There’s a lot to love about this neighbourhood restaurant tucked away on one of Knutsford’s side streets.  The passion project of chef patron Chris Boustead (of London’s Opera Tavern and The Ten Bells) and Laura Christie (behind Oklava in Shoreditch), it’s a small plates and hard-to-find-wines sort of place with very accomplished cooking pulling it all off in style. Dreamt up in Islington, Linden Stores first made its way up north in 2021 with a brief stint in the Cheshire village of Audlem, before landing in Knutsford and quietly but confidently drawing in crowds of starry-eyed diners.

Inside, there are dripping wax candles, moodily lit corners  and exposed steel beams giving it a laidback, industrial feel – every element bringing a hint of London cool to Knutsford and just the right amount of quirk.

But naturally, it’s the food that’s keeping the punters coming back again and again. And from the off, it’s clear the team have a tangible passion for seasonality and top produce and whenever you visit, you’ll always eat exceptionally well. There’s the Al a Carte menu with a collection of inventive small plates, and you might just find yourself ordering a little bit of everything. Sharing is caring, you know. Though there’s always the Chef’s Menu, with a line-up of small plates selected by the chef, all thrilling, all delicious. And if it’s on the menu, leave room for the sticky brown butter cake.

Progressive, interesting, with knockout flavours and flawless wines to match. Brilliant food, wonderful staff. Trust me. Linden Stores is the name to know in Cheshire’s foodie circles. And Knustford, hell, Cheshire, is all the better for it.