Smoker, Plumley

The pub was damaged by a severe fire that broke out around 5.30pm on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024. It is not expected to reopen until 2026 at the earliest.

An attractive and characterful Elizabethan coaching house dating back to at least 1597 but now set on the very busy A556, half way between Chester and Manchester. The cobbled frontage and old mounting block give a clue to the antiquity of the Smoker, as does the thatched roof. A plaque on the exterior tells the visitor that the inn was proud to serve the subjects of Elizabeth the First and continues to serve those of Elizabeth II. It is named after a white champion racehorse ridden by the late Lord de Tabley, whose nearby Estate at Tabley House has an impressive art collection, open to the public in summer. Both the Windmill and the Spinner & Bergamot in the vicinity are similarly named after horses owned by the said gentleman. The bright, light interior is much modernised and opened out from its former incarnation. One old photograph of the pub remains opposite the bar. The Smoker serves four of the Robinson's range of cask beers. Dining is the principal aspect of the trade. The cuisine is highly regarded, with a full range of meals from sandwiches up, with vegetarians/vegans and children specifically catered for. Freshly cooked local produce is featured. There is a garden and patio area. Helpfully, a walks leaflet is produced for visitors who wish to enjoy the surrounding countryside. It can be downloaded from their website.

There is level access throughout most of the pub.