FOOD blogger Jen Perry gives us the lowdown on her favourite foodie venues in town

THERE are interesting changes going on in the restaurant trade.

With a couple of exceptions, the high street big chain restaurants are finding the market tough but by contrast, the swathes of small independents are thriving.

It’s encouraging seeing an up swell of small, low overhead, street food vendors and traders.

I have been overwhelmed with the quality and variety of what is available on our doorstep.

CAFE CARUSO

Knutsford Guardian:

And I think everyone has the same idea to support local – just try getting a table at Café Caruso for a family meal at the weekend (you can’t).

CHURCH GREEN

I also recently caught up with friends at Aiden Byrne's Church Green in Lymm.

Knutsford Guardian:

I expected style and panache and it didn’t disappoint. I tried the pork belly Thai style and was impressed with the flavour and presentation and was surprised at the unexpectedly generous portion sizes.

Sadly my appetite for dessert didn’t stretch to more than a mouthful of my companion’s cheesecake, but I can verify it was delicious and I’ll await another special occasion to return.

SINGH'S GRILLHOUSE/KUM THAI/CAFE AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE

A Saturday afternoon in need of sustenance, but all wanting different things led us to the food hall of Warrington Market.

Knutsford Guardian:

A tasty goat curry from Singh’s Grillhouse for him, aromatic Thai curry from Kuma Thai for me and a chicken burger from the Café at the End of the Universe for Miss, all delivered to our table within minutes of each other.

The food was tasty and well presented, and while we needed to keep our coats on, we’ll certainly be going back to try Cheshire Roast’s freshly made pizza and Reach for the Moon’s gourmet cheese on toast, so much better than a fast food chain.

HEATH'S 26

A light lunch and a natter took me to Heath’s 26 in Stockton Heath and what a gem of a find it was.

Their devilled mushrooms on toast with melted goat’s cheese is, according to their menu, a customer favourite. Once sampled you’ll see why.

BUCKLEY'S

But I’ve a secret location on my list that possibly tops them all. Keep it to yourself but it is Buckley’s restaurant at Warrington and Vale Royal College in Winwick Road.

The food there is incredible and produced by amazingly talented young people under the instruction of Scott Surtees.

Scott has worked with some of the finest chefs in the UK and served his time in Michelin starred kitchens. He is now passing on his skills with effervescent enthusiasm to the catering students and the results speak for themselves.

Knutsford Guardian:

The food that they serve is little short of phenomenal. It is fine dining, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked.

Little wonder that they are one of the few colleges to have won a coveted ‘Highly Recommended’ College AA Rosette.

Remarkably the meals there are inexpensive. Lunches are only £8.95 for three courses and they are open Wednesday and Thursday evenings too.

I selected fish and chips from the well thought out menu, and was delighted with the quality – Scott tells us the students are trained to receive deliveries and turn away any sub quality products.

Every step is taken to give every students an education that could lead to a career in the food industry, from head chef to sommelier.

From the moment they take your coat, to the explanation of the day’s specials, you are treated like royalty, it is well worth a visit. The only downside is that it’s only open term times. But then I’m just greedy!

It’s wonderful that people like Scott are nurturing and developing our young cooks and chefs of the future. It is something that I am so very enthusiastic about when we teach our bread-making classes. Enthusiasm and passion should be in every bite, and I think you only get that from someone who really cares about their product.