Earl Grey Forest Gin & Forest Gin
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Cat and Fiddle

4.6
·833 reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic 17th-century building now a premium distillery offering tours, tastings, and stunning views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, great for drinks

CrowdMedium
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Earl Grey Forest Gin & Forest Gin

Cat and Fiddle

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, great for drinks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 17th-century building now a premium distillery offering tours, tastings, and stunning views.

4.6
(833 reviews)

"A gem of a distillery with fantastic cocktails, lovely staff, and breathtaking views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Tours and tastings are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Bring your furry friends! They're treated like VIPs with water and fuss.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tours

Distillery Tours

Discover the craft behind their spirits with informative and engaging tours led by passionate staff.

Spirit Tastings

Spirit Tastings

Sample their signature whiskies and gins, including unique infusions like smoked whisky and Earl Grey gin.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from this elevated location.

On-site Shop

On-site Shop

Browse and purchase their acclaimed gins, whiskies, and branded glassware as a perfect souvenir.

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Planning Your Visit

Distillery Tours & Tastings

Book distillery tours and tastings in advance, especially for weekends. The Cat and Fiddle offers a premium experience with unique spirits and a relaxing atmosphere. Arrive early if you haven't booked to secure a spot.

Scenic Location & Amenities

Perched atop a hill, the Cat and Fiddle boasts stunning views. While it doesn't serve full meals, it offers premium snacks and a fantastic selection of drinks. Dogs are welcome and treated like VIPs!

Best Times

When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, great for drinks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, early afternoon
Why
More relaxed, easier to get tables
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Cat and Fiddle climb review. A great, long road cycling climb which starts in Macclesfield which then goes into the Peak District and finishes off at the famous Cat and Fiddle pub at the top. I cycled up in horrible weather. Rain and fog. Hopefully when you give this climb a go you have much better weather and get to enjoy the scenery up in the hills. I hope this review gives you tips and...
andrewon2wheels
364 likes • 16K views

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Tours and tastings are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Bring your furry friends! They're treated like VIPs with water and fuss. Reddit

Live from the Cat and Fiddle, 5.05pm
catandfiddledistillery
220 likes • 36.8K views
Core memory unlocked today when the old Cat and Fiddle Clock started its little show today. My Nan used to bring me here when I would spend time alone with her in Hobart. We'd always come and see it at least once, back then there was a fountain below too. Every child deserves to have loving memories like these. #memories #freepalestine🇵🇸 #tourist #ceasefirenow #savegazachildren #catandfiddlear...
nextloveday
7 likes • 404 views

🥃 Unique Spirit Selection

Don't miss trying their signature whiskies and gins, especially the smoked whisky and Earl Grey gin. Reddit

🚫 No Full Meals

They offer premium snacks, not full meals. Perfect for a relaxed drink and chat. Reddit

Hey Diddle Diddle the cat and the fiddle | hey diddle diddle english rhymes | hey diddle diddle poem #kinderinfobells #kidspoem #kidslearningvideos #kidsvideos #kidscartoons #kidsrhymes #nurseryrhymes #kidseducation #kidsdance #baby #dance #kidsvideo #kidssongs #kidsrhymes #rhymes #kidsdance #kidsfun #shorts #shortvideo #short #ytshorts #ezylar
ezylarkids
23 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Tours and tastings are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Bring your furry friends! They're treated like VIPs with water and fuss. Reddit

🥃 Unique Spirit Selection

Don't miss trying their signature whiskies and gins, especially the smoked whisky and Earl Grey gin. Reddit

🚫 No Full Meals

They offer premium snacks, not full meals. Perfect for a relaxed drink and chat. Reddit

🚗 Great for Designated Drivers

Designated drivers can often take their tastings home. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(833 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cat and Fiddle for its premium drinks, stunning views, and exceptionally friendly service, especially towards dogs. While it no longer serves traditional pub food, the focus on quality spirits and a relaxing atmosphere is a major draw. Some note that service times can be improved, but overall, it's considered a gem for a unique and enjoyable experience.

"I've been coming to the Cat & Fiddle for over 50 years, it's no longer a traditional pub but it's still a wonderful place to visit.
Spotlessly clean throughout, beautiful decor & tasteful displays.
No food other than premium nibbles, however I found this made for a much more relaxing & calm atmosphere.
We got a table by the fire & enjoyed a hot chocolate.
It's a premium experience & a great place to come to relax & chat."

J-Rocks!

"What a gem of a distillery. Top of the hill with great views. Fantastic cocktails, lovely ‘weasel’ staff members. Luckily got to meat the owner too, who was a delightful chap who clearly had a passion for all things whisky! Thoroughly recommend a visit, even just for a cheeky stop and a drink."

Callum O'Reilly

"Brilliant spot! Walked up from Buxton with our two labs, Simba and Nelly, and they were treated like VIPs with endless water and fuss. I had a couple of ice-cold Helles lagers and a signature whisky (excellent), while my wife loved the gin mixers.

The place doesn’t serve food (just snacks), but that’s no problem with the quality of drinks. We booked with a deposit, though it was quiet at 12 – by 2pm it was lively and buzzing.

Great shop on-site selling their own gins, whiskies and glassware. They also run distillery tours and a monthly cocktail night which we’ll be back for.

Special mention to the two lads behind the bar – friendly, knowledgeable and really attentive. Top-notch experience all round! 🍻🐾"

David Wetton

What People Like

Fantastic spirit selection
Breathtaking views
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

No full meals served
Service time can improve

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cat and Fiddle is located atop a hill, offering scenic drives. Many visitors drive from nearby towns like Buxton. Some enjoy a challenging cycle climb from Macclesfield. Parking is available on-site. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Cat and Fiddle. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier is recommended. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. You can walk up from Buxton or enjoy the challenging cycle climb from Macclesfield. TikTokReddit

The Cat and Fiddle is situated on the A537 road between Macclesfield and Buxton. Use a GPS or mapping service for precise directions to its elevated location. TikTok

Public transport options are limited due to its rural location. It's best accessed by car, taxi, or as part of a cycling or walking route. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While walk-ins are possible, booking distillery tours and tastings in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends, to secure your spot. A deposit may be required for bookings. Reddit+1

The Cat and Fiddle is generally open during the day and into the evening. Specific opening hours for the distillery, shop, and bar can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information. Instagram

Tour prices can vary. It's advisable to check the Cat and Fiddle's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing information for their distillery tours and tasting experiences. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the Cat and Fiddle to enjoy drinks at the bar and browse the shop without booking a formal tour. However, tours offer a deeper insight into their spirits. Reddit

There isn't typically an entry fee to visit the bar or shop area. However, specific events, tours, or tastings may have associated costs. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Cat and Fiddle offers a premium, relaxing, and calm atmosphere. It's known for its beautiful decor, tasteful displays, and friendly 'weasel' staff. It's a great place to unwind and chat. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Dogs are very welcome and treated like VIPs, with plenty of water and fuss provided. Reddit

You can expect fantastic panoramic views from its elevated position. It's a brilliant spot to enjoy the scenery while having a drink. Reddit

It's renowned for its distillery, offering tours and tastings of its signature gins and whiskies. It's also praised for its premium drinks selection and relaxing ambiance. Reddit+1

Yes, there's a great shop on-site selling their own gins, whiskies, and glassware, making it a perfect place to pick up a memento. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Cat and Fiddle does not serve full meals. They offer premium nibbles and snacks, which contributes to a more relaxing atmosphere. Reddit+1

While specific snack menus can change, expect premium nibbles. These are designed to complement their drinks rather than serve as a full meal. Reddit

Yes, the Cat and Fiddle is a fantastic place to enjoy a drink. They offer a great selection of their own signature whiskies, gins, and other beverages. Reddit+1

Signature drinks include their own whiskies and gins, with popular choices like the smoked whisky and Earl Grey infused gin. They also offer cocktails and lagers. Reddit

It's more suited for a casual drink and premium snacks rather than a full meal. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere with quality beverages, it's ideal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning panoramic views from the hilltop location. The distillery's interior, with its unique decor and spirit bottles, also makes for great shots. Reddit

Yes, you can generally take photos inside the Cat and Fiddle, especially in the bar and shop areas. Be mindful of any specific restrictions during tours. Reddit

The expansive views from the outdoor seating or windows are iconic. The well-presented bottles in the shop and the bar area also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting for the landscape views. For interior shots, any time the venue is open and well-lit will work. Reddit

Focus on the breathtaking scenery, the unique spirit bottles, the stylish interior, and any special cocktails or tastings you enjoy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Cat and Fiddle is primarily an adult-focused distillery and bar, families can still enjoy a visit, especially if they appreciate the scenic location and the unique experience. The dog-friendly policy is a huge plus for families with pets, as dogs are treated exceptionally well. Reddit

Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is more relaxed. While there are no specific children's activities, the stunning views can be captivating for all ages. The premium snacks are suitable for sharing, and the shop offers interesting items that might appeal to older children. Remember, the focus is on spirits, so supervise children appropriately. Reddit

🐶 Dog Lovers

The Cat and Fiddle is a paradise for dog lovers! It's exceptionally dog-friendly, with staff going above and beyond to make canine visitors feel welcome. Expect your furry companions to receive plenty of fuss and readily available water. Reddit

This makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the Peak District with their pets. You can relax with a drink or snack, knowing your dog is comfortable and happy. It's a rare find to have such a welcoming attitude towards pets in a venue like this. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists & Hikers

The Cat and Fiddle is a legendary stop for cyclists and hikers tackling the Peak District. The challenging cycle climb from Macclesfield is a well-known route, and reaching the Cat and Fiddle at the summit is a rewarding achievement. TikTok

It's the perfect place to refuel with a refreshing drink and some premium snacks after a strenuous ride or hike. The stunning views provide a well-deserved break, and the welcoming atmosphere, including being dog-friendly, makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cat and Fiddle Distillery Experience

The Cat and Fiddle is more than just a historic building; it's a thriving distillery offering a premium experience. Visitors can embark on informative distillery tours that delve into the craft of spirit-making, often led by passionate staff who share their expertise. These tours culminate in tastings, allowing guests to sample their signature whiskies and gins. Popular choices include the unique smoked whisky and the creatively infused Earl Grey gin, showcasing the distillery's innovative approach. Reddit

Beyond the tours, the venue provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for enjoying a drink. While they don't serve full meals, they offer premium snacks that complement their beverages. The on-site shop is a treasure trove for spirits enthusiasts, selling their acclaimed gins, whiskies, and branded glassware, making it an ideal spot to pick up a souvenir or a gift. Reddit+1

Many visitors highlight the attentive and friendly service from the bar staff, who are knowledgeable about the products and contribute to the overall positive experience. The combination of quality spirits, a welcoming environment, and stunning surroundings makes the Cat and Fiddle a must-visit destination for spirit lovers and those seeking a unique outing. Reddit+1

A Scenic Stop with a Rich Past

The Cat and Fiddle building itself has a history, dating back to the 17th century. While it has evolved from a traditional pub, it retains a charm that draws visitors. Its most striking feature is its elevated location, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This scenic vantage point makes it a popular stop for cyclists, walkers, and drivers alike, providing a perfect spot to pause and soak in the landscape. TikTokReddit

The venue is noted for its beautiful decor and tasteful displays, creating a pleasant and inviting ambiance. Even without a full food menu, the focus on premium drinks and a calm atmosphere makes it a gem for relaxation and conversation. The fact that it's dog-friendly further enhances its appeal, with canine companions welcomed and well-cared for. Reddit+1

This combination of historical presence, stunning natural beauty, and a refined, modern offering makes the Cat and Fiddle a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Whether you're there for the spirits, the views, or simply a peaceful break, it promises a memorable experience. Reddit+1

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