A ROOFTOP garden bar has been unveiled in Knutsford after an exclusive launch event on Friday.

The new area of The Courthouse – formerly Knutsford Crown Court – will be a sun terrace by day, serving seasonal small dishes and afternoon tea, and a cocktail bar by night. The exclusive menu has been created by the venue’s executive chef, Steven Tuke.

With the majority of ingredients sourced from within 50 miles, guests can enjoy the likes of sharing platters, Inka Grill meats, burgers, pizzettas from the clay oven, market fish and steak of the day.

From 11am, staff will be serving a selection of loose leaf teas by Tea from the Manor and Arabica coffee from Jaunty Goat while in the evening a number of botanical and garden-themed signature cocktails have been specially created.

The Rooftop Garden is the latest phase of The Courthouse’s development by owners Dominic and Oliver Heywood.

They are also working on the opening of 11 bedrooms in the east and west wings of the property, designed to reflect the history and character of the former crown court. A further 40 bedrooms are due to be completed by 2020.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Grade II listed building which was designed by George Moneypenny and built in 1818.