19th September 2025
Written by Rachel Wallace
Of course, here at Robinsons, being a sixth-generation business, there is bound to be some history behind the walls of our pubs. Interwar Roadside Inns were commissioned by Sir John Robinson in the Arts & Crafts style in the early 1930’s between the World Wars. They were designed to cater to those passing by in motor cars, with the new arterial roads and bypasses which emerged across the country in the 1930s. This new type of establishment provided motorists with refreshment, food, and accommodation on their journeys. We still have five of the pubs in our current estate; Flower Pot, Legs of Man, Bleeding Wolf, Church House and The Broadoak.
Legs of Man, Arclid
This is a proper, old-style pub with none other than a revolving door. Who would have thought it? From a dressed-up dining room to its vast beer garden and hidden away seating area, the Legs of Man offers homecooked food and proper pub classics. The roof was originally thatched, but after fires in the 1950s, it was replaced with tiles. Set back in the peaceful countryside where the borders of rural Cheshire and Staffordshire meet, the Legs of Man blends timeless character with broad appeal. The Legs of Man offers the perfect space all year round and may even take you back to a different era of life…
Flower Pot, Macclesfield
Set just back from a busy road junction, the Flower Pot remains a striking example of our Interwar Roadside Inns. While it underwent a significant refurbishment in July 2020, most notably with the removal of a dividing wall to create a more open-plan, modern interior, the exterior still proudly retains its original features, which still has a sense of its architectural heritage. If you are in the Macclesfield area, pop in for some delicious food or have a drink on the front beer garden which is a sun trap during the summer months!
Bleeding Wolf, Scholar Green
With its striking thatched roof and classic interior, the Bleeding Wolf in Scholar Green is a Grade II listed pub steeped in atmosphere and local folklore. Its unusual name is said to stem from a legend in which Adam de Lauton rescued either King John or the Earl of Chester from a savage attack by a wounded wolf. In return, he was granted a thousand acres of land stretching from Sandbach to Congleton, or as much as he could walk in a week. Today, the pub still has its historical charm with the warmth of a traditional countryside inn, offering a glimpse into England’s storied past while serving up delicious food.
Church House, Buglawton
Located on the edge of Congleton is another of our pubs rich in local history. When you look at the Church House from the outside, you can see the common patterns of styles within the Interwar Roadside Inns and, like the Legs of Man, its original thatched roof was replaced with tiles following fires in the 1950s. Like the other pubs in this collection, the Church House has had an interior refurbishment to refresh the inside, but not without keeping the outside looking how it always has with subtle additions, like fairy lights adorning the outdoor seating area, and you should see the inside of the pub at Christmas time! The Church House continues to serve as a true community hub as it was once designed for, rooted in tradition, and full of character.
The Broadoak Hotel, Ashton-under-Lyne
If you’ve read the article on the Broadoak’s recent refurbishment and how it has had a makeover to enhance its features, without compromising the historic features. The Broadoak Hotel is perfectly situated for those in the Greater Manchester area and even the Peak District and is a beloved local landmark in Ashton-under-Lyne. With its impressive, bold Arts & Crafts-style interior and newly refurbished rooms, the Broadoak Hotel is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re popping in for a meal or planning a special event in the renowned Singing Room, it’s a venue that truly stands out.
