GASTRONOMY REVIEW: The Old Roebuck, Altrincham. Greater Manchester

Starting life as a row of cottages, and being converted into an alehouse in the 19th century; this centrally located pub restaurant was a real 'find' for weary travellers yesterday. 

A rather quiet Monday afternoon, too late for the cafes to still be open, and actually too early for the restaurants and take-away joints, we chanced upon this snug pub / restaurant tucked away in a side street off the town square. The kitchen didn't start serving until 5:30pm, which, as we were in somewhat of a hurry, was a little late for us, but we ordered from the bar in good time, and it was served promptly and piping hot, as soon as the chef had prepared and cooked the dishes for us.

The food was actually delicious - and fresh! We had ordered two pies; lamb with cranberries and rosemary for myself, and steak and ale for my companion. These were freshly made - right down to the pastry - by the restaurant's chef (hence the wait); but they were absolutely worth the wait several times over. The pastry was thin and tasty, whilst inside was crammed full with plenty of meat, gravy and hardly any space to spare at all. Served with thickly cut "proper" chips and vegetables, it was not only a hefty meal, but extremely good value for money too [£11.95 each]. My only criticisms would be that the carrots were far too al dente for my liking, and since the chef obviously rushed a little to prepare our pies, the pastry was just a tad undercooked... but both are fogiveable.

An unhurried, pleasant, and most accommodating atmosphere; friendly and polite; with a beer garden to the rear. If we are ever in Altrincham again and in need of a meal, we'll try and make a little more time to return here and enjoy the food without rushing. 

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall