FLATBREAD oozing with caramelised garlic butter, crispy calamari and lemon ricotta loaf were just some of the tasty treats served during a day out with a difference.
Not to mention a cheeky tipple of gin and sip of wine!
The Guardian was invited to join Taste Knutsford, a food and drink tour that celebrates what makes the town’s independent hospitality venues so special.
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The idea came from Knutsford Town Council town centre manager Sandra Curties, who was so impressed by a secret food tour of New York, she suggested replicating it in her home town.
From the start, you’re overwhelmed by the passion and pride of each host.
Pastry chef Hattie Cufflin greeted us at Hot Cocoa with a big smile, offering miso caramel chocolates and chocolate ice cream.
“I absolutely love all things chocolate,” said Hattie, who worked in ski resorts and developed her passion for baking when a pastry chef broke his leg.
“I make up my own recipes.
“I get up at 5am to make all the chocolates and ice creams.”
Family business The Tea Room, run by Harriet Henry and mum Sue, is also a labour of love.
Serving scones and jam, Harriet said: “I trained at the Raymond Blanc School of Cookery and bake all my own cakes.”
Celebrity couple Katy and Adam Rickitt run Dexter and Jones, craft beer and artisan specialists.
“We make our own gin,” said Katy, offering strawberry cheesecake and blackcurrant London dry gins, named after their dogs Tallulah and Daphne.
Independent wine merchants Morgan Ward and Edward Speakman recently moved their business, Morgan Edwards, from Knutsford Market Hall into a 16th century building on King Street.
Morgan said: “This gives us more space for events. We’ve got a shop and bar.”
The pair served Durello brut, a light, crispy alternative to prosecco, and a Cicado Gerwurztraminer, an aromatic wine, with flavours of peach and lychees.
Greengrocer Jonty Page brimmed with pride showing off his market stall.
Serving a platter of fruit kebabs, he said: “We design our display on the style of a French market.
“We spend a lot of time arranging all the fruit and veg.
“Everything is local, just a few miles away, served loose not in plastic packaging.”
Turkish chef Bahattin Atar has brought his heritage to the Market Café with a selection of savoury and sweet pastries.
Offering baklavas, the dad-of-two said: “Knutsford is a lovely place. People have made me very welcome.”
Native Swede Caterine Hooper also celebrates her country’s unique style at Detaljer, a coffee shop and lifestyle store.
Caterine said: “I am really passionate about everything.
“Customers tell me they feel at home and welcome here. A lot of thought has gone into it.”
Swedish specialities including Punschrule, a marzipan roll, lemon,thyme and ricotta loaf and cinnamon bun were mouthwatering.
Delicious dishes were also served at The Rose and Crown.
David and Shirley Sims loved the pub so much they decided to take it over.
David said: “We absolutely love it here. We’ve got a great team behind us.
“Our Sunday lunch is so popular you have to book three weeks in advance.”
Chef Jamie Pickles served flatbread in caramelised butter and chives with hazelnut pesto, skewers with anchovies, olives and chilli and whipped goat's cheese topped with bitter leaves.
Spanish culture is showcased at Evuna, a fine wine house that rustles up a mix of Tapas dishes.
General manager Irene Sanchez said: “I came in 2017 and couldn’t speak a word of English. I went on a sommelier course and learnt so much.
“We only use exclusive high quality family vineyards.”
Tapas including garlic bread with tomatoes, calamari and chicken skewers were sumptuous.
Delicious brunches of Eggs Benedict and poached egg served on avocado, spinach and mushrooms was served inside the town’s iconic Courthouse.
This 200-year-old former Knutsford Crown Court has been transformed into a boutique hotel, cocktail bar and restaurant.
Flat Cap Hotels hope to create a training kitchen in the basement for chefs to hone their culinary knowledge and expertise.
Almost 20 venues take it in turns to feature in Taste Knutsford.
Resident Nicola Arnell enjoyed one of the first events in 2018 so much, she became a tour guide.
To book visit tasteknutsford.co.uk
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