Eating out in Cheshire, after 7 years in London – Will Scott #Guest Editor

Will Scott
16th August 2018

Last week, we featured Eleanor Graceful and her visit to Ibérica on Taste Cheshire as the first addition to Tasty Thursdays. This week’s feature is from Will Scott from Pickles and Pork. It’s a look into a weekend in Cheshire and where you should go. Will’s blog perfectly compliments our new ‘Places to Stay’ page on our website as he takes us on a culinary tour of Cheshire.

London is known as one of the world’s greatest culinary cities – with more Michelin stars, pop-ups, supper clubs or street stalls than almost anywhere else in Europe, let alone the UK, its a big plus for anyone who’s into food. This reputation however does have it’s draw backs, as we can often forget about what the rest of the UK has to offer. There’s been a rise recently in rural or smaller places earning a reputation for their food scene, and Cheshire is no different.

Spend a long weekend here, and you’ll soon see what it has to offer. Spend a few weeks or months here and you’ll start to wonder why you didn’t come sooner.

Depending on what you’re after, there’s now an abundance of choice. As someone who grew up in Chester, I’ll admit the options did used to be limited. There were a few places that had been around for a while, but if you really wanted the choice, you had to go to Manchester, or even further afield.

Now however, Cheshire can be considered a hot bed for top quality food, drink and dining. So, for my friends and those not lucky enough to live here, I’d like to take you on a quick extended-weekend tour, of where to eat, drink and get merry in this beautiful part of the country.

Let’s start with breakfast and a coffee. It’s a Saturday morning and you’ve travelled up early for the bank holiday weekend – head straight to the Jaunty Goat for the best coffee in town and some next level eggs on toast. ‘Hipster’ coffee chains are all the rage, but there’s tonnes around that are all style and no substance – this has both, the coffee’s great – and that’s a quote from an Australian colleague, and they know their coffee!

Now for lunch, you’re going to want to head over to Hoole, just on the other side of town. You’ll need to make a reservation for this one, but in my option, it’s the best place in town. Sticky Walnut, if you’ve not heard of it, it is the first baby of crowdfunding master Gary User, who now operates 4 restaurants in the North West, with another 2 on the way (and that’s what we know about). The food is classic bistro, with more than a touch of class. Order the flamed mackerel to start, and feather blade with Parmesan & truffle chips for main, and whilst you’re there ask about backing a future venue. Pure brilliant from a man who’s leading a revolution.

For dinner if the weathers nice, head to Porta Tapas, grab a table in the sun and a bottle of rose and people watch over a tomato bread, croquettes, ox cheek and Andalusian style squid. If you want to sit in, head to their sister restaurant next door and share few starters to get a proper taste for the menu.

Before bed, head either back into Hoole to The Suburbs or Down the road to Bar Lounge for a nightcap or two. Both with a menu of incredible cocktails, and run by people who’ve been in the industry for years.

Assuming you’ve had your fill, and have slept past breakfast, Sunday can only mean one thing – a pub lunch. Cheshire is lucky enough to have some of the best country pubs in the UK, so jump in your car, and head out of town to The Grosvenor Arms in Alford, or The Pheasant Inn in Burwardsley. Both Cheshire classics, that have been there for years. Chances are, if you’re from the region, you probably worked in one, or know someone who did in their earlier days. They’re also the perfect spots to enjoy a Sunday lunch without the football if you fancy a bit of a break after the summer!

Whilst you’re out and about, head out to Hawarden Farm shop to grab some of the best local produce around. Browse the extensive cheese selection, grab a cake or two to take back and pick up a ‘pick-your-own’ six pack of beer from their unique craft selection.

Before heading back on Monday, take a trip out to Cheshire Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall, which is great for both kids and adults. With over 50 flavours, and a place area for kids, it’s the perfect afternoon out of town.

Finally, before jumping on the train, end the day with dinner and a drink at The Artichoke. On a Monday after 5pm, it’s 2 for 1 on pizza, so sit outside looking onto the canal, with a glass of wine and a pizza. Relax, enjoy the view and start planning you next visit to the home of some of the best places the UK has to offer.

Thank you to Will for his fantastic contribution, we can’t wait to hear more from him soon. You can find more of Will on his website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.