A Grand Welcome Back: Peckforton Castle’s 1851 Restaurant Relaunches in Spectacular Style!

Here at Taste Cheshire, we’re still buzzing from an incredible evening last Thursday as we attended the grand relaunch of the 1851 restaurant at Peckforton Castle. What a privilege it was to be there, and even more so to celebrate with our friends, the Naylor family, who so wonderfully run the castle. Some of our team also have fond memories of being present at the castle’s relaunch after the fire, making this latest milestone even more special to witness.

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A Fairytale Setting for a Fine Dining Future

Perched majestically on a tree-lined hill, Peckforton Castle truly embodies the essence of a fairytale. It’s no wonder this magnificent, Grade I listed castle, with its awe-inspiring Victorian architecture designed to emulate medieval grandeur, has become such a sought-after venue. Over the years, it’s played host to countless unforgettable events, including a string of high-profile weddings for footballers and superstars – a testament to its unique charm and spectacular setting.

Now, the Naylor family has embarked on an exciting new chapter, unveiling a significant revamp of their acclaimed 1851 restaurant. Their ambition? To firmly establish it as a premier fine dining destination in the North West. And with its breathtaking location within those historic castle walls, we have no doubt they’ll achieve just that.

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A Legacy of Luxury and Warm Hospitality

Since the Naylor family acquired Peckforton Castle in 2006, they’ve poured their heart and soul into transforming it into one of Cheshire’s leading events and wedding venues. From the star-studded wedding of Jamie Vardy and Rebekah Vardy, and the celebrations of footballers Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown with their partners, Tanya and Leanne, the castle has seen its fair share of celebrity sparkle.

But beyond the glittering guest lists, it’s the Naylor family’s dedication and warm hospitality that truly defines Peckforton Castle. We’ve been fortunate enough to witness their passion firsthand, and it’s this personal touch that makes every visit so memorable.

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An Exquisite Culinary Journey Awaits

The newly refurbished 1851 restaurant is a vision of refined elegance, boasting a serene muted cream interior, stylish wallpaper, sophisticated new lighting, and captivating artworks from talented local artist David Kereszteny Lewis. Overlooking the castle courtyard, the ambiance perfectly sets the stage for the culinary delights to come.

Leading the charge in the kitchen is the incredibly talented Executive Head Chef, Brian Hughson. With an impressive resume that includes experience in Michelin Star kitchens at The Savoy Grill, The Dorchester, and Mirabelle, Chef Hughson brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to Peckforton. We were absolutely delighted to sample his new 7-course tasting menu, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

Our journey began with the Kames Bay Trout, a delicate start where the freshness of the fish was beautifully complemented by vibrant “summer roots” and a luxurious dashi beurre blanc that added a subtle, umami richness without overpowering the star.

Next, the Summer Vegetable Tartlet was a delightful ode to the season. Crisp pastry encased a medley of fresh, bright vegetables, elevated by a light, airy pea mousse and the intriguing, slightly tart whisper of pickled magnolia petals – a truly unique touch that lingered delightfully.

A pause for the Oat and Treacle Bread, served with rich brown butter, was a comforting interlude. The bread was wonderfully textured, with a real sweetness, perfect for savouring with several of the courses to come.

The Roasted Orkney Scallop arrived, perfectly cooked, revealing its tender, sweet interior. Paired with earthy celeriac and more of that irresistible brown butter, it was a masterclass in elegant simplicity.

For our main course, the Poached Sheltand Isle Cod was a triumph of delicate flavours. The cod was flaky and moist, resting on a bed of wonderfully smoked garlic creamed potato. The accompanying prawn bisque was deep and intensely flavourful, tying the dish together with a luxurious seafood embrace.

The Salt Aged Creedy Carver Duck showcased a richer, more robust profile. The duck was tender and flavourful, beautifully contrasted by crisp cabbage, a sweet white onion puree, and an unexpected, yet brilliant, hint of lemon and cumin that cut through the richness and added an aromatic lift.

Desserts were equally impressive, beginning with the elegant Peach Melba Éclair. This refined classic featured a vibrant blood peach cremeux, sweet peach compote, and a silky vanilla cream, all encased in a perfectly crisp éclair shell – a truly sophisticated take on a beloved favourite.

Finally, the Peckforton Mess offered a playful, deconstructed finale. Light-as-air white chocolate meringue shards mingled with fresh, wild strawberries and sweet mango, all brought together by a creamy crème fraiche and a wonderfully zesty lime sorbet that provided a refreshing, tangy counterpoint.

Adding another layer to this exceptional meal were the thoughtfully curated wine pairings. We began our evening with a lovely glass of English fizz on arrival, setting a celebratory tone. The delicate Kames Bay Trout found its perfect partner in the elegant Champagne Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut, its crisp bubbles and nuanced flavours harmonising beautifully with the fish.

As the meal progressed, the pairings continued to impress. The scallop was complemented by a delightful Pinto Gris from Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa. With the Poached West Coast Cod, we were thrilled to see a local gem: a Bacchus from Lychgate Bolney Estate, Sussex, a testament to the growing quality of English wines. The richer Salt Aged Creedy Carver Duck was expertly matched with a Morgon Ludovic Charvet Beaujolais. And to round off the meal, the dessert course was elevated by a truly stunning Otto Gorgen Riesling Spätlese. While dessert wines may have fallen out of mainstream favour, this was a brilliant example of how a perfectly paired sweet wine can truly complete and enhance a memorable dining experience.

Dining at 1851 at Peckforton Castle is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience where every plate tells a story of passion, precision, and the finest local and seasonal produce. It’s a true jewel in Cheshire’s culinary crown and an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

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As Chris Naylor, Managing Director, shared with us, “As a family-owned business, we prioritise quality, tradition, and community.” This ethos shines through in every detail of the new 1851 restaurant, from the meticulously crafted menu to the celebration of local artistry.

Reservations for the 1851 restaurant are now being taken for August 2025 onwards, and we wholeheartedly encourage you to experience this exceptional culinary and cultural gem for yourselves. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Taste Cheshire was gifted this experience by Peckforton Castle, however all opinions in this piece are our own. Don’t believe us… or even if you do, we encourage you to go and see for yourselves.