Sugarvine

The Tollemache Arms, a former farm building over 400 years old, has been trading as an inn since 1776. Once a decent pub, in recent years it went downhill and became something of a dive. Bought by the Stockport brewer Robinsons in 2008, the pub was closed for several weeks and comprehensively refurbished.

What a difference.

The whole building has been repaired and painted inside and out, the rotting conservatory has been removed, a new double porch has replaced the previous "lobby" area, and the rather labyrinthine interior layout has been made much more sensible.

There's a games room behind the main bar area, with a pool table and other amusements. Sadly, the children's interior soft-play room has gone to make room for more restaurant space, but an extensive play area/beer garden is being planned for outside, once the newly laid grass has grown a little and the weather has improved.

It's now a proper "local" again, with a thriving and increasing trade under the guidance of the new licensee Paul Collins and his family. There is decent beer again, and excellent food courtesy of chef John, recruited from the nearby Dysart Arms. I've dined there a number of times, most memorably on Valentine's Day, where a special menu with a distinct red theme was offered, and decor to match designed by Paul's wife Valerie.

We had:

A starter for two of chorizo and manchego cheese;
duck for me and a mushroom risotto for my partner (she's vegetarian) and a shared dessert of a trio of crème brulée (vanilla, rum and raisin, forest fruits).

The menu is well-priced and varied - my duck was the best I've tasted, and I've eaten in much more expensive venues than this.
The dessert was a masterpiece.

The wine list is sensibly-priced and has a reasonable range of wines to suit the menu, with nothing from the stratospheric end of the price range: we had a rather splendid rioja from somewhere in the middle of the range.

If nothing from the standard menu tempts you, there is a specials board, and Paul is considering a few special events such as curry nights.

The decor is simple and unfussy, with the traditional beamed ceiling given a modern twist by being painted in a colour I can only describe as "putty". The floor in the bar area is tiled, with a carpeted area with tables and armchairs for those preferring a more relaxed approach. Coffee is available at any time, and I understand Paul is proposing laying on wireless broadband in the "lounge" area.

The dining area is to the rear, with well-spaced tables in various sizes.

There are four bed-and-breakfast rooms available, too.

The staff are friendly and efficient, and to top it all- it's practically on my doorstep! I can't tell you how pleased I am to have somewhere decent to eat and drink within walking range.

If you've been to the "Tolly" in the bad old days, give it another try: it's a whole new experience.