Award-winning barista hailed the ‘best in Cheshire’ opens two new coffee shops in a week! #Blog
Victoria Hayes
26th April 2022
In just one week, Mark Lee-Kilgariff has opened two coffee shops, one beside Moorside duck pond and another serving food for the first time at Booth Park.
The Knutsford dad-of-two launched his mobile coffee business, Tatton Perk, three and a half years ago in a distinctive orange van. Now, customers can relax inside a 70s-style lounge or still grab a takeaway. 
“It has been phenomenal,” said Mark. “All our regulars are coming back and we have had lots of new people we have not seen before. “It is much busier than we expected.”
Tatton Perk has won a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award for two years running after being inundated with five-star reviews.
Supporting local businesses and sourcing top quality products have always been a top priority.
Rosie Wrightson, from Flourish Pantry in Northwich, supplies a range of sourdough toasties and salads for the coffee shop on Bruntwood Business Park.
“Food is a brand new thing for us,” said Mark. “It is going fantastically well. “Rosie has been absolutely brilliant. Everything she uses is sourced from local farm shops. The butter is from a local dairy and the sourdough bread is from a Bollington bakery.
“Her approach fits in with what we have always tried to do, use local suppliers.” 
Even the décor celebrates local talent.
“We’ve had loads of interest in the wallpaper,” said Mark. “It’s a hand-drawn vinyl that reflects the trees around the new site, has a Tatton Park stag, our logo, and the old orange coffee van in it. “It was created by Izzie Barratt our freelance designer.” The local community has played a big part in shaping this unique business.
“The talent, skill and generosity in this town is quite remarkable,” said Mark. “The amount of support in Knutsford has been absolutely overwhelming. I don’t know if I could have done this anywhere else.”
“People have helped us with the building, design, website and even the planting outside.
“Whatever you need, people are ready to get involved. There have been some very generous kind acts.”
Mark wishes to say a special thank you to his family for all their support.
“My wife Susie has been amazing,” said Mark. “She runs her own marketing agency but has given up half her time to work for us.
“She is an incredible woman and vital to the whole thing getting to where it is.”
The iconic vintage van, which was parked at Booths Park, is now receiving some ‘tender loving care’ before going back on the road.
“We’ve got fun runs, weddings and open days lined up. This is what was envisaged for the van in the first place.
“It has been an exciting journey.” 
The coffee shop on King Street car park beside Moor park is open even days a week from 7.30am to 5pm.
The Booths Park unit is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.