The Stanley Arms, Anderton

10:58am Wednesday 16th April 2008

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How it rated

Quality of service good

Value for money excellent

The restaurant area is nicely decorated and reflects the area in which it is located, with canal and boating artefacts adorning the walls.

James Wilson

Ambience homely and relaxed

Speed of service perfect

Quality of food very good, very hearty pub grub

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AFTER spending an afternoon in the fresh air of mid Cheshire I decided to stop for a bite to eat at the Stanley Arms in Anderton.

Watching a Vics match in freezing conditions, and seeing the home team surrender a two goal lead, my partner and I felt we both needed a hearty meal to warm us both up.

After having a quick chat with my colleague from the photographic department, we were told to try the pub, located close to the Anderton Boat Lift, on Old Lane.

At first we drove past it, as it is nestled just off the main road, but we were definitely glad we turned around.

The pub was filling up as we walked in, and we had encouraging signs of the food on offer, as many of the tables in the dining room area were already reserved.

The restaurant area is nicely decorated and reflects the area in which it is located, with canal and boating artefacts adorning the walls.

After viewing the substantial menu we both opted to have a starter. I chose the deep fried brie with cranberry sauce and my partner chose the chilli king prawn skewer.

The king prawns came presented with a large portion of salad, and in some eateries could have passed as a main course.

My partner was particularly impressed with the flavour of the prawns.

My brie was well cooked and very tasty, and also came with a similar sized salad.

For mains I decided on the steak and ale pie, with my partner choosing the fish goujons.

The pie was tremendous. Served in a pot with a shortcrust lid, it was full of meat in a rich gravy. The pie was obviously home made and the meat melted in my mouth.

It was accompanied with a huge serving of chips and a side salad.

It definitely left me struggling to move after my meal.

My partner found she couldn't eat all of her goujons, due to the size of the dish, but said they were full of flavour.

If anything there was probably too many of them.

After a short break my partner surprised me by insisting she had room for a dessert, and once again I was off to the bar.

We asked for the homemade fruit crumble with custard, and asked for two spoons. In keeping with the previous courses the crumble was of a healthy sized portion. The fruit was tasty and not too sweet. Perfect.

Considering that one of us had decided to go for three courses, the bill came to a very reasonable £30, which included drinks.

If you have a large appetite I would definately recommend a visit to this small but cosy pub.