my son had to leave to get the train at that point we asked the waiter to Place it in a doggy bag and that took 20 mins …. We couldn’t believe it ! There was one other table that’s it ! My whole birthday was ruined I spoke to the chef and the manager and I was supposed to get a call but never happened ! I felt terrible for my son as he had a 3 hr train journey and no dinner . 1 hr for a burger was absolutely disgusting I certainly won’t be eating there again

Written 27 March 2023

Hlb76

Cheshire90 contributions

Bland food, awful menu, expensive, lacking atmosphere

Jul 2023 • friends

Awful meal. I have eaten here a handful of times with friends and have never been wowed by the food unfortunately. Mediocre menu which lacks in flavour and is not worth the prices. My most recent visit was with the new summer menu which is beyond awful for variety. Heavily meat based, leaving little choice for vegan or vegetarian. Odd combinations of food so if you verge on the fussy side this is not the restaurant for you. Unless you would like a meat based dish as a small plate/starter such as scotch egg or corned beef hash you are left with the choice of broccoli or cauliflower. The mains were limited in choice and described as large plates, again not much option if vegan or vegetarian, which brings me to the Coconut Rice Bowl dish, which sounds delightful with Tofu, Courgette, Mangetout and Pickled Mustard Seed. I would expect a flavoursome dish from the description on the menu. First off the waitress came to advise that there was no tofu and could offer chicken or extra vegetables. Although I opted for a vegetarian dish I do eat chicken so chose that. On arrival I was presented with a small bowl of plain white rice, missing the tofu (which I knew) and replaced with the tiniest grains of chicken I have ever seen. There was no Mangetout in sight and the pickled mustard seed had been replaced with coriander (awful). There was not a hint of coconut to be found. It was the most bland awful dish I have ever had the misfortune to eat. Even a dash of pepper did nothing to help. Upon advising that there were ingredients missing from the dish the waitress advised that she would bring a side of broccoli to accompany it. The manager seemed resigned to the fact that it was poor and instantly offered free deserts or drinks - a nice gesture and appreciated but it doesn’t make up for an inedible plate of food. At a price of £17 it is unacceptable. The large plates range between £17 and £23 and feature pork, ox cheek and lamb as meats. Fish is hake or sea trout or battered haddock. Limited range. The rest of the party opted for the complimentary desert which again was an odd combination of foods such as peanut ice cream with lemon meringue pie and banana ice cream with sticky toffee pudding. The sticky toffee pudding had seen better days and was very dry. All in all a very disappointing visit for a friends farewell dinner before a move abroad. Even with the 30% off and complimentary deserts it was not worth the money. On a positive note the barmaid was quite new and was extremely helpful, friendly and enthusiastic - she could teach the other waitress a little about customer service. It unfortunately lacks atmosphere also. I advise a restructure of staff and menus! One of our party has a large lunch booked next week and will now be going elsewhere!

Written 25 July 2023

Milly0110

Holmes Chapel64 contributions

Awful food and slow service

Jan 2024 • family

The roast beef was inedible. Only 2 choices- rate or well done which is inappropriate for what I assume was rib of beef. As the menu did not specify the cut, and the staff seemed a bit dopey, we ordered it rare and hoped for the best, what we got was the worst!!!! Stringy tough meat run through with fatty gristle. The fault was entirely in how it was cooked (not how rare it was) and the cheap produce. Even after asking for a steak knife it was impossible to tear through it! Our feedback was greeted with a faintly surprised “oh sorry, I’ll feed that back. The bill was £135 for 3 adults and a child’s meal. Only 2 adults were drinking - the equivalent of one bottle of wine. Won’t be going back which is a shame as it is local to where we live

Written 3 January 2024

Holidaytime

United Kingdom792 contributions

Shockingly Bad Sunday Lunch

Jan 2023 • couples

Our first visit here and it will definitely be our last. We had not pre booked and were really surprised at how busy it was at 12.30 Sunday lunchtime. I guess it must be th 40% off food offer. We were shown to a table in the bar area where we waited for over 10 minutes to be asked if we would like to order. We love going out for Sunday Lunch and have visited some amazing Cheshire country pubs for Sunday Lunch. This is with out doubts the most disappointing, underwhelming meal we have ever had. We ordered 2 roast beef lunches with a side order of coliflower cheese. Oh our much awaited Lunch arrives what an utter disappointment. Frozen roast potatoes from the ever popular Aunt Bessie. The cauliflower cheese had no cheese but came in a milk sauce very odd. 1 carrot, 1 parsnip and a Yorkshire pudding. And 1 slice of overcooked fatty beef. It was supposed to be beef. It was so over cooked that the knives wouldn't even cut through it. It looked and had the same texture as leather. We had to ask 3 separate members of staff for horseradish sauce before we got some. The menu clearly says Sunday lunch is served with Red cabbage, pigs in blankets, and stuffing. Well those items were not served with our meal. Trying to get a member of staffs attention was impossible. A truly disgusting and disappointing Sunday Lunch where customer satisfaction doesn't matter. Maybe Flatcap Hotels should drop the 40% of food in January and serving cheap meat and bad quality food, and actually cook real roast potatoes not frozen ones.

Written 24 January 2023

Rita B

Warrington20 contributions

Afternoon tea! What a joke!

Jun 2023 • couples

Please, please don't waste your vouchers on afternoon tea! It was the worst one we've ever had. I asked for decaf tea, when it came it was barely coloured water so left it in the pot for a reasonable time and poured again, still no better! The platter came, see pics. I have never been so dissatisfied with afternoon tea. I asked to see the manager and asked him how he could justify £39 (it had been a gift voucher) for these measly offerings. His answer was you have 3 sandwiches (finger and uninspiring) 3 cakes (dry tray bake slices of underterminable flavours) and a scone (another dry offering)with jam and cream! He admittedly changed my tea for a pot with 2 teabags! The 3 slices of strawberry were nice though.

Written 12 June 2023

Rebecca J

1 contribution

Poor menu, not value for money

Oct 2022 • couples

The menu has changed to a more relaxed American style but the prices have remained high. This is no longer a fancy restaurant but a lot more average. It’s such as shame as it was one of our favourite local places to treat ourselves to a yummy meal. The building is pretty, the interior nice and they still offer live music, it’s just a shame about the very basic menu. Please bring more refined dining back! We’ve also had a couple of issues with customer service since the menu changed.. we took our friend for breakfast on a separate occasion and received the incorrect breakfast order but ate it as we’d been waiting a while and were hungry. When coming to pay I raised the issue again and there was no reimbursement or discount offered. We’re relatively regular customers and were surprised at the poor customer service. I think the standards have really dropped recently :(

Written 14 November 2022

Jen

1 contribution

Very slow and food ruined

Nov 2022 • family

We went to the Vicarage for breakfast today. There were a couple of other tables but it was not busy. We all ordered varieties of egg on toast. The service was so slow and 1 hour after ordering they came and told us that 3 of our orders were out of stock. We asked how long it would be as we had 2 toddlers with us who were getting restless and we were told just afew more mins. 20 mins later our food arrived, nearly an hour and a half after ordering 5 potions of egg on toast. 1 of the orders was wrong, 2 were cold and 1 was over cooked. The worst bit was there was no sort of apology of explanation about the delay. The portions were very small and overpriced, especially as 4 out of 5 weren’t good. By the time the incorrect order had come out again the rest of us had finished eating. We then went up to pay as we couldn’t wait any longer for the bill. Items on it were wrong and needed changing. Still no apology. We have enjoyed the Vicarage before for evening food but we won’t be returning after this.

Written 6 November 2022

Anne R

1 contribution

Christmas Day Lunch Letdown

Dec 2022 • family

What a disappointment. We had a booking for Christmas Day lunch for 9 people (8 adults and 1 toddler). At £85 a head per adult for 3 courses we expected a really enjoyable Christmas lunch. What we got was far from that. When we arrived there was no one to greet us and wish us a Happy Christmas. We eventually stopped a waitress who showed us to our table. Everywhere was beautiful decorated and the restaurant was busy with a Father Christmas talking to guests so the ambiance was good. Now to the food! First course - ok. We all seemed to enjoy. Nothing special but fine. Then we waited and waited for our mains. Other tables were being served before ours. Eventually we discovered we had been forgotten about. After several apologies (the waitress was lovely and most apologetic not her fault at all) the mains arrived. Well one slice of turkey (large proportion of which was stuffing, tough Yorkshire pudding a couple of inedible tough roasties and veg (kale inedible ). We had to ask for more gravy and cranberry sauce which was provided. The whole meal was luke warm. We did ask to speak to the Manager. She was sorry we felt that way but we felt she wasn't really bothered. We had a reduction of ,£85 which was equivalent to one meal. The desserts were just OK. No mince pies or coffee offered. For £85 per head for 3 courses was very poor. If each course was top notch then we would have been happy but never again.

Written 27 December 2022