INSIDER: CHESHIRE HOTSPOTS

Cheshire Hotspots – The Valentines Day Edit. Celebrate Valentine’s day by spending time with the people you love, whether that is your friends, family or significant other. Check out our top hotspots for drinking and dining this weekend.
Make a day of it and treat yourself to a wide variety of culinary delights, starting off with breakfast (or brunch!)

BREAKFAST
Altrincham Market

Altrincham Market is best enjoyed on a lazy weekend. One of our favourite places for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, Altrincham market has a great atmosphere that’s teeming with families, couples and friends.

Packed full of the best farmers, growers and makers, the market shines a spotlight on the talented craft and creativity in the North West. Feast on sourdough toast, poached eggs, artisan pastries and juicy steak. Or if you’re craving pizza for breakfast (which we often are) try Honest Crust Pizza; the best pizza outside of Italy!
There’s no need to book, the firm policy is first come first serve. Bustle in and find a seat – the market opens from 8am until 4pm and Sunday 10am until 4pm.

LUNCH
Sugo Pasta Kitchen

After a stroll around the market and the beautiful independent shops that line Altrincham’s streets, wander over to Sugo Pasta Kitchen for a delicious late lunch.
Drawing upon their rich heritage, the talented chefs share their passion for exciting southern Italian cooking. Try the crunchy bruschetta topped with fresh ricotta, broad bean and mint crush, chilli and pecorino cheese with a glass of deep red wine. Finish off with the dark chocolate and espresso tart served with creamy, vanilla mascarpone.

AFTERNOON TEA
The Gardener’s Cottage Tatton Park

The weather may be miserable, but we can all appreciate the beautiful setting of the Gardeners Cottage at Tatton Park. The former head gardener’s cottage is the perfect location for relaxing with a cup of tea and a slice of moreish cake.

Cosy up inside and try their signature afternoon tea with spectacular views of the award-winning walled gardens. The Cottage chefs use only the freshest of garden produce that is available right on their doorstep!
The afternoon tea includes everything from traditional finger sandwiches to classic Victoria sponge to soft and crumbly scones topped with rich clotted cream and homemade jam. For a truly special Valentine’s day choose the champagne or prosecco afternoon tea.
Open every day 10am to 5.30pm

DINNER
Jacobs of Knutsford

New to the Knutsford food scene, Jacobs of Knutsford offers the concept of fine dining at affordable prices. The chef, Jefferson Green, was the right- hand man at TV chef Simon Rimmer’s restaurant and has now embarked on his own solo venture.
Positioned in a prime spot on Knutsford’s high street, the restaurant presents an option for everyone including vegetarian and vegan plates. Try the feta and beetroot pie with roast tomato, tomato gel and pea shoots. Meat lovers should choose the pan roasted chateaubriand with roasted heritage potatoes and langoustine butter. Top it all off with a white chocolate mascarpone terrine or a vegan chocolate and coconut brownie with a strong espresso.

DRINKS
Riddles Bar

If you’re celebrating Valentines Day at the weekend, finish your evening off with a round of strong cocktails. One of our favourite places to visit on a Friday night is Riddles Bar in Altrincham. Riddles Bar is a lively speakeasy bar inspired by the 1920s. Offering world-class cocktails, each drink is prepared by some of the finest minds in the UK.

Their seasonal menus are developed in house and contain a mixture of original in-house specialties and classic, vintage cocktails. There is also a delicious range of non-alcoholic cocktails for the designated driver!

TRY: The Last Word Cocktail – Concocted from Portobello Road Gin, green chartreuse, luxardo maraschino and lime juice, this cocktail is a winner!

Other speakeasy cocktail bars of note:
Prohibition – Chester
TRY: The Honey & Vodka Martini

Cotton Club – Congleton
TRY: The Eaton Mess Cocktail