Setter Dog, Walker Barn

Closed around 2007, converted to house. Picture from 2020. This is the last description...

Built in 1740 as part of a thriving farming and quarrying community, the Setter Dog probably began life as a coaching house, and is reputed to have been the last combined pub and post office in England. An old post collection box remains hidden in the corner of the main room. Some original outbuildings still survive on the other side of the road, by the car park. The name has been corrupted over the years, and refers to a ‘setting' dog, (i.e. one which has been set on to fetch or follow game). The Dog is intimate and beamed, with a wood-panelled snug, and a second small room which doubles as the dining room. The walls are decorated by many photographs, many showing the pub marooned in deep snow! The stuffed badger and fox seem to fascinate the young, who are welcome until 7.30. Very much a pub for talking in, it has no juke box, games or machines; only quiet background music. Occasionally there is a live folk music night. The open fire in winter offers a warm welcome to Gritstone Trail walkers, and with the low winter sun slanting in through thewindow, there are few spots more congenial.

This roadside pub, nestled in the hills, is half a mile or so from Tegg's Nose Country Park, and can be busy at weekends, especially in summer. Winter visitors are more likely to use 4 Wheel drive, sledges or skis, but the pub is rarely cut off nowadays. Benches and a large grass area adjoin the car park. Excellent meals are served all day on Sunday, and there are weekday special offers, but note that booking is advisable and the pub is closed on Monday lunchtimes. There are tasting notes for the Timothy Taylors range of beers by the bar, and it is common to see some of the more unusual Taylors beers on tap.Guest beers often include offerings from popular local microbreweries such as Beartown of Congleton