Cells to become 'quirky' rooms at iconic Knutsford building

Guests will be able to relax in comfort inside eight new bijou ensuites.

The ambitious renovation of the Grade II listed building marks the second phase of a multi-million pound regeneration project at The Courthouse.

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The 200-year-old former Knutsford Crown Court reopened last year after being transformed into a cocktail bar, restaurant and boutique hotel.

The Courthouse has been inundated with family celebrations (Image: The Courthouse)

Flat Cap Hotels say they have been overwhelmed with bookings for private events and family celebrations following the regeneration.

A former courtroom has already been transformed into a cocktail bar (Image: The Courthouse)

Around 40 jobs have been created and the expansion will create more employment opportunities.

Work has now started on the next stage which includes installing a new rooftop restaurant and developing underground accommodation.

A training kitchen is also being created in the basement for chefs to hone their culinary knowledge and expertise.

Christenings, weddings and birthdays have been hosted in the refurbished hotel (Image: The Courthouse)

Archie Thompson, communications manager of Flat Cap Hotels, said: “This is the second stage of a multi million pound project.

“We are bringing to life what would otherwise be a redundant building.

“We have been working with the Knutsford Heritage Centre, the local council and local businesses.

Couples have chosen the majestic Georgian building for their weddings (Image: The Courthouse)

“We are mindful of being the custodians of such a historic building.”

Nine boutique rooms have already been designed with style and sophistication, some with four poster beds.

Nine boutique rooms have been designed with style and sophistication (Image: The Courthouse)

The focus now is on turning dingy cells which used to house defendants awaiting trial into swish hotel rooms.

“They will all be converted into quirky, unusual bedrooms,” said Archie.

“Existing walls and doors will be retained. We want to keep all these different characteristics.

Live musicians and DJs perform on a mezzanine level above the bar (Image: The Courthouse)

“We are working with a designer to create fake windows to bring in light as it is very dark and gloomy down there.

“We want to create a cosy, warm feeling.

“The windows will be artistic and very nicely done. Guests won’t feel like they are being locked up and trapped in a cell.”

A developmental kitchen will give staff the chance to learn new skills and develop their careers.

The 200-year-old building has been transformed (Image: The Courthouse)

“There will be space for chefs from across our group to be trained, upskilled and mentored,” said Archie.

“Guests will able to book a table and watch chefs at work in a more intimate setting.

“We have developed lots of small tasting plates of high quality food.

Chefs create a selection of tasting plates (Image: The Courthouse)

“Our menu changes a lot.”

A new floor is planned over the existing roof to create a new dining space and bar, which will have a glass canopy.

An independent free-standing sun canopy will cover the rooftop terrace area.

This will be a slim metal frame structure with a vaulted roof and a retractable canopy.

There are no sides to the framing so guests will be able to see through the structure.

“It will be an outdoor dining concept,” said Archie.

“It will be very grand in keeping with such a fine building.

“Everything is approved and ready to go.”