Sam’s Chophouse
Susie Stubbs
This is a traditional pub-cum-restaurant whose fabulous British menu is regularly lauded in the national and local press. Kids are welcome, while its clientele ranges from business bods to young ‘uns on their way out – anyone, basically, who likes good food served in a great (and historic) setting. The food is determinedly British, with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce. Think brown onion soup, homemade corned beef hash, black and steak and kidney puddings; the sort of comforting stuff that, frankly, clogs arteries but is worth the coronary risk. The puddings may also be to due for, featuring burnt English custard and proper Eccles cakes.
The pub, meanwhile, has been described by The Guardian as “a Victorian fantasy meets Hogwarts”, and they’d not be far wrong: it is lavishly tiled, big on dark wood and the sort of pub that feels as if it has been around forever. It gets busy here over weekends and holidays, though, so you’d be advised to book. The same company also runs the nearby Mr. Thomas’ Chop House.
