So named for its impressive roofline, The Chimneys has been in Hooton on the Wirral for as long as I can remember. It’s also changed hands more times than I can recount. After a devastating flood earlier in the year, nobody knew if it’d survive but it has been lovingly restored and modernised and is now a Vintage Inn. I visited a few months ago for an open day before it opened fully, and a few weeks ago I took the whole family, including the dogs back there for dinner with a fifty percent off voucher.

Unfortunately on first inspection of the evening menu we found my gluten and dairy intolerant husband had very very little choice. The staff were friendly and helpful with the allergen menus, but for such a huge chain we were very disappointed. It’s not hard to grab a tub of dairy free butter is it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Anyway, the rest of us had lots of choice and chose starters and mains…

The food was enjoyable, if a little dull for my husband. The pizza and the fish looked and tasted great, my prawns were just a bit dry and needed some butter but the accompaniments were delicious. I love the beetroot hummus here.

Myself and my sister went on to order dessert, taking full advantage of our discount.

The desserts were delicious and I was just happy to find somewhere that actually served custard! A lovely winter warmer.

If you do find yourselves here however, you may also be surprised at the bill. For the quality of food I would have been quite cross if I had paid full price for what is essentially pub grub. Very expensive for the area. That coupled with the poor gluten and dairy free choices means I’m unlikely to visit again for an evening meal. For brunch and a coffee yes (the pancakes are fab!) but for my dinner, not a chance. Sorry guys.