[iBozz]

I have been asked to help find a recommended moorland pub with a real fire which will be open for meal bookings for Christmas Day.

South of Manchester would be preferable but is not mandatory so by all means nominate candidates north, east and west of Manchester. Reasonable travel, please, don't recommended the Outer Hebrides or Chipping Sodbury for example.

It's for a couple working up here from mid-November to early January (yes, in The Stockport Plaza's superb Panto, Dick Whittington - tickets now available) but please don't let the fact that, living on the West Country coast, they support Exeter get in the way of genuine recommendations!

Thanks in advance.

[DaveAitch]

The last pub I went to with a real fire is near Wrexham. It's not quite as far as Chipping Sodbury but on the other hand it's hardly moorland. There must be something nearer that better fits the bill.

[iBozz]

Thanks, Dave. Being TT I know little about pubs so am hoping that some on here will be able to help.

It is a genuine and not frivolous request for help.

[Carlos]

Not sure about christmas opening, but I'd start by checking the Hare and hounds @ Werneth low, Pack Horse @ Hayfield, or Crag inn @ Wildboarclough.

Last one would be the pick for a moorland walk - the path to the top of shutlingsloe starts at the door and takes about 30 (steepish) minutes.

[chris1850]

Think the Crag Inn is now permanently closed? Leather Smithy at Langley would give the same walking options though

Lazy Trout at Meerbrook is very good and within reach of the Roaches and Hen Cloud.

Ship at Wincle another option with Gritstone Trail nearby

[iBozz]

Thanks, both! I shall explore those suggestions. Is the Hanging Gate open again at Wincle? It looked closed when i drove past a few months ago and it's not moorland as such but has staggering views across the Cheshire Plain.

Keep them coming, please.

[chris1850]

Hanging Gate is under new ownership and was due to reopen shortly after Covid struck. Don't think it is fully open yet - maybe just a couple of days per week and don't think they are serving food yet either.

[DaveAitch]

Here's the pub near Wrexham, The Royal Oak, Bangor on Dee. http://www.theroyaloakbangorondee.co.uk
Just a little further down (upriver, though down on the map) there is the boat at Erbistock https://theboataterbistock.co.uk and the Cross Foxes also billed as Erbistock https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/crossfoxes. The boat has fairly recently changed hands, and I haven't been since the changeover.

As I said earlier there must be something nearer that will fit the bill.

[Maccshark]

Crag Inn is closed, owner successfully selling spring water sold on site.
Ship Inn at Wincle and Rose and Crown at Flash both excellent.
Ryles Arms and Stanley Arms both good.

[Centrethreequarter]

We had a super Christmas Day lunch at the Devonshire Arms at Beeley a few years ago. There were two open fires and a lovely atmosphere.

Rooms available across the road if needed.

Highly recommended, but certainly not cheap.

[iBozz]

Thanks for the above, one and all.

Amended instructions are now that moorside is replaced by country (which still includes moorside), it is dog friendly and that the place should be within a maximum of 45 to 60 minutes drive from Stockport. I would surmise that an exceptional location (I am thinking, for example, of The Trough of Bowland) would extend the driving time requirement.

if they next stipulate that the Landlord has to be an Exeter supporter (they both are) i shall immediately withdraw co-operation!

I shall do some preliminary research on the above locations over the next couple of days so there is still tile to recommend some more!