The Bickerton Poacher

Wild Wild

➤ 2 Bridge Street, Cheshire East, United Kingdom, CW12 1AY

Carte • Mexican • Seafood • European • Fast Food

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"Having successfully deposited our eldest in her new Uni digs and having enjoyed an evenings kip in an adjoining Manchester hotel we were in two minds where to breakfast. MrsC’s growing angst over the likely state of our home after allowing our youngest free rein for a garden party proved persuasive so we decided on an early exit an victuals en route. A scan of Happy Cow and Google combined allied to our southbound travel threw up Wild and Wild as a convenient stop off before we rejoined the M6. Pleased to see that it opened at 10;00am on a Sunday whilst registering our likely arrival at 10:15 we added the required SatNav waypoint and trained our behemoth on its new path. There was convenient free parking on the Sunday and we ambled on the pedestrianised section to Wild and Wild; sitting slightly incongruously next to a Costa. The place is light and well laid out and an enticing array of cakes and pastries greets you as you enter. The usual instructive board informed us “to please wait to be seated” which we did. The young lady who appeared to be both front of house, barista and server said she would be with us after serving her present customer; which was fine but, in truth, simply having the menus on the tables and allowing you to sit yourself at empty unreserved tables would seemed to have been the least intrusive and effective means of managing the flow? Anyway we were handed drinks/food menus and then informed that we could, in effect, do exactly that and seat ourselves. The breakfast/brunch menu was concise but convincing and for speed and efficiency MrsC and I settled on two “full English”, vegan of course, and two oat milk lattes. Queued again and gave the order and paid there and then. Though we haven’t been out too much recently the coffee prices seemed about right but the breakfast seemed a tad high. Understanding how inflation is hitting that might just be an impression but if we had stayed in Manchester and returned to the Lounge a similar menu would have been 30% less. Then it started going awry. The wait for the coffee seemed long; the wait for the food almost interminable (around 40-45 mins in truth) Halfway through that wait another server had magicked into operation and it switched from queuing to order to table service. She was professional enough to highlight to new incoming customers that drinks would be about 10 mins/food 30. Something not considered worthy of note to us earlier arrivals. The breakfast was ok. The vegan sausages appeared homemade with rice wrapper “skins” but they were woefully dry and overcooked. The whole vine of oven roasted cherry tomatoes were good as was the star of the show the Smokey “baked beans”. The toast was good quality bread but cut too thin to successfully soak up both beans and the sweet tomatoes. The other components of mixed greens and mushrooms and tofu scramble were under seasoned and a little bland. The potato rosti was a little dense but ok. Sadly the food was underwhelming and more so due to the long wait; ill fitting the vibe and the surroundings especially as the place wasn’t heaving at any time. Always feel awkward knocking eateries in these uncertain times but, in this case, expectations raised by the feel of the place allied to the prices charged, we’re not met by the quality of the food. Perhaps it’s better suited to an afternoon cake and a drink session? Disappointed."

Brownlow Inn

➤ Brownlow Heath Lane, CW12 4TH, Cheshire East, United Kingdom

Carte • Pubs • Full • Steak • Lunch

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"Wow!!! It has been many years since my last meal at the Brownlow. My late wife Dee and I used to dine here regularly. After her passing, I spent a lot of time working in Sub-Equatorial Africa, providing water to remote areas. Now that I am back in Congleton, some of my neighbors decided to take me out for a birthday lunch, and to my surprise, they chose the Brownlow. I was a bit apprehensive, as the restaurant held so many wonderful memories for me. However, from the moment I walked in, any doubts I had were quickly dispelled. The warm greeting and smile at the reception desk set the tone for the rest of our dining experience. We were promptly seated with menus in hand, and our pre-meal drinks (a perfectly chilled Pinot) arrived with efficiency. The professionalism displayed in serving our meals was commendable and something that is often lacking in other restaurants. The presentation of our dishes was impeccable, and the quality of the food was evident in the clean plates at the end of our meal. I have always believed that people eat with their eyes first, and even those who prioritize presentation would be pleased with the artistry on display here. I will have no problem recommending the Brownlow to my family and friends in the future. The whole team's friendly and welcoming demeanor made for a pleasant dining experience. Special thanks to Simon, the chef, for a job well done - you definitely deserve a raise! I am already looking forward to my next visit. Thank you for a memorable meal. Norman A Dean."

Stock At The Pavillion

➤ Congleton Park, Congleton I-CW12 1JG, United Kingdom

Carte • Mexican • Asiatic • British • Fast Food

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"I had lunch here today and absolutely loved it. The building is beautiful—very inviting and well-maintained. The staff were fantastic as well; they were incredibly accommodating and..."

Kingfishr Indian Cuisine

➤ 1 Antrobus St, Congleton, United Kingdom

Carte • Kebab • Asiatic • Seafood • European

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"The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. The curry portions are quite generous, but I find that the amount of rice served doesn't justify the price. The service was adequate, although there is room for improvement. The atmosphere felt rather dull. Overall, I would rate the food a 2, the service a 3, and the atmosphere a 1."

The Young Pretender

➤ 30-34 Lawton Street, Congleton CW12 1RS, United Kingdom, Biddulph

Carte • Pub • Coffee • British • Vegetarian

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"Been a couple of times recently and it's been very pleasant. A really nice comfortable pub/bar in a great location. A fantastic range of drinks that suit every need and a food offering that ticks a lot of boxes. The team were super friendly and welcoming, even on a busy new years eve (early evening) and we felt very relaxed and at home with out two little kids too which was great. Nice to find somewhere the parents can enjoy a drink whilst the kids are catered for also. There's a kids food menu which was good also with our little ones having chicken strips, chips and peas...they loved it. Will definitely be heading back in the new year."