JUSTIN Parkinson is offering a modern take on the classic wine bar and eatery with his latest venture.

Justin, 51, has opened Wine and Wallop in King Street, Knutsford, following on from Folk in West Didsbury and Wine and Wallop in Didsbury.

After a 15-year career in interior design, Justin bought the old Polish Deli on Burton Road in West Didsbury, and soon transformed it into Folk, which continues to be a key bar and cafe in the community.

Ten years later Wine and Wallop in Didsbury was born, which Justin described as a ‘more grown-up offering,’ and now, four years on, Wine and Wallop has opened in Knutsford where Canvas Lounge used to be.

“The King Street bar restaurant is a combination of Folk and Wine and Wallop, with the grown-up offering of food and drink plus some of the more daring elements of Folk’s interior,” said Justin.

“We have always been completely home spun. Our interiors have always been created by me and my small group of friends who are talented joiners.

“Having moved to Knutsford five years ago, my wife Katy and I thought it would one day be a good idea to open a place here as we are firmly settled into the town, with our young children growing up here.

“We have had an amazing reaction since we opened, and people like the fact that it’s independent.

“When the Canvas Lounge became available it was a great opportunity to make our mark, and Wine and Wallop has taken 18 months to complete, including lots of remedial work to the building, very careful and detailed workmanship.

“Most of the materials which have been used are reclaimed, which takes lots more work and ‘fettling’ but helps to create an authentic and lived-in feel.

“A mix of completely traditional, like the mahogany wooden panelling, sits next to super-modern touches like the yellow and pink neon or the dipped paintings.

“The building is laid out like a lot of Knutsford’s historical buildings over many floors and rooms, which makes for interesting discovery.”

Wine and Wallop sells more than 300 wines at all price points, but no ‘house’ wine.

“We have many vintages and more obscure wines which we serve by the glass with our ‘Coravin’, a device which enables you to extract wine without opening the bottle,” added Justin.

“We always offer at least 40 by the glass, and have four hand pulls for locally-brewed ales.

“One of the main departures at Wine and Wallop in Knutsford is the proper kitchen and food menu.

“Wine and Wallop is a modern take on the classic wine bar and eatery.

“Food takes the shape of bar snacks, cheese and charcuterie, to Brunch and lunch and a full a la carte menu.

“Dishes are classic bistro and brasserie British and European - perfectly complementing your glass of wine.

“We offer craft keg beers and locally-brewed cask ales, including our own in-house brews.

“Outside is a pretty south-facing garden terrace, part under cover. There are many different rooms to explore, some of which are available to use for private dining or get-togethers for up to 30 people.”

Wine and Wallop offers wine and beer tastings and events, cosy snugs with wood-burning stoves, live jazz music every Sunday afternoon, and children and dogs are welcome.

Justin’s wife Katy also runs her own online business, Folk Interiors, and the couple have two children, aged three and five.

  • Wine and Wallop opens from Tuesday to Sunday, and there are plans for seven-day opening.