Where flavors meet
Welcome to The Market Cross
The Market Cross, located in the heart of Holywell, UK, is a charming pub known for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors praise its hearty, well-prepared dishes like the standout steak and ale pie, served in generous portions at great value. The pub’s vibrant décor and community spirit make it a local favorite, while attentive service ensures a pleasant experience. Whether stopping by for a casual meal or enjoying a winter ale with brunch, The Market Cross blends quality food with a lively setting, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and authenticity. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking comfort food with genuine hospitality.
About
The Market Cross
Located in the heart of Holywell at 9-11 High Street, The Market Cross is more than just a pub; it’s a welcoming community hub where great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere come together. As you step inside, the charm of its historic setting blends seamlessly with a modern, vibrant decor, creating a space that feels both familiar and fresh.
The Market Cross stands out for its dedication to quality and value. The food here is a true highlight—freshly prepared, generously portioned, and served with care. The steak and ale pie, frequently praised by visitors, is a standout dish that offers rich, comforting flavors wrapped in a perfectly flaky pastry. It’s no surprise that guests from families to solo travelers return for this hearty classic. Alongside this, the variety of meals caters well to different tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What elevates The Market Cross is the attentive staff. Their warmth and professionalism create an inviting atmosphere where guests feel truly welcome. Tables are consistently clean and well-maintained, reflecting the pub’s commitment to a quality dining experience. The friendly bar team complements the food with a selection of well-priced drinks, including local ales that pair beautifully with the hearty menu.
Strategically situated near shops and offering convenient parking, The Market Cross is a favored spot for locals and visitors alike. The lively yet relaxed vibe makes it perfect for anything from a casual lunch to a weekend brunch. This community-centered pub, while housed in a historic building that once was a Woolworths, has gracefully stepped away from any former associations to build its own identity—one grounded in excellent food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Visiting The Market Cross feels like joining a friendly local tradition where quality meets comfort. Whether you’re enjoying the rich flavors of their steak and ale pie or savoring a refreshing Winter Ale on a Sunday morning, this pub delivers on its promise of great food, fair prices, and a memorable experience.
Dining Plans
Table Booking
“ Stopped off here a few times during our holiday! Lovely little pub, staff are all so friendly and welcoming! The food was great and for the price there was loads of it! ”
“ Food and service was great. The staff were attentive and accommodating. I recommend this place :) ”
“ NOT A WEATHERSPOONS - But don’t leave. We visited The Market Cross just passing through. Google gave this location as a weatherspoons and from the outside it looks as thought it was - the chairs, tables, toilets. So I believe this was in a former life. I decided to stay despite, and I was surprised. I had the Stake and ale pie along with a kids meal. I can highly recommend the Stake and Ale Pie, very meaty plenty of sauce in the pie, hot and chips are very high quality. The gravy was a little thick, but I’m not a fan of gravy in general so no stars lost. It was still very tasty and filling. (This could be bought as a 2 for 1 on a a Monday for £14.70 or £9.35 normally. The kids Mac and cheese was a little disappointing, plenty of chips and pea, the pasta was rubbery and not very good, maybe over cooked. My child refused to eat it but loved the chips. All in all very affordable and pleasantly surprising. Would visit again. ”
“ It's conveniently located along the shopping area and has a lively atmosphere with beautiful decor. Very community oriented place and popular amongst the locals. Staff is welcoming and friendly...tables are cleaned and cleared consistently Food is well presented and freshly prepared Great value meals and drinks on promotion ”
“ Another great Spoons in an old Woolies deservedly in the Good Beer Guide. The usual quick, friendly service. Where better to have a Winter Ale with your Eggs Benedict on a Sunday morning? Added bonus - there’s a handful of parking spaces at the back of the pub however, as is the norm, the loos are upstairs. ”