Not many beer gardens can boast a full on lavender field as the backdrop for a pint. But that's the picture perfect setting at the Swettenham Arms.
The pub boasts its very own lavender meadow, where you can dine or have a drink with the relaxing sway of the fragrant flowers before you. The historic pub has an adjoining events suite, which is also a popular setting for weddings and events.
The lavender comes into flower in June and lasts through to August, with it's powerful perfume scenting the air. There are drinking and dining tables set up next to the lavender fields, where guests are able to order food and drink from the pub.
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The Swettenham Arms has been known for years as a foodie pub, and was recently taken over by Robinsons Brewery. It's nestled in the tiny village of Swettenham, nestled in rolling countryside between Congleton and Holmes Chapel in Cheshire.
The lavender meadow has become a big draw for guests on days out in the area, stretching out to a pretty pavilion which has become popular for photos. Kids love to run through the fields and it makes stunning photos for all the family when the fronds are in full lilac bloom.
But if lavender isn't your thing, there's a raft of other seating options at the pub. At the front of the building is a full paved garden terrace, which looks out across the large public car park area and across to the village's historic 13th century church, St Peter's.
Meanwhile next to the pub is another beer garden with picnic style tables. This area is next to the entrance to another of the big attractions in the tranquil Cheshire village - the Lovell Quinta Arboretum.
Inside the pub has been recently refurbished, retaining its historic charm and details like old beams and fireplaces, with a range of seating options for smaller or larger groups. The pub building dates back to the 16th century, and started out life as a nunnery.
The current menu boasts a range of pub classics like beer-battered cod and chips (£15), chicken and ham pie (£14.50), and burger and chips (£14). And on Sundays there's the ever-popular Great British Roast menu for £16 with the option of beef, pork or a mix of the two, as well as a vegetarian mushroom, cranberry and brie wellington.
There's also a children's menu with chicken goujons or fish fingers with chips for £6.50 or a linguine with tomato sauce for £5.50.
With its proximity to the 13th century St Peter's Church, the pub's former life as nunnery has an intriguing history. It is said to have been used as a resting place for weary funeral parties - and an underground tunnel connecting the pub to the church was where dead bodies used to be transported.
Naturally, with this kind of history there has long been folklore of ghosts stalking the pub, including that of a spooky nun. On the pub's website it says: "Given the nature of the history of our Inn, it may not be too surprising for customers to hear that there has been a number of ghost sightings in the area, including one at the inn itself.
"On 15th November 2005 a customer was enjoying a meal in the dining room. During the meal, a ghostly apparition appeared at the fireplace The ghost appeared to be the figure of a nun dressed in black. She spoke to the customer.
"The customer subsequently went to see the local vicar of St. Peters Church (opposite) who confirmed the ghost had been seen on previous occasions. Since then, we have been informed that in 1952 the rectory was exorcized by the local vicar to release troubled spirits.
"In January 2006, The Congleton Paranormal Society conducted a vigil at the pub during the night. The findings of which were published in the local press. More vigils are planned. Paranormal magazine ‘Ghost Voices’ also produced an article on the Swettenham Arms in May 2009."
The pub was taken on by Robinsons Brewery last year, following the retirement of long-standing pub landlady Frances Cunningham last August after 28 years at the helm. Announcing the news at the time, Frances said: "After a very long and happy time as owner, it’s time for me to step down and for the pub to move into a new phase of its life.
"Customers can rest assured, though, that I’m leaving it in safe hands. Robinsons Brewery, a local, family company, will be taking over from the end of August and will continue with our philosophy of local produce and excellent food in idyllic and friendly surroundings.
“After 28 years at the Swettenham Arms and over 50 years as a landlady, it feels strange for me to be retiring but I have so many wonderful memories to look back on. I have a wonderful team who will be staying on to provide continuity and I am assured by Robinsons that the only changes will be for the better.
"The Swettenham Arms in particular has always been a true family business and I ran it in partnership with my late husband Jim, a former amateur boxer who was popular with locals and customers alike. My sons have also been very involved with the business and have worked very hard."
The Lovell Quinta Arboretum
Right next to the pub is the Lovell Quinta Arboretum which is a good spot to walk off your pub lunch. The 28-acre gardens were created by Sir Bernard Lovell in the mid 1950s.
The scientist and astronomer is best known for his telescope at Jodrell Bank but was also a passionate gardener, collecting trees and shrubs from far and wide, and lived next to the gardens until his death in 2012. The Arboretum remains a stunning testament to his horticultural work.
It is home to a colourful range of around 2,500 different plants including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils in the spring as well as trees and shrubs making a beautiful tranquil walk at any time of year. It's maintained by the Tatton Garden Society and there's a suggested donation of £2.50 for adults, while kids can go in free.
How to get there
The village of Swettenham is tucked away in Cheshire down winding country lanes, half way between Holmes Chapel and Congleton. The most direct route is to turn off the main A535 Chelford Road at Twemlow Green next to the Yellow Broom restaurant onto Forty Acre Lane.
Take a right turn onto Congleton Road, and the entrance to the village is signposted with a sharp bend into Swettenham Lane. There is a large free car park outside the Swettenham Arms pub. The nearest train station is at Goostrey, but around a 40 minute walk from the station to Swettenham.
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