Red Lion, Lower Withington

If you’re after somewhere the kids can roam while you actually sit down and eat a proper meal, this is one of the better options out in the Macclesfield countryside. The food here punches well above your average pub — people genuinely talk about it, and the veg alone is worth mentioning. There’s open grass to run around on, a walking path nearby, and parking sorted so you’re not circling a village lane for twenty minutes. Staff are the kind who remember your face, which goes a long way. They put on themed events through the year too, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.