Winner: Vale Royal Abbey Arms

THE highlight of most people’s Sundays is tucking into a roast dinner, the quintessential British dish guaranteed to finish the weekend off right. But where serves the best roast dinner?

Northwich has spoken and crowned the Vale Royal Abbey Arms as its winner.

Steve Harvey, general manager, said: “I have always loved working in the catering industry, and I am a firm believer that you get out of a job what you put into it. For me, hearing the feedback from customers that have visited and knowing that they had a fantastic time makes it all worth it. The sense of community you get from working in a local pub like the Vale Royal Abbey Arms truly is amazing, and it makes coming to work every day something you look forward to.”

Every roast dinner at the pub is made fresh to order and comes with carved meats of your choice, ranging from the traditional trio of beef, turkey or ham. This is served with all the trimmings; goose fat and garlic roast potatoes, fresh broccoli, creamy mash, honey roast vegetables, a giant freshly baked Yorkshire pudding and rich homemade gravy.

Also on offer are smaller sized portions for children or elderly customers, making sure that the whole family can enjoy a perfect Sunday roast together.

Alex Hickson, head chef, said: “I believe one of the reasons our roast dinners are so popular is because of the passion that our fantastic team of chefs use to create each individual meal. Every roast dinner is produced using fresh ingredients and we bring it all together the best we possibly can to ensure every element of the dish is 100 per cent.”

The warm and inviting environment created at the pub with real log fires, cosy conservatory and spacious restaurant area, gives customers an ambiance they can really relax in.

Olivia Fletcher, waitress, said: “Seeing how far people are travelling to visit us every Sunday for one of our roast dinners really proves their popularity. We have lots of regulars, including a couple from Wales who make the trip every Sunday to enjoy their afternoon in our pub.

“Customers regularly tell me that the Abbey Arms is the perfect place for family time. We try our hardest to make sure that all our customers have the best experience possible, whether you’re bringing children, or even your canine companions! We have plenty of games and books available to keep the kids entertained, and a great children’s menu that will cater to the fussiest of eaters.”

YOUR FAVOURITE FIVE

  • Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Oakmere
  • The Old Sessions House, Knutsford
  • George and Dragon, Great Budworth
  • Salt Barge, Northwich
  • Clock Tower, Northwich

 Highly commended: The Old Sessions House

A VERY close second place in the shortlist for best roast dinner goes to Knutsford’s The Old Sessions House.

The Guardian asked The Old Sessions House about their roast dinners and why they’re so popular.

Steph Conchie, head office manager, said: “We use local great quality ingredients, cooked by a team of chefs who are passionate about their food, and of course our giant Yorkshire puddings.

“Aside from the food the friendly service and live music on a Sunday ensure that all who visit have an exceptional experience.”

The pub has been going since 2012 but the recent management only took over in the past six months.

It’s not just the roast dinners that are popular there either.

Steph said: “With our menus changing seasonally we don’t have a ‘signature dish’ what we do have are firm favourites such as fish and chips. On the current menu you could probably call our crispy pork belly or the chicken schnitzel our signatures as guests return for these time and time again.

“We constantly deliver exceptional hospitality with a knowledgeable and friendly team, supported by an innovative food offering and a top class range of wines, beers and spirits.” 

Readers voted in our Food and Drink Awards during the spring across our sister titles. 

We've been revealing the winners over the past two weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the remaining category.