An Exclusive Sneak Peek: 1851 Restaurant at Peckforton Castle – Reimagining Luxury Dining in Cheshire

Meet the Maestro: Executive Head Chef Brian Hughson

At the helm of this exciting new chapter is Executive Head Chef Brian, a culinary visionary with over 30 years of global experience. Despite his impressive modesty, Chef Hughson  casually mentions a career that includes stints at The Savoy and The Dorchester, extensive travel, work in Dubai, and even cooking for royalty. His ambition? To deliver an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry, using quality ingredients carefully sourced from both local and UK suppliers. 

“As you walk through the gate it takes your breath away every time, at least it does mine,” Brian shares, his passion for Peckforton Castle evident. His culinary philosophy is simple yet profound: let the quality of the produce speak for itself, while elevating the dining experience to perfectly match the majestic surroundings. “There is great beauty in cooking like this, but there’s lots to achieve, there’s masses of potential here.”

A Taste of What’s to Come: The Seven-Course Tasting Menu

Chef Brian Hughson has reimagined the menu with a bold new vision, celebrating locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The centrepiece is an exquisite seven-course tasting menu, priced at £75 per person. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to tantalise the senses, with the option of a perfectly matched wine flight for an additional £50 per person.

Expect an element of theatre too; a highlight will be the living wall in the restaurant, where your cocktail garnishes could be picked before your very eyes. And for those who appreciate the finest local flavours, keep an eye out for a delightful Cheshire Cheese trolley and succulent local Cheshire venison.

Cultivating Excellence: Sustainability and Local Partnerships

Peckforton Castle’s commitment extends far beyond the plate. With existing solar power and on-site herb gardens, their dedication to sustainability is already evident. Excitingly, they are adding kitchen gardens at the lodge to further enhance their farm-to-table ethos. Their sights are firmly set on achieving those coveted AA Rosettes and, in the longer term, the prestigious Green Michelin Star.

The 1851 also champions local partnerships. They’ve teamed up with a trusted Cheshire wine supplier, C & O Wines, and are keen to feature exceptional English wines, alongside local gins such as Taste Cheshire award-winners, Three Wrens Gin.

Chef Brian Hughson is also passionate about nurturing the next generation of chefs, fostering a positive kitchen environment where work-life balance is prioritised and asking for help is encouraged. “There is great talent coming through, they have the right attitude and that’s half the battle,” he affirms.

An Exclusive Invitation: Locals Launch Night

Be among the very first to experience this culinary transformation! Peckforton Castle is hosting a special Locals Launch Night for an exclusive preview of The 1851 Restaurant.
When: July 18th, 2025 | Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Price: £75.00 per person
Special Offer: Enjoy a complimentary wine flight worth £50 per person as you indulge in the seven-course tasting menu.

Adding to the unique experience, Peckforton Castle, in partnership with their on-site Land Rover Experience, will offer a local pick-up service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when you book dinner and wine, ensuring your evening begins and ends with effortless luxury.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY! Book your exclusive preview now: https://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/…/locals-launch-night/