The Lion at Malpas is a historic Cheshire village pub, restaurant and boutique inn in the centre of Malpas, around 16 miles south of Chester. It combines traditional pub rooms with more contemporary dining areas, 16 bedrooms, outdoor space and the separate Brereton Suite for celebrations and events. The current pub occupies a site that has been part of Malpas village life for centuries and was extensively restored before reopening in its present form in September 2020.
This guide covers current opening times, food service, booking, parking, rooms, accessibility, travelling from Chester, visiting with children and dogs, and what you can realistically expect when you arrive. Details were checked on 16 August 2026. Opening hours, menus, room rates and special offers can change, so it is worth checking The Lion’s official website before making a special journey.
Quick overview of The Lion at Malpas
The Lion sits at 1 Old Hall Street, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8NE, close to the centre of the village.
Rather than being simply a dining pub, the property combines several functions. There is the traditional pub itself, several differently styled eating and drinking spaces, accommodation, a garden and terrace, and the separate Brereton Suite used for weddings, private dining, meetings and celebrations.
The present-day Lion emerged from a substantial restoration of the former Red Lion. Owners Si and Chrissy Lees Jones bought the property in 2018 and, working with operator Woody Barlow, modernised the existing inn while adding 16 bedrooms and an event space. It officially reopened in September 2020.
It therefore works particularly well for people looking for:
- lunch or dinner in the Malpas area
- Sunday lunch
- drinks in a traditional Cheshire pub
- an overnight countryside break
- accommodation when attending a local wedding or event
- a walking break
- dog-friendly accommodation
- small weddings and celebrations
- a base for exploring southern Cheshire and the Welsh borders
The Lion at Malpas key facts
Address: The Lion, 1 Old Hall Street, Malpas, Cheshire
Postcode: SY14 8NE
Telephone: 01948 807 070
Email: info@thelionatmalpas.co.uk
Pub opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8am-11pm
Sunday: 8am-10pm
Breakfast:
Daily: 8am-11am
Lunch:
Monday-Saturday: noon-4pm
Evening food:
Monday-Saturday: 5pm-9pm
Sunday food:
Noon-9pm
Parking: The Lion states that it has 30 complimentary parking spaces, including accessible parking and an electric vehicle charging point.
Bedrooms: 16 boutique rooms.
Booking: Walk-ins may be possible, but booking a table is sensible for popular dining periods, particularly Sunday lunch and busy weekends. The official website provides online table booking.
Dogs: Dogs are welcomed in selected bedrooms and dog-friendly areas of the pub.
Children: The Lion has previously confirmed that its pub areas are child-friendly for family meals, while children’s portions are currently available for Sunday lunch.
Official website: The Lion at Malpas official website.
Recommended visit duration: Around 1½-2½ hours for a relaxed meal; longer if visiting for drinks, an event or staying overnight.
What to expect at The Lion at Malpas
One of the more distinctive features of The Lion is that it does not feel like a single large open-plan restaurant.
The historic building has been divided into a collection of eating and drinking spaces. The owners describe different rooms for different styles of visit, including areas suited to informal drinks, relaxed dining and quieter meals. Historic architectural details sit alongside the renovation, with reclaimed timbers, oak beams, fireplaces and more contemporary furnishings used throughout.
The dining area and snug provide contrasting options: visitors can have a more conventional restaurant-style meal or opt for a casual drink or bite in one of the smaller pub spaces.
There is also an Orangery, which the pub has described as a lighter dining space, while some of the older rooms retain more of the atmosphere associated with a traditional village inn.
That segmented layout is useful if different members of a group want different things from the same visit. A couple having dinner does not necessarily have exactly the same experience as somebody dropping in for a pint, while overnight guests have accommodation arranged separately from the main pub areas.
The King’s Chair
An unusual historical feature is the chair displayed near the bar that local tradition associates with King James I.
The Lion states that the centuries-old chair is owned by residents of Malpas and is believed to have been used by James I during a visit to the area. The pub displays it as part of the village’s local history.
It is a small detail rather than a reason to make a journey in its own right, but it reinforces the connection between the inn and the history of Malpas.
Food and drink at The Lion at Malpas
Food is one of the main reasons to visit.
The kitchen operates around seasonal British cooking, combining familiar pub dishes with more contemporary choices. The Lion says that it works with local farms and producers and changes its offering to make use of seasonal ingredients.
Lunch and evening meals
The current food service pattern separates weekday and Saturday service into lunch and evening periods:
Lunch Monday-Saturday: noon-4pm
Evening service Monday-Saturday: 5pm-9pm.
The food page describes dishes including fish, locally reared meats and game, with some food cooked using the kitchen’s Josper charcoal grill. Gluten-free and vegan menus are available on request.
Because menus are seasonal, individual dishes and prices should be checked on the current menu rather than relying on older versions that may still appear in search results.
Sunday lunch
Sunday is given its own food service period, running from noon until 9pm.
Roast dinners form an important part of the Sunday offering. The official website currently highlights locally sourced Welsh beef alongside other roast choices and confirms that children’s portions of Sunday lunch dishes are available.
Sunday lunch is one of the times when advance booking is particularly sensible.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served 8am-11am every day.
The current breakfast offering includes cooked breakfast alongside pastries, fruit and cereals.
Visitors planning breakfast without an overnight stay should confirm availability when booking, particularly at busy times.
Drinks
The Lion carries the sort of drinks range expected of a substantial country pub, including cask ale, lager, wine, gin, whisky, soft drinks and coffee.
The pub has historically emphasised Cheshire and regional ales as part of its bar selection, while its current food and drink page continues to highlight Cheshire cask ales, artisan gins and a varied wine list.
Staying at The Lion at Malpas
The Lion has 16 boutique bedrooms, so it can function as a destination pub as well as somewhere to stop for lunch.
The rooms were created as part of the major redevelopment of the property and combine modern furnishings with materials intended to complement the older buildings.
Accommodation categories have included Village Rooms, Country Rooms and The Bakery.
The Bakery
The Bakery is the more distinctive suite.
The Lion’s accommodation material describes it as a duplex, with a sitting room downstairs and a king-size bedroom and bathroom upstairs.
Room facilities
The official site highlights:
- en-suite accommodation
- tea and coffee facilities
- complimentary Wi-Fi
- toiletries
- individually designed rooms.
Current room prices vary according to date, room type, occupancy and package, so it is better to check live availability rather than quote a fixed nightly rate.
Current stay offers
As checked on 16 August 2026, the official bedroom offers page was advertising several packages, including a Country Pub Escape from £149 for two sharing, a Stay & Dine package from £169 for two, and walking-break offers. These are promotional prices rather than permanent standard room rates and may change or be withdrawn.
The Sandstone Trail walking break
The Lion has developed a particularly useful niche for walkers.
It operates a walking package in partnership with its sister property, The Swan at Tarporley, built around a section of the Sandstone Trail.
The current offer includes accommodation at both pubs, dinner and breakfast, luggage transfer and options connected with the walk. The published package currently starts from £199 per person.
The route has received wider attention during 2026, including coverage of the roughly 14-mile walk between Tarporley and Malpas.
For keen walkers, this is arguably a more interesting reason to stay at The Lion than simply using it as a generic hotel near Chester.
The Brereton Suite and private events
The Lion is also a function venue.
The Brereton Suite is separate from the main pub and has its own entrance, private bar and outdoor area.
It is used for:
- birthday parties
- anniversaries
- christenings
- private dining
- weddings
- business meetings
- corporate events
For general celebrations, the venue advertises capacity for up to around 60 seated guests, although capacity varies according to how the room is being used.
Wedding arrangements have different layouts and limits, so anyone considering the venue for a wedding should work from the current wedding information rather than assuming the maximum event capacity applies to every format.
Who is The Lion at Malpas best suited to?
Couples
Couples are likely to get the most from the quieter dining rooms, dinner followed by an overnight stay, or one of the accommodation packages.
The rural location also makes it practical for combining a stay with a walk or short drive through the South Cheshire countryside.
Families
Families are welcome for meals, and children’s portions are available for Sunday lunch. Previous official information has described the pub areas as child-friendly.
It is nevertheless primarily a pub, restaurant and accommodation property rather than a dedicated children’s attraction. Families looking for play equipment or organised children’s entertainment should not assume those facilities are available.
Teenagers
Teenagers are likely to enjoy the venue most as part of a family meal, celebration or overnight break rather than as a destination specifically aimed at their age group.
Older visitors
On-site parking and the ability to eat without having to travel into Chester city centre can make The Lion useful for older visitors.
Anyone with specific mobility requirements should discuss access when booking because this is a historic property with several distinct buildings and areas.
Solo visitors
The traditional pub spaces make it entirely practical for a solo visitor to stop for food or a drink.
Walkers using the Sandstone Trail may find it particularly convenient.
Business visitors
The Brereton Suite, smaller meeting spaces, parking and bedrooms make The Lion suitable for meetings and corporate stays.
Disabled visitors and people with limited mobility
The Lion confirms the provision of accessible parking spaces.
However, detailed current information covering every aspect of step-free access, accessible bedrooms, hearing loops and wheelchair access throughout the historic property was not clearly published in the sources checked.
Visitors who require a particular entrance, accessible bedroom, accessible toilet layout or completely step-free route should therefore contact The Lion directly before booking rather than assuming every part of the site is accessible.
How long should you spend at The Lion at Malpas?
For lunch or dinner, allow around 1½ to 2½ hours.
A quick drink or lighter lunch may take less than an hour, while Sunday lunch, a family celebration or a relaxed evening meal can naturally last considerably longer.
If you are staying overnight, The Lion works better as a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside than as a resort requiring a full day on site.
Walkers using the Sandstone Trail package will naturally build a much longer stay around the pub.
Do you need to book a table?
The official website offers online table reservations.
Booking is particularly worthwhile for:
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Sunday lunch
- larger groups
- celebrations
- special dates
- Christmas and other seasonal periods
At quieter times, walk-in tables may be available, but this should not be relied upon if you are travelling some distance.
Room booking
Rooms can also be booked through the official website.
Prices are date dependent, so using the live booking system gives a more reliable price than older rates found in reviews or archived menus.
The Lion at Malpas opening times
As checked on 16 August 2026, the official opening hours are:
Monday: 8am-11pm
Tuesday: 8am-11pm
Wednesday: 8am-11pm
Thursday: 8am-11pm
Friday: 8am-11pm
Saturday: 8am-11pm
Sunday: 8am-10pm.
Food service
Breakfast: 8am-11am daily
Lunch Monday-Saturday: noon-4pm
Dinner Monday-Saturday: 5pm-9pm
Sunday food: noon-9pm.
Opening hours can change over Christmas, New Year and for exceptional events, so check directly before travelling on a bank holiday or festive date.
How to get to The Lion at Malpas
Malpas is in the southern part of Cheshire, close to both the Shropshire and Welsh borders.
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach The Lion.
Driving from Chester
Malpas is around 16 road miles from Chester, with a typical drive taking roughly 25-30 minutes when traffic is flowing normally.
The precise route will depend on where you begin in Chester, so live navigation is advisable.
From the M56 and M6
The Lion describes itself as accessible from both the M56 and M6 motorway networks.
Visitors should use the postcode SY14 8NE for the final approach and follow local road signs into Malpas.
By bus from Chester
The D&G Bus service 41 connects Chester with Whitchurch via Christleton, Waverton, Tattenhall and Malpas.
The journey from Malpas to Chester is roughly an hour depending on the particular service and traffic conditions.
Timetables can change, so check D&G Bus or Cheshire West and Chester Council’s journey-planning information on the day of travel. The council specifically recommends using current timetable and journey-planning information rather than relying on an old printed timetable.
By train
Malpas does not currently have a passenger railway station.
One useful rail option is Whitchurch (Shropshire), whose station is at Station Road, Whitchurch, SY13 1RL and is managed by Transport for Wales.
You will need onward transport from Whitchurch to Malpas, so plan the entire journey before travelling rather than assuming a taxi will be waiting at the station.
Walking
Once you are in Malpas village, The Lion’s central Old Hall Street position makes it straightforward to reach on foot from much of the village.
Long-distance walkers may also arrive in the area as part of walking routes through South Cheshire.
Cycling
The rural roads around Malpas can appeal to leisure cyclists, although routes may involve narrow country lanes shared with vehicles.
Cheshire West and Chester Council provides an official cycling and walking journey planner for planning suitable routes.
Cyclists should confirm directly with The Lion if secure overnight cycle storage is essential, as this was not clearly specified in the current information checked.
Parking at The Lion at Malpas
One practical advantage of The Lion is its on-site parking.
Official information states that there are 30 complimentary parking spaces, including accessible spaces. An electric vehicle charging point is also listed.
That removes much of the parking uncertainty associated with eating in Chester city centre.
As with any pub car park, spaces cannot necessarily be assumed to be available during weddings, major functions or particularly busy dining periods.
Visitors needing an accessible bay should contact the pub if guaranteed proximity to an entrance is important.
Accessibility
The confirmed accessibility information available at the time of checking includes:
- accessible parking spaces
- an on-site parking area
- event facilities separate from the main building.
Because The Lion incorporates older buildings alongside newer accommodation and function spaces, mobility requirements are best discussed with staff before travelling.
The official information reviewed did not provide enough current detail to confidently confirm:
- step-free access to every public room
- lift availability
- wheelchair access to every bedroom
- hearing-loop provision
- sensory or quiet-room provision
- availability of wheelchairs
- detailed accessible toilet dimensions
Anyone for whom these features are essential should telephone 01948 807 070 before booking.
Assistance-dog users should likewise confirm their individual requirements directly.
Toilets and visitor facilities
As a restaurant, pub, accommodation property and event venue, The Lion provides normal customer facilities, while the Brereton Suite has its own separate facilities.
Confirmed amenities include:
- complimentary Wi-Fi for overnight guests
- bar and restaurant facilities
- 16 bedrooms
- garden/outdoor areas
- event facilities
- free customer parking
- electric vehicle charging
- accessible parking.
Information confirming public Wi-Fi throughout all pub areas, lockers, cloakrooms, baby-changing facilities or a specific cashless-only policy was not clearly published in the current material checked. Contact the pub directly if one of these facilities is important to your visit.
Visiting The Lion at Malpas with children
The Lion is suitable for families who want a conventional pub meal together.
The official site has described its public areas as child-friendly, while the current Sunday offering includes children’s portions of roast dishes.
For younger children, a few practical points are worth remembering:
- reserve a table rather than relying on a busy-period walk-in
- ask about current children’s food options when booking
- check high-chair and baby-changing availability if required
- mention a pushchair if you need a particularly accessible table
- remember that this is primarily a pub and restaurant rather than a children’s play venue
Families staying overnight should also ask which bedroom configuration best suits their party.
Is The Lion at Malpas dog friendly?
Yes, but it is sensible to understand the details before arriving.
The Lion confirms that dogs are accepted in selected bedrooms and in dog-friendly parts of the pub.
Its published dog-walking information has previously identified several specific dog-friendly bedrooms, although room allocations can change and should be reconfirmed at booking.
This makes The Lion particularly relevant to visitors planning walking holidays in the surrounding countryside.
Best time to visit
There is no single best time because it depends on the purpose of the visit.
For a quieter meal
A weekday lunch will generally be a more sensible choice than a peak Friday or Saturday night if your priority is a calmer atmosphere.
For Sunday lunch
Book in advance.
Sunday dining is an established part of The Lion’s offering and is likely to attract both local diners and visitors.
In summer
Longer days make it easier to combine a meal with walking or exploring rural South Cheshire.
Outdoor areas also become more useful during settled weather.
In autumn and winter
The smaller rooms, traditional interior and fires suit colder-weather pub visits particularly well. The Lion’s connection with the Sandstone Trail has also been promoted specifically for winter walking breaks.
Christmas and bank holidays
Do not assume standard hours or menus apply.
Check the official website and book well ahead for major festive dates.
Nearby places to visit
The Lion works well as part of a wider day in rural Cheshire rather than as an all-day attraction on its own.
Bolesworth
Bolesworth is one of the most obvious places to combine with a meal or overnight stay in Malpas.
The Lion’s own visitor information places Bolesworth within roughly a 15-minute drive, although journey times vary.
The estate hosts seasonal events, so it is worth checking what is happening before planning your day.
BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Families can also consider combining The Lion with BeWILDerwood Cheshire, which the pub’s own visitor information places only a few miles away.
That combination works particularly well if adults want a proper meal after a more child-focused daytime activity.
Recent developments and events
One of the more notable recent developments is The Lion’s continued promotion of walking tourism based around the Sandstone Trail.
Its joint walking break with The Swan at Tarporley remains available in 2026, with a published starting price of £199 per person at the time of checking.
The annual Pub to Pub Half Marathon also took place on 31 May 2026, following a roughly 13-mile route from The Swan at Tarporley to The Lion at Malpas. The venue reports that the 2026 event raised more than £20,000 for its selected charities.
As that event has already taken place, visitors should not treat the 2026 date as an upcoming event. Check The Lion’s current What’s On information for future editions and new announcements.
Local tips for visiting The Lion at Malpas
Book Sunday lunch rather than taking a chance. The Sunday roast offering is a significant part of the food service and popular times can fill.
Do not confuse pub opening hours with kitchen hours. The building remains open later than some food-service periods.
Use the on-site car park first. With 30 complimentary spaces advertised, there should normally be no reason to begin by searching residential streets for parking.
Check the menu shortly before your visit. The food is intentionally seasonal, so older menu PDFs and photographs found through search engines may no longer represent the current dishes or prices.
Tell the pub about access needs when booking. Historic buildings often have different floor levels and entrances; confirmed arrangements are preferable to assumptions.
If travelling by bus, check your return service before ordering dinner. Rural evening services may be more limited than daytime options.
If using Whitchurch station, arrange the onward journey in advance. Malpas is not served directly by rail.
Consider staying if you want to explore rural Cheshire rather than commuting back into Chester. The combination of restaurant, parking and accommodation is one of The Lion’s strongest practical advantages.
Frequently asked questions about The Lion at Malpas
What are The Lion at Malpas opening times?
The Lion is currently open from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10pm on Sunday. Food-service hours differ from the pub opening hours.
What time does The Lion at Malpas serve food?
Breakfast is served from 8am-11am daily. Lunch runs from noon-4pm Monday-Saturday, dinner from 5pm-9pm Monday-Saturday, and Sunday food is served from noon-9pm.
Does The Lion at Malpas have free parking?
Yes. The Lion advertises 30 complimentary parking spaces, including accessible spaces.
Does The Lion at Malpas have an electric vehicle charger?
Yes. Official information lists an electric car charging point in the parking area.
Do you need to book The Lion at Malpas?
Booking is not an admission requirement, but reserving a table is recommended for Sunday lunch, weekend evenings and larger groups. The Lion provides online table booking.
Does The Lion at Malpas have rooms?
Yes. The Lion has 16 boutique bedrooms, including different room types and The Bakery duplex suite.
Is The Lion at Malpas dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcomed in selected bedrooms and designated dog-friendly areas of the pub. Confirm the appropriate room or dining area when booking.
Is The Lion at Malpas suitable for children?
Yes. The pub has described its dining areas as child-friendly and currently offers children’s portions of Sunday lunch dishes.
Does The Lion at Malpas serve Sunday lunch?
Yes. Sunday food is currently served from noon until 9pm, with traditional roast options among the dishes promoted by the pub.
How far is The Lion at Malpas from Chester?
Malpas is approximately 16 road miles from Chester, with the drive normally taking around 25-30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point.
Can you get a bus from Chester to Malpas?
Yes. D&G Bus service 41 operates between Chester and Whitchurch via Malpas, as well as Christleton, Waverton and Tattenhall. Check the current timetable before travelling.
What is the nearest railway station to Malpas?
Malpas has no operating passenger station. Whitchurch (Shropshire) is a practical nearby rail option, but onward road transport is required to reach Malpas.
Final verdict
The Lion at Malpas is best viewed as a destination village pub with rooms rather than simply somewhere to stop for a quick pint.
Its main strengths are the combination of seasonal food, several distinct pub and dining spaces, 16 bedrooms, free on-site parking, event facilities and a rural location that is still within straightforward driving distance of Chester. The growing emphasis on Sandstone Trail walking breaks gives the accommodation a particularly clear reason for existing beyond ordinary overnight stays.
It should suit couples, families wanting a relaxed meal, walkers, dog owners, wedding guests and visitors exploring the southern Cheshire countryside particularly well.
The main limitation for visitors without a car is transport. Malpas has bus links but no passenger railway station, so evening journeys require more planning than a pub in central Chester.
For Sunday lunch, weekend dinner, overnight stays or events, advance booking is strongly recommended. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should also contact the pub beforehand because detailed access information for every part of the historic property is not currently published.
