AN INSIDER GUIDE TO CHESHIRE BY LAURA CHRISTIE AND CHRIS BOUSTEAD
- MG
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Linden Stores co-owners give us the lowdown on the F&B scene in the North West's glitziest postcode
The glamorous towns and villages of Cheshire might have made a name for themselves as a magnet for North West footballers, but there's more to this area than housewives and bucketloads of cash. So much more, in fact, that we had to enlist the help of local restaurateurs Laura Christie and Chris Boustead to help you navigate all that's on offer. Laura and Chris started their F&B journey in another fancy postcode - Islington in London - before taking their Linden Stores concept to Cheshire, where they were recently awarded an AA Rosette for their commitment to outstanding food, service and innovation.
Head Chef, Chris crafts seasonal menus from locally sourced ingredients, offering à la carte or Chef's Menu options consisting of sharing plates for a communal dining experience.
Chris' partner, Laura oversees front of house and curates the restaurant's distinctive wine list, with a passion for biodiverse and small batch wines that have seen Linden Stores recommended by the Star Wine List. And just look at that rustic, wood-panelled interior.
If you're planning a visit to Cheshire (and after reading Laura and Chris' recommendations, we suspect you probably will be...), we suggest you squeeze a booking at Linden Stores into your itinerary. You won't be disappointed, and you won't leave hungry.
Read on to check out the ultimate guide to Cheshire and all it has to offer.
Linden Stores, 15 Minshull Street, Knutsford, WA16 6HG
COFFEE
TATTON PERK
Tatton Perk in Knutsford is a favourite spot to grab a coffee. It is just on the edge of The Moor which has a great play area for our little boy Ollie and you can walk through the woods there into Tatton Park – the loop round the lake is a favourite for our days off. Mark the owner is incredibly passionate about coffee but also about community, which is something we really value living and working in a small town. Great cakes, too!
Tatton Perk, Malt St, Knutsford WA16 6ES
BREAKFAST
MODERN FARMHOUSE
We love Modern Farmhouse in Alderly Edge. Penny the owner is a friend of ours and was actually on the FOH team when we opened. It is a beautiful space with a great brunch menu. I love the shop element with carefully curated selections of homeware, cookbooks and fresh flowers. It’s got an amazing outdoor area which is a complete suntrap and a really welcoming and calm atmosphere. Kids and dogs are welcome and they do the occasional supper pop-up that’s worth keeping an eye out for!
Modern Farmouse, 32 South St, Alderley Edge SK9 7ES
LUNCH
THE ROEBUCK INN
We love all of the Cheshire Cat Pubs in Mobberley, but The Roebuck is probably our favourite for lunch at the moment. From Knutsford we walk through Booths park and across the farmers fields. It’s a lovely walk that always reminds us how beautiful Cheshire is and how lucky we are to live here. The Roebuck is a lovely old pub that is now serving as a bistro with rooms and has a fab garden for lunch. Always a great welcome and the food menu has something for everyone.
The Roebuck Inn, Mill Ln, Mobberley, Knutsford WA16 7HX
DINNER
LI-LY BY AIDEN BYRNE
Highly recommend, Li-Ly in Knutsford – like us it’s a couple who run the place: Aiden and Sarah Byrne. The menu is creative and locally sourced. It changes regularly and is technically brilliant cooking served with flair. We admire them both not just for producing a great restaurant in Li-Ly but for weathering the ups and downs of the hospitality industry the last few years as we have and sticking to a job and a dream they so obviously love.
Li-Ly by Aiden Byrne, 48 King St, Knutsford WA16 6DT
DRINKS
MORGAN EDWARDS
Morgan Edwards on the High street in Knutsford is a great spot for drinks. They offer a selection of interesting wines by the glass, mini wine flights and rare bottles from the cellar by the glass. The do wine tastings, have a beautiful garden for the summer months and you can even pick up a bottle of something special to go. Lovely guys and really helpful and approachable.
INSIDER TIP
TARPORLEY
Tarporley is an amazing picture-perfect little village in Cheshire, great for a weekend away. It has a high street of gorgeous shops – Baile Home is a favourite – some great pubs, an amazing wine bar, Little Tap owned and run by Myles who also has a top restaurant for dinner, Terrarium opposite. Beautiful interiors, charming staff and great food. Well worth a visit.
Chris and Laura are co-owners of Linden Stores in Knutsford. Book now
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