Busy Reviews The CockoBarton Cheshire

We'd heard on the grape vine that the CockoBarton in Malpas, Cheshire, was The Place To Be so we sent one of our Busy Girls down for a quick nosey...

"The CockoBarton is situated just past Carden Park on the A534 towards Wrexham. When we drove into The CockoBarton I actually had to check the map, & make sure we were in the right place. I'd been a couple of years before, to a rather hilarious 'Cockeoke' night, but then it was like a different place. The gardens were neatly trimmed, the carpark brand new & the building itself looked completely different- I couldn't wait to see the interior.

I was in for a surprise - the old CockoBarton pub was nowhere to be seen, & in its place a stunning, airy, welcoming space with the most sumptuous furniture & a slick mix of retro & country design. The fittings & furniture had been really well combined, with over-sized gilt mirrors & vintage chairs to 60's art-deco lighting & animal themed fabrics. You have to see it to believe the transformation from the dark, ageing pub it had once been.

The CockoBarton changed hands in 2005 & shortly underwent a dramatic transformation from an olde-wordly farmers pub to a contemporary but countrified Bar Restaurant.

We were greeted at the door by the warm smile of the door-host, who seated us in huge over-sized gentlemens chairs, which were surprisingly comfortable. We were quickly greeted by our waiter & given a quick run down on the extensive wine menu - which was carefully split into 'idiot-friendly' headers - such as "soft tanning, fruitful, well balanced" & "classic, full bodied, well structured".

The menu was a delight, packed with locally grown options it was separated into helpful sections such as 'plate & glass' for a quick lunch, through to 'platter & bottle' for guests wanting share a selection of dishes.

We decided to try the 'Retro Pub Platter' with a bottle of Sauvignon, as recommended on the menu. Both the platter & the bottle came in at a reasonable £22.95 each for two of us.

The food arrived in good time - cooked to perfection by chef Robert Kisby (who made his name at Le Mont, Urbis, in Manchester & is winner of 11 regional & national awards). We delved into mini cottage pies & free-range locally grown chicken kievs whilst our friends tucked into the, & I quote 'fantastically fresh' halibut fish & chips in beer batter. Although we opted for the traditional dishes, we were pleased to see an array of alternative fish & fresh meat dishes available.

Finally, came the delicious lavender creme brulee, light & freshly made - topped off with a good strong coffee served with over-sized Italian hazelnut biscuits.

So - our overall thoughts? A light & airy environment, friendly staff & an excellent chef - with good value for money. We'd definitely recommend you head down there, but make sure you book as The CockoBarton is (unsurprisingly) packed most nights. A good option for lunch but it is a good 1/2hr out of Chester, so make it a long one!"

The CockoBarton, Barton Road, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7HU, 01829 782 277 www.thecockobarton.co.uk

Sarah Jones, Girl About Town
Busy Girls Guide
Manchester & Cheshire