Prestbury may be famous for its grand houses and affluent residents but at its core, it’s a village with a timeless feel. Walk down the main street and everything seems to slow down: picture-postcard cottages, centuries-old inns and rows of independent shops give the place a warm, lived-in atmosphere.
Yes, this is a village where supercars glide past tractors and multi-million-pound mansions rise just beyond the conservation area and over the years, footballers, musicians and TV personalities have quietly made Prestbury home, drawn by its privacy and countryside setting. But celebrity is very much a background detail here. During our visit, what seemed to define the village was its strong sense of community and its thriving local scene.
At the heart of the village is the Church of St Peter, largely built in the 13th century. One notable figure linked to it is Reginald Legh, whose 1482 memorial stands inside. This leads fittingly to our next and most important stop: a local pub, named after the Legh family.
The Legh Arms is a historic, dog and family-friendly Grade II listed former coaching inn at the heart of Prestbury. It dates to at least the 16th century and hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie on his journey south during the 1745 rebellion. Parts of the structure retain traditional timber framing and exposed beams, contributing greatly to the pub’s period charm. The Legh Arms rises over two storeys and is topped with a Kerridge stone-slate roof. Upstairs, there are 12 refurbished double, king and family rooms, including an accessible option, all with Hypnos beds, WiFi, TVs and thoughtful extras. Downstairs, the Legh Arms is known for hearty, seasonal menus, alongside well-kept ales and a carefully chosen wine list.
The Legh Arms is part of the Robinson family of more than 250 pubs and inns stretching across Cheshire and further afield – a legacy of smart thinking in the late 19th century. At that time, small brewers such as Robinsons were under pressure as railways made it easy for the big breweries in Burton upon Trent, Liverpool and Manchester to deliver beer cheaply. The brewer, based in Stockport for more than 185 years, responded by building a network of local tied pubs, ensuring only its own beer was served. That approach carried the company through tough times. In the 1930s, while city pubs struggled, Robinsons looked to the countryside. The growing middle class, now with cars, wanted days out with good food, quality wine, and a decent pint. Investing in rural Cheshire pubs paid off, and the brewery’s country estates thrived. The Legh Arms became part of the Robinson estate in1939.
During our visit to the Legh Arms, we spent time with both Karina McWhirk, sous chef and duty manager, and assistant manager John Read. When we arrived, Karina was expertly juggling customer enquiries while also helping guests check in to the hotel.
Once things settled, I asked Karina how she would describe Prestbury to someone who had never visited. Without hesitation, she described it as: ‘A charming, picturesque village and a place that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.’ It quickly became clear that the pub plays a central role in village life. The Legh Arms regularly hosts book clubs, which gather in the main bar or the snug, a cosy space known for its impressive wood panelling. During the Christmas fair, the high street is closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant food market, with the Legh Arms serving as a natural hub for visitors. A summer fair brings a similar buzz, ‘drawing in locals and visitors alike who stop by for a pint, a bite to eat, or simply to escape an unexpected shower,’ Karina explains.
Community spirit is further reflected in the pub’s charity quiz nights, which raise funds for local causes, including the nearby East Cheshire Hospice. According to Karina, the Legh Arms attracts a lively and diverse mix of guests. Alongside familiar village regulars, the pub welcomes visitors from much further afield. Its proximity to Manchester Airport means guests arrive from across the UK and from overseas, adding to the pub’s vibrant atmosphere. Many stay while attending concerts in Manchester, visiting family, or travelling for corporate events. The pub also attracts its share of familiar faces, from footballers to musicians and TV celebrities. When I asked Karina what she felt set the Legh Arms apart, her answer was heartfelt: ‘The warmth and friendliness of everyone – both behind the bar and on the other side – create a genuinely welcoming place.’ That sense of community runs so deep, she added, that both of her sons now work at the pub, something she sees as a true reflection of how special it is.
John was keen to highlight the pub’s beer offering. When I asked which beer he was most proud to serve, his answer was immediate: ‘Robinson’s Old Tom’ – a much-loved seasonal ale that appears at the pub during the cooler months. Old Tom is a famous and historic rich, full-bodied ale, classified as a barley wine, and weighing in at 8.5% ABV. Because of its strength, John was keen to point out that it’s served only in half pints – ‘very much a beer to be savoured rather than rushed.’ Launched by Robinsons in 1899, Old Tom was created by head brewer Alfred Munton. He famously sketched the cat that still appears on the label today, likely inspired by the brewery cats that were once a common sight, helping to keep the brewhouse free from rodents.
The pub also serves Unicorn, which John was keen to point out is the Legh Arms’ most popular beer. Much loved across Cheshire, Unicorn takes its name from the Unicorn Inn, built around 1722 on Lower Hillgate, which has sadly disappeared. The inn passed through several owners over the years, including the colourful Sarah Patterson, who famously claimed to have a horn in the bar said to belong to the mythical beast – an intriguing story that gave the inn and beer its name. First brewed in 1896, when it was originally known as Robinson’s Best Bitter, the recipe has remained unchanged for well over a century.
John says one of the pub’s favourites in the cooler months is a beer called Winter Nights. It’s a dark roasted porter packed with rich roasted malts that give off inviting coffee and chocolate aromas: ‘It’s the kind of beer that feels made for cosy nights by the fire,’ he told me.
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Another crowd-pleaser, especially during the warmer months, is Dizzy Blonde, which John highlights as a lighter option at 3.8% ABV. When it was first released, the beer stirred a bit of controversy due to its original label. The design has since been updated, and the current label pays homage to vintage American fighter planes from World War II, featuring a woman’s face painted on a plane fuselage, echoing the iconic nose art seen on wartime aircraft. The beer itself reflects that transatlantic inspiration. Brewed with amarillo and cascade hops from the USA and tipple malt, Dizzy Blonde is a refreshing and easy-drinking pale ale.
On keg, the pub pours three regulars that always draw a crowd: Helles, Hopnik, and Brewhouse. Helles is a traditional German style of pale lager, known for its clean, crisp flavour. John explained that Hopnik started life as a short-run IPA: ‘just to test how it would sell.’ Its success was immediate, and it’s now a staple. Bursting with citrus, floral, and hoppy notes from citra and centennial hops, it’s a beer that grabs attention with every sip. Brewhouse is a crisp, clean lager that blends German and UK hops to create a delicate, seasonable taste.
Beyond the beer, the drinks range is impressively broad. The wine list is particularly strong, with whites ranging from a reliable house pinot grigio to some genuinely good chardonnays. On the red side, John’s personal recommendation is a malbec and judging by how popular it is, he’s not wrong. There’s also a wide choice of spirits, alongside soft drinks and alcohol-free options, making sure there’s something for everyone at the bar.
Karina praised the quality of the food and a quick look at online reviews backs her up. ‘The menu is hearty, with generous portions, and everything’s homemade,’ she says. Popular favourites include fish and chips cooked with Dizzy Blonde ale, and hotpot. The belly pork with Westons cider is another hit, while Sunday roasts are so popular that the pub is often fully booked. When I asked Karina what she’d recommend for a first-time visitor, she didn’t hesitate: fish and chips. She also highlighted the evening ‘Indulge’ menu, offering duck and three crowd-pleasing pies: steak and ale; chicken and ham, cheese and onion.
The menu rotates every six months, but hotpot and fish pie are staples in the winter. Karina shared a peek behind the scenes of how the menu is created: the Robinson head chefs meet at one of the pubs for a cook-off, tasting every dish. After the menu is chosen, presentation is fine-tuned back at base to ensure high standards are met.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Legh Arms, which John sums up perfectly: ‘Excellent food, top-quality beer, a great team and brilliant customers.’
Beers on offer
Cask:
Unicorn Premium Golden Ale 4.2% abv.
Dizzy Blonde Amarillo Pale Ale 3.8% abv.
Winter Nights Roasted Porter 4.5% abv.
Keg:
Helles Lager Bier 4.6% abv.
Hopnik IPA 4.7% abv.
Brewhouse Lager 4.0% abv.
Camden Stout 4.0% abv.
Madri Excepcional 4.6%
Birra Moretti 4.6% abv.
Nearby pub of note: Another highly respected Robinson’s pub based in Prestbury: Ye Olde Admiral Rodney