Anna Marcynski of Anna Marcynski Designs sponsored this years Knutsford At Home

Knutsford at Home

Knutsford was a mini ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’ on September 20th, with its home and interior design shops hosting its fourth Knutsford at Home Event.

The event was a collaboration between the home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and coordinated by Knutsford Town Council under its Discover Knutsford brand. It offered shoppers a ‘menu of inspiration’ an alcohol Ink Art workshop In Havwoods, a talk by Charlotte Hayes from the Colour Collective at Arthur Lee’s paint studio, and a meet the artist Tony Green hosted by Swedish café and lifestyle store Detaljer. There were ‘Ask the Architect sessions’ with Bianca Morgan in Anna Marczynski Interior Design. The full list of shops taking part was, Anna Marczynski Interior Design, Arthur Lee Interiors, Cotswold Company, Detaljer, Havwoods, Oil Art Advisory, Oka, RI Home, Sofas and Stuff, Susie Watson Designs and The Bath House.

Event sponsor Anna Marczynski Interior Design, said, “This was our first time taking part in Knutsford at Home and our feet didn’t touch the ground all day! We had lots of one-to-one appointments booked in plus a few walks in and a visit from friends and family to celebrate our opening in number 4 King Street. Hosting Bianca Morgan Architects during the day was the perfect fit for our studio too. Thank you to everyone who visited.”

Helen Dufton co-owner of Arthur Lee said, “Knutsford at Home’ day at Arthur Lee! We welcomed a steady stream of visitors to both our new paint studio and a talk by Charlotte Hayes from the Colour Collective and our main showrooms, where we showcased our carefully curated homeware range. Thanks to the rain, our umbrella stand was certainly busy all day!”

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “These events are all about promoting Knutsford as a destination shopping venue and offering a bespoke shopping experience that cannot be replicated online. A huge thanks to those who gave up their time to deliver the workshops. We loved the way our shops worked together and seeing visitors mapping out their day using the flyers was fabulous. Knutsford is one of Cheshire’s leading towns for all things interiors. We will be working with the venues discussing feedback to possibly extend the event into an interior’s week, so watch this space”

A pink accessibility logo sign with the words 'step free route' with an arrow.

Town Council Launches Accessibility Forum

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents to attend the inaugural Knutsford Accessibility Forum on Thursday 13th November at Knutsford Market Hall.

The council is inviting residents of Knutsford who have lived experience of disability, chronic illness, additional needs and other access requirements to join us for the evening; with hopes of bringing voices together to create a new resident-led group to support local change.

Community Engagement Officer, Lucy Fox said “Hosted at our recently refurbished accessible Market Hall, this is your chance to speak about the challenges you face and improvements you would like to see made to better access and enjoy what our town has to offer.”

“The forum will be shaped by attendees, with support from the council. Our aim is to facilitate an ongoing group who can make recommendations and champion improvements across town. The functions of the group will depend on interest and attendance at the first meeting.”

It is important to the council that the group represents the voices of people living with different physical and mental health circumstances so it can hear and learn more about the perspectives and challenges from first-hand experience. Carers and other supporting persons are also welcome.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and finish at approximately 8 pm, depending on attendee interest and numbers.

If you would like to attend but need reasonable adjustments, or if you have any questions, please email lucy.fox@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653929.

Alfresco Dining Minishull Street

Town Centre Masterplan Meeting

A timeline has been produced to develop a masterplan for Knutsford Town Centre by December 2026.

Developing a masterplan for the future of the town centre is one of the town council’s core strategic objectives, and a working group of councillors has agreed a plan to see the document prepared over the next year.

The aim of the masterplan will be to deliver a consensus view on how the town centre should develop and tackle long standing issues of the conflict between traffic and pedestrians as well as developing proposals to ensure the continued success and vitality of the town centre.

The masterplan will comprise four chapters:

  • Movement and Access
  • Public Realm and Placemaking
  • Development Opportunities
  • Economy and Uses

Cllr Christopher Gray will lead the Movement and Access chapter which will look at issues such as traffic, pedestrian access and parking. Public Realm and Placemaking will be led by Cllr Matthew Robertson, exploring streets, public spaces, materials, street furniture and heritage.

Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley will lead the development opportunities theme, looking at revitalising underused spaces in the town centre. Cllr April Johnson, who chairs the council’s Town Centre Committee, will lead the Economy and Uses theme, which will look at the evening and cultural economy, town centre facilities and what uses the town needs.

To launch the new process, the council is hosting two information and discussion sessions at Knutsford Market Hall on Wednesday 1st October at 1pm and 7pm. The council will provide more information on previous proposals for the town centre, the timeline to develop this plan and facilitate discussion on issues that the four themes need to investigate.

The council is also inviting up to seven residents to join one of each of the four thematic groups and help develop the proposes for that chapter. Residents can find out more at one of the sessions, or by emailing townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

L to R Pictured are the following - David Sims, Rose and Crown Hope Taylor, Rose and Crown George Williams, Knutsford Ghost Walks Morgan Ward, Morgan Edward Fine Wines and Spirits Gustavo Barreto, Evuna They are photographed on ‘The haunted table’ in Rose and Crown where guests have experienced drinks sliding off the table (floor and table are level!)

The Haunted Table Launches

Knutsford is serving up a new kind of fright! Knutsford Ghost Walks and Taste Knutsford have joined forces to launch the Haunted Table, a unique “ghost and grub” walking tour.

This new experience combines a spooky stroll through Knutsford’s historic streets with delicious food and drink stops. The tour will feature three culinary highlights: Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits, Evuna, and the Rose and Crown. Not only are these venues known for their great food, but they are also historic buildings with their own tales of the supernatural.

“We are delighted to be working with Taste Knutsford,” said George Williams, who runs Knutsford Ghost Walks. “Our ghost walks are all about exploring the town’s narrow passages and hearing stories of ghostly sightings. To be able to combine this with fantastic food and drink is a great way to spend an evening. The three venues we chose are perfect—they offer superb food and also have some spooky stories of their own!”

Sandra Curties, Knutsford’s Town Centre Manager, added, “Taste Knutsford has been incredibly popular since we launched it in 2018. We’ve loved what George has done with his ghost walks, and bringing the two together was a natural next step. This tour is a great way for people to enjoy wonderful food and drink, learn about Knutsford’s spooky history, and maybe even have a ghostly experience of their own!”

The first Haunted Table tour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 PM. Tickets are £45.00 per person, which includes food, drink, and the guided tour. The experience will last approximately three hours, and tour groups are limited to just 12 people to ensure an intimate and memorable experience.

You can book your spot on this unique tour by visiting www.tasteknutsford.co.uk. If the first tour is a success, additional dates will be added.

Sandra Curties Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Ghost Walks – Find the walks on Facebook

Photo Knutsford Town Council L to R : Michelle Fish – Havwoods Caterine Hooper – Detaljer Bianca Morgan – Bianca Morgan Architects Hannah Boylan - Susie Watson Designs Louisa Crossman - OKA Anna Marczynski of Anna Marczynski Interior Design Helen Dufton of Arthur Lee Hannah Barnes of Hannah Barnes Designs

Knutsford at Home Returns on September 20th

Knutsford’s homes and interiors inspiration event, Knutsford at Home, returns to the town centre this autumn on Saturday 20st September.

Designed to inspire attendees with their upcoming home projects no matter how big or small, the event is the product of a collaboration between local interior businesses and Knutsford Town Council.

Highlighting the vast collection of home interior shops and specialists available in Knutsford, the day includes, architect consults, prize draws, colour consultations, exclusive offers and the launch of new collections.

Design experts and architects will be available throughout shops in town to advise and inspire attendees with their projects. Many shops will also serve light refreshments for a relaxed shopping environment.

Businesses taking part include.

  • Anna Marczynski Design
  • Arthur Lee, Toft Road
  • Bianca Morgan Architects
  • Detaljer, Princess Street
  • Hannah Barnes Interior Design
  • Havwoods, Regent Street
  • Oil Art Advisory, King Street
  • OKA, Manchester Road
  • R.I Home, King Street
  • Sofas and Stuff, Canute Place
  • Susie Watson Designs, King Street
  • Terzetto Stone, King Street
  • The Bath House, King Street
  • The Cotswold Company, King Street

The event has generously been sponsored by King Street located Anna Marczynski Interior Designs.

A leaflet containing information about the event including all booking details for activities has been distributed around Knutsford Town Centre. There is also further information available on www.discoverknutsford.com and following @discoverknutsford on Instagram and Facebook.

Sponsor Anna Marczynski, said, “We are delighted to sponsor the Knutsford at Home 2025 event and are looking forward to welcoming people to the official launch of our new studio at 4 King Street. Complete home inspiration is available via design consultations with me and the team and with Bianca Morgan of Bianca Morgan architects.”

The Bath House is taking part for the first time, and store manager Ally Craig Mair, said, “This is the first time we’ve taken part in Knutsford at Home and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our store. We all need a little quiet luxury in our homes, and our range of fragrances are the perfect, especially as we move towards the colder months.”

Swedish café and lifestyle store Detaljer will be hosting a meet the artist session with Tony Green as well as a private viewing in the evening and Oil Art Advisory will be showcasing their artist in residence David Boardman’s new artwork.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; ‘We are proud to be working alongside our interior shops once again for our third Knutsford at Home. We’ve worked collaboratively to pull an event together that is your one-stop-shop for all things interiors and are very grateful to our sponsors, Anna Marczynski Design. Whether you are planning a full renovation or need those finishing touches – Knutsford at Home is the place to be.’

Young Artist Competition Entries

Knutsford buzzes with art and alfresco dining

Knutsford was a hive of creativity on August 17th as the town hosted its inaugural Paint Knutsford and Young Artist of the Year competitions. Over 30 professional and amateur artists turned Knutsford into an open-air studio, capturing iconic buildings, green spaces, and streetscapes.

Sponsored by King Street Dental Practice, the event culminated in an exhibition at Knutsford Market Hall where a judging panel, including Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and gallery owner Tony Turner, selected the winners.

Jill Aspen took first place for her stunning painting of the moor lake. Jill said, “What a lovely day spent painting in the sunshine. There were so many fantastic artists there, and I met lots of lovely Knutsford folk. To win first place just topped off a fabulous day. Thanks so much to everyone involved. I can’t wait for Paint Knutsford 2026”

Second place went to Liz Wheeldon-Wyatt for her illustration of the newly opened Stolen Lamb restaurant.

Tony Tuner owner of The Next Door Gallery said, “I was delighted to be involved in the first Paint Knutsford. What a lovely event. I was so impressed with the range of entries from both the adult entrants and young artists – particularly in the 12-17 years category. The level of skill was outstanding. A huge congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part. Roll on 2026”

The next generation of artists was also celebrated in the Young Artist of the Year competition, drawing a wide range of entries from local budding artists. Edie Joe Fuller (age 7) won the 4-11 years category, with Richard Taberner (age 6) as the runner-up. In the 12-17 years category, two Knutsford Academy students took the top spots: Jenna Reid in first place and Rosie Birchall as runner-up.

Alfresco dining also took place on King Street creating a festival like atmosphere in the town.

Wallop, Mowgli, Piccolinos, Gusto, Smokehouse and Cellar, Rose and Crown, Patrick’s Irish pub, and Morgan Edwards all offered outdoor seating allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the glorious weather

Andy Vo, manager of the Smokehouse and Cellar said, “Al Fresco dining has become an established feature in Knutsford’s Summer social scene. It provides an outdoor festival atmosphere for diners and drinkers alike. This year was no exception, and the glorious weather drew in many locals and visitors from further afield.”

David Sims, owner of the Rose and Crown said, “What a day for alfresco dining! The Rose and Crown team had a wonderful day greeting regulars and visitors alike. The Paint Knutsford event was an additional draw and the atmosphere in town was amazing!”

Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council said, “The feedback from the artists, our King Street hospitality and visitors to the town was amazing. Watching the artists in action and their painting unfold was such a unique experience. Congratulations to our winning entrants and everyone who took part. We hope to repeat this event next year and hopefully the sun will also make a return visit!”

All entries have been uploaded to social media for an additional public vote which closes on 26th August. The entries can be viewed on Knutsford Town Council’s website and Facebook pages.

Cast your vote on the following link – https://form.jotform.com/252312585494360

Images by Knutsford Photographic Society.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk or @DiscoverKnutsford on our social channels. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Photo Credit – Jennifer Dowdall of MAK clinic Left to Right Michaela and clinic owner Jennifer Dowdall of MAK Clinic

MAK Clinic scores a hat trick!

Regent Street based Medical Aesthetics Knutsford (MAK) has scored a hat trick and signed up for three town council led initiatives – the Knutsford voucher, Take a Seat and is the first to sign up to the feeding charter.

MAK clinics moved to its Regent Street location from King Street earlier this year. The clinic is a member of the British Association of medical Aesthetic Nursers and recognised by Save Face the government approved register for practitioners and clinics. Jennifer Dowdall clinic owner said, “We love our location in the heart of Knutsford and Knutsford’s wonderful community. We are lucky to operate from a fully accessible building in Regent Street so taking part in Take a Seat and the feeding charter was an easy decision for us. Plus, by accepting the Knutsford voucher we’ve made it easier for clients to access our treatments.”

Pictured with Jennifer Dowdall is her friend Michaela who has multiple sclerosis. Michaela said, “Schemes like this may seem irrelevant to some as we’ve so many coffee shops in town. However, with having MS and despite walking with a stick when necessary, I still find I must stop every 100 metres or so. Knowing that I can ‘take a seat’ in certain spots around the town is invaluable to me and enables me to enjoy Knutsford and all it has to offer. I would urge more businesses to take part in the scheme – it costs nothing but means everything to people such as myself”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “We are grateful to Jennifer and the team at MAK clinic for taking part in these three schemes. The clinic is completely accessible and is an ideal spot to ‘take a seat’ when walking from Princess to King Street. We will be launching our feeding charter very soon, but it is great that MAK clinic is the first to sign up”

The Knutsford voucher was launched in 2020 and currently 50 different businesses accept the scheme. The voucher can be ordered via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the town council offices. They come complete with a gift card, and each business is paid back in full.

MAK clinic join the following businesses in the Take a Seat scheme –

  • Holly Johnson Antiques
  • Knutsford Heritage Centre
  • Nxtep Gym
  • Tatton Perk
  • The Tea Room
  • Clarity Contemporary Jewellery
  • Mellor Braggins
  • Detaljer
  • Knutsford Methodist Church
  • Lost and Found
  • Arthur Lee
  • Dexter and Jones
  • Knutsford Hearing Centre
  • Cranford Café
  • The Cotswold Company

Alfresco Dining Minishull Street

Fun for all the family at Family Fest

The sun was shining on Sunday 10th August for the third Knutsford Family Fest. Families flocked to the town to take advantage of the variety of family friendly activities across shops, restaurants, and community spaces in Knutsford town centre.

Attendees had options to start the day with a choice of family friendly yoga sessions from Sataya Sanctuary, a lively music class from Popcat’s Music Time or a phonics class with Robot Reg!

Children also had a chance to stitch their own souvenir in Knutsford Heritage Centre after viewing their stunning Millennium Tapestry.

The Knutsford Fire Service was in attendance outside the Lost and Found showing children around the fire engine. There was some wonderful food and drink on Minshull Street courtesy of Linden Stores and Jordy’s Pizza and also outside The Lost and Found. Both were bustling with diners enjoying the chilled-out atmosphere and sunshine. There was also a paella party at everyone’s favourite Spanish restaurant Evuna.

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe hosted face painting sessions and a fancy dress competition judged by Knutsford Town Mayor Councillor Bryan Hartley. There was also a well-attended children’s disco at Knutsford Market Hall which also saw Bahattin of The Market Café demonstrate some Greek dancing!

The sponsor of the event, Cottons had a pop-up promoting their hotel alongside a competition to win a spa day for two. Ian Gatley, Cotton’s Sales Manager, said, “We loved taking part in our first family fest. It was lovely to see so many people outside in the sunshine enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who came to visit us and congratulations to the winner of our spa competition.”

Sandra Curties, Town Central Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; “We were delighted with the response to our third family Fest. The sun shone and children of all ages had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone who collaborated on this event, we can’t wait for Family Fest 2026. It was also wonderful to see our refurbished market hall come to life with an amazing children’s disco tunes from DJ Pete Deane!”

Photo Credit – Charlie Norbury Photography

Stolen Lamb Canopy

Stolen Lamb joins the Knutsford voucher family.

Knutsford’s newest restaurant, the Stolen Lamb, has joined the growing list of businesses accepting the Knutsford Voucher.

The family-run Greek restaurant opened in August in the former Botanist premises on King Street and has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors since opening. Saphina Hadjiyianni, owner, said “We’ve been delighted with the welcome we’ve received in Knutsford. We’ve been so busy too with both locals and visitors paying a visit to taste our authentic Greek dishes – so a huge thank you! We are pleased to accept the Knutsford voucher too – it is a great scheme that both keeps spend local and makes a great gift!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “When we introduced the voucher scheme back in 2020, we had no expectation as to the response or longevity of the scheme. We are so pleased it is still in operation, and we’ve added a gift card too. The voucher makes such a lovely gift for all ages with such a variety of businesses accepting it. We are proud to say you can now enjoy Greek food alongside buying a coffee, a cushion, womenswear, or a chicken!”

The Knutsford voucher was launched in 2020 and currently 50 different businesses accept the scheme. The voucher can be ordered via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the town council offices. They come complete with a gift card, and each business is paid back in full.

Press Contact Sandra Curties Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

The mayor and Woody with a group of people

Family Fest returns to town

The third Family Fest is returning to Knutsford once again this summer.

Family Fest takes place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces and sees Knutsford Town Council collaborating with local businesses to organise a day jam packed with activities.

The event takes place on Sunday 10th August and is kindly sponsored by Cottons Hotel and Spa.

Families can start the day gently with a choice of four yoga sessions with Satya Sanctuary, a phonics session with Robot Reg at Charlton Lodge, and enjoy a paella party at Evuna with children receiving a free soft drink and ice cream! Families can then finish the day with a children’s disco with dancing, games and prizes hosted by DJ Pete Deane at Knutsford Market Hall. The disco can be booked by visiting https://www.discoverknutsford.com/product/family-fest-childrens-disco/ popping into the Council Offices on Toft Road or calling the town council on 01565 653929 to make payment and reserve your slot.

For the creatives, Knutsford Olde Sweet shop will be holding a fancy dress competition, with prizes for each entrant.

We are also hoping for an appearance from Knutsford Fire Service (outside the Lost and Found) and a police van at Minshull Street, pending any emergencies.

This year’s event also coincides with alfresco dining on Minshull Street with Linden Stores co-hosting a pizza party (including live music) with Jordy’s Pizza.

Ian Gatley of Cottons said “We love being part of the community in the town and are delighted to sponsor Knutsford’s third FamilyFest. We look forward to meeting visitors and residents at our pop-up outside the Lost and Found and good luck to those entering our prize draw to win a spa day for two!”

Activities include:

  • Face painting and fancy-dress competition at Knutsford Olde Sweet Shop
  • Paella party at Evuna
  • Four family friendly yoga sessions at Satya Sanctuary
  • Phonics with Robot Reg at the Tatton Room in Curzon
  • Children’s Disco with DJ Pete Deane at Knutsford Market Hall
  • PopCat’s Music Time at Knutsford Market Hall
  • Linden Stores hosting an alfresco pizza party with Jordy’s Pizza including live music.
  • Stitch your own souvenir at Knutsford Heritage Centre
  • Cotton’s Hotel and Spa pop-up and prize draw
  • Fire Engine Fun outside the Lost and Found

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “We are delighted to see the return of FamilyFest. Last year’s event proved extremely popular with families. We’ve pulled together a great programme with lots of variety so hopefully there is something for everyone. Just collect a flyer from local shops, the library and market hall, visit www.discoverknutsford.com and book any activities where required and just enjoy the atmosphere. Like everyone else we are praying for the sun to shine!”