Great escape

Bridget takes her dog and husband on a weekend jaunt to Cheshire

The atmosphere is a lot jauntier than I imagine it once was and the walls are colourfully decorated

As two of my closest friends are the daughters of ministers, I’ve spent quite a lot of time during my childhood in vicarages – or manses, as they’re more commonly called in Scotland. They were huge, draughty old houses with rambling walled gardens which were always exciting to explore.

I’m pleased to say that The Vicarage we’ve stayed in most recently (yes, husband Simon and dog Minnie came, too) in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, was not at all draughty and gave a very warm welcome to four-legged friends and their owners. In fact, on the night we stayed, there were more dog owners than any other guests.

Perhaps the reason was that rather than being shown to the ‘dog-friendly room’, which is usually the one that has yet to be renovated or has the worst view, we had one of the six luxury signature rooms in the historic part of this beautifully refurbished 17th Century Grade II listed hotel.

Extremely spacious with a very comfortable superking bed, it was definitely roomy enough to swing a few cats (not that we ever would ...though Minnie might). The en suite bathroom with its elegant free-standing bath and walk-in rain shower was just as spacious.

Furthermore, Minnie was excited to receive her very own welcome pack – a comfortable fleece blanket, poo bags to keep the surrounding countryside clean and a couple of treats. We had our own treats with some home-made cookies to go with our teas and Nespresso coffees.

Finding a walk wasn’t difficult using the map provided – we followed a riverside path across the road to Dane Meadow, so plenty of space to run off the lead.

Arriving on a Sunday morning, a sister property of the family-run group Flat Cap Hotels had been recommended to us for lunch. The Courthouse (thecourthousechesire.com) in nearby Knutsford is an iconic building which has been converted into a restaurant.

The former crown court is where Alan Turing, renowned for cracking the Enigma Code, was found guilty of homosexual acts. The quirky décor includes seven bowler hats above the door which represent the hangings that took place here.

Don’t get me wrong – Barristers Restaurant is not at all gruesome and definitely has the wow factor. With its bright, airy interior under an impressive domed ceiling, the area where judge and jury once sat is now reserved for diners, with tables tiered around a central bar. The atmosphere is a lot jauntier than I imagine it once was and the walls are colourfully decorated with framed paintings, mirrors and posters.

A couple of tables are also dogfriendly, though we wished ours hadn’t been so near the door as it was quite nippy the day we were there. Whatever you do, as long as you’re not vegan or vegetarian, of course – you have to order the roast beef. It is sublime and comes with Yorkshire pudding, gravy and all the trimmings. It’s mouth-wateringly good – as was the sticky toffee pudding with honeycomb and ice cream.

Simon ordered a ‘light’ option of chicken caesar salad, but it turned out to be huge – and delicious. Minnie was also brought her own refreshment – but much preferred the smell of ours from under the table.

As rooms and a rooftop terrace are to open soon, I’d love to go back for summer cocktails with a view.

A Sunday afternoon turned out to be an ideal time for our visit as the Makers Market was in full swing across the road, complete with a jazz band playing. The stalls were filled with local crafts and foods – lots of interesting scents and scenes for us all. It also turned out to be dog friendly, with pooches modelling some of the wares such as tweed coats and natty neckerchiefs.

Back at The Vicarage, there was just time for an afternoon walk and bath before a pre-dinner drink. Although dogs are only allowed on the tiled areas and

therefore not the bar, the staff were more than happy to bring our drinks to the lounge.

There were two other dog owners dining with us in the restaurant which was friendly and sociable. You’d think we’d still have been full from lunch, but we soon regained our appetite when we read the menu, with an emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

I couldn’t resist the tempura prawns for starters (a-maz-ing) and while I ordered lamb Simon took his turn to have beef (probably after tasting mine earlier). We shared a waffle with berries and ice cream – again, it just tasted so good.

As this boutique hotel is conveniently located just off Junction 19 of the M6 motorway, near Manchester Airport, it makes the perfect pit-stop, especially with a pooch in tow. Being so close to Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and the Peak District, there is loads to discover in the area during a longer stay.

A one-night midweek stay during Mon-Fri at The Vicarage, with a full English breakfast in the sunny conservatory, afternoon tea for two and prosecco and chocolate dipped strawberries in your room on arrival, costs from £165 per room based on two adults sharing (plus a £10 surcharge per dog per night).

To book, quote OBAT1 and call 01477 533393 or email info@ thevicaragehotel.co.uk