Grade II*-listed building that was the original posting house of the borough. In 1645 General Mytton, a parliamentarian, commandeered the inn while his forces laid siege to the nearby castle. The Royalists surrendered on 25 June 1646. Dr Johnson and Charles Dickens were famous guests and each bedroom is named after a Dickens character. The beamed bar has a large open fire. Parking is limited.

While the bar opens at 11am alcohol is not served until after 12.