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The Merlin is probably the most impressive building in the area, inside the décor has been varied in each room to create an interest and individuality that is both stylish and welcoming; it also has a ten bedroom hotel upstairs. It is one of those pubs that have surfaced on the mainstream of casual eating in the UK and are taking an increasing share of the market, evidenced by their growth in numbers and the popularity of what they have to offer. If this results in a 'type' there is certainly no harm in that.

Contemporary pubs such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have an external tiered terrace with upper patio and lawns, providing 100 seats as an optional al fresco eating out space, and by no means least a roomy and well-stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. After all, drinking should be taken seriously.

If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Merlin provides ample evidence that this is true. Looking out over the Cheshire Plain, between Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, the pub has an illustrious history dating from when it was built as a private house for Sir Thomas de Trafford in the 1880s.

But of course there are other factors, not least of which is the food and drink. The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings, and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats, dolcelatte, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, expect to find freshly made soup, smoked salmon with pomegranate molasses, fennel and micro herb salad, or gambas with rocket, garlic aioli and rustic bread. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing, and for the seafood enthusiasts some prawn and avocado with bacon, mango, pecans, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette receive a rapturous welcome.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; look for a classic margherita of cherry tomatoes, pomodoro, mozzarella and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or a piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

Pastas include tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan, or linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine. For the big event there is always roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes. Spit chicken, lemon, garlic, thyme and frites is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. Battered haddock with frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas is worth trying too. For hearty eaters there are good fillet and rib-eye steaks or salmon with crab, chorizo fishcakes, roasted sweet corn and cherry tomato salsa.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes tomato and red onions, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard, and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and there is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Merlin stocks a wide range of beers, both well-loved draught ales and bottled from Europe. The wine list covers plenty of territory from traditional clarets to Pinot Grigio, and champagne by the glass or bottle is always available. Service is cheerful, brisk and totally in keeping with the friendly nature of a good English gastropub.

Keep in regular touch and get further details by means of their informative Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

As soon as you walk through the doors of a Gusto outlet, you should instantly feel welcome. They are a chain of modern restaurants that offer a dining experience based on good food, drink and service in stylish surroundings. Their name stands for a hearty and enjoyable dining experience.

The ambiance is influenced by the glamour of 1950's New York Italian eateries, but in a contemporary setting, with a focus on freshly prepared classic and modern Italian fare; there is a stand-alone bar along side the restaurants, and a range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails.

Among starters, expect to find the classics calamari and caprese salad, as well as seared and marinated beef carpaccio. The restauarant also has an extensive choice of pizzas including all the old favourites such as the Margherita, Carnivore and Fiorentina.

The menu has a range of delicious dishes including whole lobster, salt baked sea bass and homemade Italian beef burger - all added to a range of specials created by the chef each week. Of course, being an Italian restaurant they serve an excellent selection of pasta, piled hot and steaming into large bowls - perfect for lunch or early evening with a crisp side salad like the apple, gorgonzola, walnut with baby gem and spinach. Ingredients are sourced responsibly both on land and at sea, seeking out local suppliers wherever possible.

Children are particularly well catered for at Gusto. The menu is varied and even encourages participation, for instance they can create pizzas with their own choice of toppings and take them down to the kitchen themselves.

The dessert list comprises of chocolate and marscapone calzone, a local favourite, and tiramisu among other choices for those wanting to indulge their sweet tooth. Along with champagne and prosecco, Gusto also serves old and new world wines.

The Wizard is a former coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, nestling in the woods off Macclesfield Road. The beautiful white building that houses the inn has a relaxed and cosy interior where customers can feast on well created Modern British cuisine.

The menu changes with the season and with availability of produce; poultry and game come from Goosnargh, butchery from Upholland, fish from Fleetwood, and vegetables and dairy products from Cheshire. It is noteworthy that The Wizard has won a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2001 and is recommended in The Good Food Guide.

A meal there could include smooth chicken liver parfait, crispy duck spring rolls and pan-fried Thai crab cakes to start. Among mains seared fillet of Scottish salmon appears with char-grilled asparagus while braised shank of English lamb is served with scallion mash and braising juices. Sandwiches and soup are served only at lunchtime.

A selection of cheeses or vanilla crème brûlée help end the meal.

If you wish to experience the joys of authentic Italian cuisine in a setting that is rustic and family run, visit Osteria Mauro in Wilmslow Road. The décor is modern and relaxing, with wooden beams, muted colours, oak flooring and marble tabletops.

Customers are offered a satisfying choice of pastas, meat, and wine; the ravioli is handmade each day, cured ham comes from artisan suppliers, and the fish is delivered fresh from Bolton Market.

Consider starting off with a plate of breads and grissini with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before whole tiger prawns are served in the shell. Smoked salmon with crayfish tails and pan-fried chilli scallops are other exciting starters. Pasta and risotto such as the gnocchi alla sorentina could be enjoyed next, followed by either a steak or dishes such as half roast duckling in caramelised onion and port sauce. A range of pizzas are always available. The wine list, with the exception of champagne, is exclusively Italian and the prices suit all budgets.

Osteria is available for private dining, business lunches and parties.