The Jug & Bottle

I was happy to linger here, thanks to the warm, relaxed feel and the balance between somewhere special and somewhere you can properly unwind. My fish pie was rich and comforting, with generous amounts of fish and good seasoning. It wasn't swamped in sauce, which can happen with fish pie. Had a really lovely meal at The Jug and Bottle in Heswall.

The glazed lemon tart was an excellent finish, and we were glad we shared it. Earlier, we'd both enjoyed our main courses: the roast beef dinner and the chicken burger with fries tasted as good as they looked. The beef meal with cauliflower cheese and stuffing wrapped in pancetta was also appetising, though the roast dinner with fewer vegetables because of personal preference could have done with extra potatoes or carrots instead. We booked online for Sunday lunch and were pleased we had, as it was lively when we arrived. There was a welcoming atmosphere, a warm greeting from the man behind the bar, and a friendly waitress showed us to our table. Drinks arrived promptly, and the food followed after a reasonable wait. Parking is a little limited, and nearby paid parking only has a few spaces. The team were attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere stayed relaxed. Live music from the other side of the bar added to the visit.

We came back for the second time this month and loved it again. My wife had the snapper and I chose the chicken, both restaurant quality rather than typical pub food. Cosy place, good beer choices and great service. It's our local favourite.

Our travel plans changed, so we booked at short notice to eat and stay the night. The Sunday roast was served hot and the food quality was excellent. There was great live entertainment, too, and the staff were professional and attentive. We really enjoyed the stay and will definitely return soon.