Mel's prayers are answered at The Church Inn

Yesterday called for a pub lunch. Don’t ask me why but it was the start of October, a bit chilly and it generally felt quite autumnal.



I didn’t want a pub lunch from one of these brightly manufactured pubs with garish décor and microwave meal deals. I wanted one from a proper boozer. You know the ones; low-ceilings, real fire, proper ales serving hearty food from either a seasonal menu or a blackboard special.



I got it spot on at The Church Inn which is located a few minutes from Cheadle Hulme.



Upon entering and having to duck to avoid the low ceilings (first box ticked) I was greeted by a nice member of staff who guided us through the hustle and bustle to a nice little room full of other diners. This quaint room smelt wonderful and everyone seemed very happy indeed with tables bulging of home cooked wonders.



Drinks ordered we had a good old look at the a la carte menu, the daily table du hote and vast selection of specials on the blackboard (second box ticked). I stopped ticking boxes at this point as it was clear I’d made a good decision.



I decided to go from the set menu which was only £8.95 for two courses, whilst my friend chose from the specials which was full of reasonably priced Asian inspired fish dishes, hefty hot sandwiches and fluffy omelettes.



My starter consisting of a Cod & Pancetta Fishcake sitting on a Thai style coleslaw and a homemade chilli jam was a delight. The fishcake had a good crunch and was aromatic and light inside. The coleslaw hit the mark with this chunky parcel and the zingy sauce was warming without overpowering the fish.





The other starter, a Chicken Satay, was equally good judging by the speed it was devoured.





Onto mains I opted for the duo of beef fillet medallions for a £3 supplement. Served pink sitting on a velvety, rich peppercorn and brandy demi-glace, it was superb. This came with two sides; big fat chips and a mixed cheesy veg. I couldn’t fault it and was the best £3 upgrade I’ve ever had. A opulent sauce made from a good stock, well cooked vegetables, tender pieces of beef – it was one of the best lunches I’ve had in quite some time.





My friend’s main was a whole steamed sea bream served again with an Asian element of soy, spring onions and ginger with a side of basmati rice. It was accompanied with a pot of spiced plum chutney which was as if a plum had eaten a whole bag of 5 spice mix. This sweet sauce went very well with the meaty fish, and was great to see it on the menu. More places should be serving this sustainable fish (especially when they replace the eye for an olive!).





No room for dessert, it was lunch after all and I didn’t want to fall asleep at my desk.



If you want a quick sandwich and a pint or something a bit special like I had without costing a fortune head to The Church Inn. We were in and out within the hour and cost less than £15 per person. I think I’ve found a new favourite and will be back again to try something else from the ever-changing menus.

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Posted: Thursday 2nd October 2014
ID: 9867 - 1227