Welles & Cross — Restaurant in England

We came here last Sunday following recommendations from some friends of ours that told us a new chef had been appointed recently, changing the food offering, and that it was well worth a visit. It was. On Sundays the menu is centred around roast dinners. We saw the menu for week nights, and it is a mixture of small plates, and sharing plates, all of which look enticing, but we were there for a roast. There were three choices, chicken, pork and beef. We started with nibbles, the best green olives I have ever tasted (where do they get them from!!) sourdough with wild garlic dip and whipped butter, roasted nuts. All of those were amazing. And, then for the roasts. A couple of us had chicken, my wife had beef. Now, we love a roast, but they are not usually done very well in a pub, or restaurant environment; or at least, that has been my experience. The roast potatoes don’t usually pass muster, cauliflower cheese seems impossible to get right, gravy is a lottery, and so on. But, this was spot on. We all agreed. It was simply the best non-home cooked roast dinner anyone of us had had. Chicken was succulent and tender, the beef was, apparently, tender and it looked to have been prepared and served with love and not a little attention. Veggies were all spot-on, gravy delicious too. The potatoes were amazing too; never had such crispy well-cooked one’s in a restaurant. All of us ate every last bit. For deserts we shared a cheeseboard, 4 wonderful choices of cheese, with posh crackers and grapes. Some of us had the apple tart, which not only looked like a artwork worthy of a spot in the Tate Modern, it tasted magnificent, and was big enough for 3-4 people. There was Crème Brulé too, and one other dessert. We had two bottles of wine, unpretentious but very good value, priced at around £26-£28 a bottle. A note about surroundings and décor. The eating area is upstairs, and you can see the chefs preparing the food, which is a fun distraction. The walls are deep blue, giving a peaceful, cool vibe. Downstairs is a mixture of one main bar, with a couple of side-snugs. There was live music on when we arrived. The walls had the same vibe as upstairs; cool, non-pretentious, confident. Service was spot on, and the owners were visible and helping serve food and clear tables, chatting to customers, not imposing, but just great, relaxed service, which was perfect for casual eating. Our server got it so right, chatting to the 2 children we had with us, ensuring we were happy with everything. So, all-in-all, we had a great time, and it was the best roast ever, and in the top few meals out that we have had in the UK. We eat out a lot, so that’s a high compliment for me to hand out. We even met the chef; someone with high provenance from top-starred restaurants, but producing superb food at this lovely pub. We will certainly be back to sample the weekday fare and would certainly highly recommend the place. Thank you for looking...

Just had Sunday lunch at Wells & Cross in Sandbach. The food and the service were fantastic. Like everything else in this pub from the staff to the drinks, they do it right. They mix a really good Margarita, serve nice pale ale, the pub is decorated nicely. And super friendly staff. Shout out to Billy, Zac, and Andri. Sorry others, you are also lovely, but I don't know your names yet! My wife is a pescatarian, but went for the vegetable pithivier (pie). I went for Roast Pork, both were lovely. The meals were served with reeally nice veg and a Yorkshire pudding on the plate. There was also cauliflower cheese, apple sauce, pickled fennel and gravy for me, and a white wine sauce split with green oil. Fancy for a market town Sunday Roast! The crowning glory is the underplayed apple tart to share, which to my delight was, in fact, a Tart Tartine with custard and marscapone cream. It was amazing. I was so full I could hardly move. As we left, Billy and Zac asked us, "How was it?" "What did you have?" So great that the team is concerned that you had a good time. Also, thanks to the owners Nick and Nat, so welcoming and friendly. Think this place is the worst kept secret in Sandbach, and it will be packed with diners. Sorry, that's just me being selfish! Also, music level is good, not too loud, but you can...

I’ve known and loved this place for a couple of years as the best place for beers with mates — it’s the go-to place for a few drinks and a good atmosphere. But now they’ve brought in a new chef, and the food is seriously impressive.

We ordered a bit of everything. The haddock croquettes were a brilliant start, along with shrimp on a crispy crumpet and pork belly. Shrimp on a crumpet might sound odd but it totally worked! I had the ribeye (medium), cooked just right and spot on with a glass of Malbec. Sarah went for the beef cheek — rich, slow-cooked, and packed with flavour.

Fries were crispy and well-seasoned. Even the broccoli was on point.

We finished with an apple tart for two, with cream and custard — the caramelised base was perfect.

I’m not a food critic but honestly, this was one of the best meals I’ve had locally.

There may have been a second Malbec. Then a pornstar martini. Then an old fashioned. And definitely plans to come back soon.

Thanks to Nick and Nat for an amazing new night, and we will...