The Badger Inn

While this particular Badger Inn is a historic 18th-century establishment in Church Minshull, Cheshire, it's worth noting that there are other pubs and inns across the UK with similar names. For instance, there's also a Badger Inn in Lelant, Cornwall, and The Badger in Street Houses, Ponteland, both with their own unique histories and features. When planning your visit, ensure you're navigating to the Church Minshull location.

This traditional inn, originally built around 1770 as 'The Brook Arms', has a rich history. It was renamed 'The Badger Inn' after the brock (badger) on the Brookes family crest, who were the Lords of the Manor. It served as an old coaching inn, with its two-story section once functioning as a coach house. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2011, continuing its legacy as a welcoming hostelry.

Yes, The Badger Inn is ideally located for family-friendly strolls. Its proximity to the Shropshire Union Canal means you can easily access flat, well-maintained towpath walks. These routes are generally easy and safe for children, offering pleasant views of canal boats and the surrounding countryside. For slightly longer adventures, the open fields nearby also provide gentle paths suitable for families.

The Badger Inn welcomes dogs in its bar areas and garden, making it a great stop for hikers with canine companions. Many of the nearby walking routes, particularly those along the Shropshire Union Canal and through the open fields, are suitable for dogs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or other visitors, and to carry waste bags.

While The Badger Inn offers on-site parking, it is primarily for patrons. If you plan a longer hike that extends beyond a typical pub visit, it's advisable to check for public parking areas in Church Minshull or along the Shropshire Union Canal. These might offer more suitable options for extended stays, ensuring you don't overstay your welcome at the inn's car park.

The Badger Inn provides five uniquely furnished rooms for overnight stays, each named after pubs historically linked to the Hughes family. Options include Premier King, Premier Double, and Luxury King Suite. Given the inn's popularity, especially during peak seasons or weekends, making reservations for accommodation is highly recommended to secure your preferred room.

The primary natural feature is the picturesque Shropshire Union Canal, offering tranquil waterside views and opportunities to observe canal boats. The elegant St Bartholomew's Church, which overlooks the inn's hidden garden, is also a notable landmark. Walks through the open Cheshire countryside provide expansive views of rolling fields and traditional English landscapes.

The Badger Inn offers distinct experiences depending on the season. In colder months, the real log fires create a wonderfully cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for warming up after a brisk walk. During spring and summer, the hidden garden comes alive, providing a serene outdoor space to enjoy refreshments under the sun, often with views of St Bartholomew's Church.

Yes, due to its location near the Shropshire Union Canal and a network of public footpaths, it's possible to devise several circular walking routes that begin and end at The Badger Inn. These routes often combine sections of the canal towpath with paths through the surrounding fields, allowing hikers to enjoy diverse scenery and return to the inn for refreshments.

The Badger Inn boasts a gastro-pub menu focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, offering a range from classic dishes to unique culinary creations. The bar features a rotating selection of Cheshire real ales from local microbreweries, a wide array of wines, and an enviable collection of gins and spirits, with cocktails prepared by their mixologist.

While The Badger Inn is nestled in a rural village, public transport options might be limited compared to urban areas. It's best to check local bus schedules for services to Church Minshull. However, for those exploring by boat, the inn's proximity to the Shropshire Union Canal near Bridge 14 makes it easily accessible for canal users.