Axe & Cleaver, Dunham Massey

About us

The pub’s handsome beer garden, dotted with trees, looks out onto fields carpeted with buttercups, winding lanes and unique, charming brick houses.

. Just along the beautiful Bridgewater Canal lies the Grade I listed Dunham Massey Hall, a striking residence built in 1616, set in impressive grounds. An imposing moat adds another layer of grandeur to the hall, and the orangery offers another green and attractive space in a village with an array of them. At the Axe & Cleaver we pride ourselves on classic pub food cooked with care. Whether it's hand-battered cod & chips, the gourmet burger, or the ever-popular ‘Brewer's Chicken’, now is the time to rediscover your old favourites. Make sure you try our traditional Sunday roasts with a huge a Yorkshire pudding and unlimited gravy. The team at the Axe & Cleaver are passionate about our food menu, so you can relax and enjoy our quality dishes and great service at this fantastic venue. The Axe & Cleaver pub dates back to 1880, and originated as a house with a beer license. Its attractive stone-and-brick-built exterior has remained virtually unchanged, as has much of the countryside surrounding this 19th century pub – the surrounding area primarily owned by the National Trust. The village of Dunham Massey was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as the Manor of Dunham, although settlement in the area goes back several centuries further, with the Old Roman Road (now the A56) between Chester and York passing along the Eastern edge of the village.

Facilities

Beer gardenCar parkFamily friendlyFoodFunction roomOutside areaReal aleSmoking areaWiFi freeCask Marque

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Reviews

1,739 reviews

4.4/5

Howard Millin

3 months ago

Enjoyed a delightful dining experience at the Axe and Cleaver this week. Hosts Paul and Denise were wonderful. Food, service and ambience were all perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The battered cod was outstanding. Thank you all for a making our visit so memorable. Howard and Karen

Sarah Frankel

3 months ago

Lovely pub with warm welcoming atmosphere. We visited on New Years Eve afternoon to celebrate my Mums 70th birthday. The service was an outstanding, Alyson was so attentive and anticipated every requirement. The food was delicious and portions were huge. We visited many times because it’s always fab and will definitely come back again.

Gaz Fielding

4 months ago

Christmas dinner was great, staff were brilliant couldn’t help enough. Nice pub with very homely feel. And great log burning stove keep everywhere warm: can’t recommend this place enjoying. My 1st visit here and it won’t be my last. Well done everyone at the ace and clever.

Darth Nan

7 months ago

Had lunch with family at the Axe and Cleaver the last week in August, following a birthday. Not been there for at least a year. It appears to be under new management. The menu much improved, along with the chef. Had a very good lunch, the food was delicious. The sea bass was outstanding. Good service. Let's hope it stays that way.

John Mackie

1 year ago

Spent bank holiday Jan 2nd 2023 here with my family for our last lunch out. I'm giving it a 4 star for its fabulous location, inspiring building and stunning, warm interior, it's the perfect country pub. The food was good and very tasty, only thing to mention for me was I would have liked a little more flavor. Kids meals are very good and they have a good choice for children. The service began very well indeed and I must add always has been in the past, although when we asked for the desert menu it took an easy 10 minutes to arrive, then when no one approached and a further 15 minutes past we decided to get the bill and leave and not have desert after all as we expected a lengthy wait. I will note the pub was not over busy at this point and I feel this was only a slight oversight from staff on the floor. Finally the beer, local, and tasty in particular the Big Tree amber ale. Worth a visit.