Gresford, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

Just outside of Wrexham, a lovely link in the Brunning & Price empire, who took over this large and picturesque neglected pile (then decked out as a sports pub) in 1994 and transformed it into a “very comfortable” venue, as per their style. The undemanding but enjoyable food, which ranges from burgers to fish ‘n’ chips and chicken ramen, is “solid”, staff are “friendly” and there’s “a great big garden for the kids to muck around in during the summer”; it can, however, “get very busy” – a testament to its charms.

Owner Gary Usher’s flair with crowd-funding and socials helped inspire lots of attention for his ‘first Elite Bistro pub’ when it opened in March 2023 in the leafy Cheshire countryside. Reports this year were somewhat limited and a little up-and-down (“we’ve been a few times, on the latest there were some hitches but the matter was sorted out quickly”). Overall, though, its “very flavourful” cuisine remains well-rated and “the place itself is divided into areas each with their own atmosphere, but all very pleasant”.