man stood in cafe on the corner

Cafe on the Corner joins Taste Knutsford

One of Knutsford’s much loved and well-established cafes, Café on the Corner, have joined Taste Knutsford. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

Taste Knutsford was established in 2018 and promotes and supports a range of independent venues in the town centre including:

  • April’s Kitchen
  • Cranford Café & Sandwich Bar
  • Dexter and Jones
  • Evuna
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Hot Cocoa
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Real Fruit Creamery
  • Courthouse Cheshire
  • The Market Hall Butcher
  • The Market Café
  • The Tea Room
  • Detaljer
  • Tatton Perk

Seho Karakas, owner of Café on the Corner said, “We are excited to join the Taste Knutsford team and meet the tour guests.  We are offering a brunch or lunch option which combines the best of British with the best of Turkish!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We love arranging these tours.  The feedback we receive from guests regarding the tours is always positive with guests leaving very full! Our tour guides are knowledgeable about each venue and the town, encouraging guests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

Any small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour and if you wish be a tour guest you can book via www.tasteknutsford.co.uk  Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

man pointing to taste knutsford sign
Group of people chatting

Knutsford at Home

If you are looking for interior design advice and inspiration, then look no further than Knutsford on September 16th, when the town holds it’s second Knutsford at Home event.

The event is a collaboration between Knutsford’s home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and will offer shoppers,  inspiration, advice, and ideas as we move into the autumn and winter seasons.

The day’s programme is full of interesting talks, presentations, one-off offers and in some cases fizz and goody bags.

The businesses taking part are Aperture Doors, Arthur Lee, Detaljer, Flock of Arts, Havwoods, Holly Johnson Antiques, Kendal Quality Carpets, Oka, Sofas and Stuff, Suzy Watson Designs, and Terzetto.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “The day’s programme is fantastic and ideal for all home enthusiasts. You can book a talk and pick up gardening advice from RHS member and ex-Head Gardener of Tatton Park Sam Youd at Sofas and Stuff, create a mood board at Susie Watson Designs and even hop on a Havwood’s Routemaster bus to find out about all things flooring”.

Ben Whittaker of Flock of Arts said, “We are delighted to be taking part in this event and love the collaboration with the other interior shops. We will be focusing on the importance of colour and style when choosing a frame as well as showcasing our eclectic range of antiques”.

Lyndsey of Havwoods, said, “We are excited to finally bring our famous Havwoods Routemaster Bus to Knutsford. You will find the bus outside the Lost & Found providing an additional location for us alongside our Regent Street Showroom, which is open for visitors to discover our beautiful range of luxury wood flooring and cladding products.”.

A full programme can be picked up at any participating shop plus Knutsford Library, The Curzon, Knutsford Railway Station, and other shops within the town centre. Those interested can also follow Knutsford Town Council’s Facebook page and the event’s Instagram page Knutsford at Home.

Man with products from stall

Digby and Champ new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A speciality dog stall Digby and Champ has opened within Knutsford Market Hall.

The stall offers everything dog owners and their dogs could ever need or want! On offer is a gorgeous range of treats, chews, toys, clothes, grooming products, and accessories.  Digby and Champ are already established in Chester Market Hall, and this is their second venture.

Will Mason, owner said, “We are delighted to join Knutsford Market Hall and have received a warm welcome from both traders and residents.  We know Knutsford is such a dog friendly town and we are looking forward to meeting all its four-legged friends.  We stock everything a dog and dog owners could possibly want so do pop in!

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Digby and Champ join our Market Hall family. The stall looks fantastic with a great range of products that will appeal to all the dog owners of Knutsford and beyond!”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Kanom Thai, Med Olives, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

man with shop products
Group of people with their Flower in Wallwood design

Flowers in Wallwood display

Visitors to Knutsford Town Centre will find a vibrant display of unique flowers decorated by children from Knutsford’s schools and nurseries and residents of retirement homes as the Town Council’s third Flowers in Wallwood display.

The flowers were crafted by Knutsford Town Ranger Bob Garner from sustainable materials and one flower was provided to each of the participating schools, nurseries, and retirement homes in Knutsford and surrounding villages. The initiative was funded through sponsorship from The Tea Room and Detaljer.

The flowers have been decorated in a style reflecting the RHS theme of Senses. Participants were innovative in decorating the flowers in to reflect each sense making them both a joy to look at and hear.

The display has been installed in Wallwood, the council’s community woodland near the entrance to Tatton Park.  A small, photoshoot session led Tessa Harri Carroll photography took place on Tuesday 18th July with Knutsford Town Mayor Peter Coan, representatives from sponsors and many of those involved in decorating the flowers. Town Ranger Bob Garner then ‘planted’ the flowers.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said: “It was lovely to see so many of those involved plus representatives from our two generous sponsors visit Wallwood for our little photoshoot. We had a great time celebrating the achievements of this project and admiring all the beautiful flowers. Everyone has put so much hard work into these creations from their and we are amazed at the level of thought, effort and creativity that has been put into every single flower.”

Sandra added: “A massive thank you must go out to our sponsors The Tea Room and Detaljer without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible! It has been a real community effort and an exciting project to work on. We encourage everyone will take the chance to visit Wallwood and have a look at the wonderful display. We hope to be able to continue this project next year”.

The flowers will be in Wallwood until early September (weather dependent) after which they will be returned to the schools for permanent display. Can’t view them in person? Check out the Town Council’s Facebook page where you can view photos of the children’s’ efforts.

Group of people with Flowers in Wallwood and the Mayor
Colin Banks, Morgan Ward and Sam Youd outside Morgan Edwards

RHS Week Best Shop Window Winners

Knutsford was blooming last week as the annual Best Dressed Window Competitions took place during the RHS Tatton Flower Show.

16 town centre businesses participated across the official RHS competition, and Knutsford Town Council’s competition. Whilst the number of entries was lower than previous years, there was a fantastic effort by those who were able to participate this year.

Morgan Edwards was crowned the victor of the RHS Best Dressed Window Competition after the judges applauded their stunning display. Pulse of Perfumery won a new award introduced for 2023 entitled ‘Best Floral Inspired Display’.

Winners for the Town Council’s floral walk were chosen after careful consideration from Knutsford Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Colin Banks and Sam Youd, former head gardener of Tatton Park.

The award for best Small Window went to Kanoa Living on Princess Street who had decked their window with tropical plants and flowers.

In 3rd place this year was Pulse of Perfumery on King Street with their rose inspired design. In 2nd place King Street Kitchen, also located on King Street, who had a stunning display of fresh flowers and herbs at their entrance.

The winner this year is Morgan Edwards, also located on King Street, whose display featured a floral design incorporating the RHS theme for this year, the senses.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said: “It is fantastic to see the great efforts our local businesses go to in creating stunning displays for RHS week every year, it adds real magic to the town centre.”

Cllr Colin Banks, Deputy Mayor of Knutsford, added: “A huge congratulations to everybody involved in the Best Dressed Window Competition this year! The standard has been outstanding, the time and effort shown by local business is commendable and a credit to all! The winner’s display was judged the best as the whole window was intricately themed and we found the fresh appearance of the display impressive.”

Cllr Banks continued “You can still see many of the displays in town this week so don’t forget to have a walk-through town if you haven’t already.”

AS group of people dining alfresco in Knutsford

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town centre this summer

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town Centre this summer

Five evenings of alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford over the summer through July, August and September.

Minshull Street will close to traffic along with parking bays on Princess Street on 21st July from 6pm until 10:30pm to allow for restaurants, bars and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining. On Saturday 22nd July, a section of King Street will be closed to traffic from 6pm to 10:30 pm. Minshull Street will be closed for a further three Saturdays, 29th July, 26th August, 16th September to host alfresco dining between 12noon and 10:30pm.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining evenings throughout the summer. Amberon will be providing traffic management services and the roads will re-open at 10:30pm ready for the next day’s trading.

The first alfresco evenings on this scale in Knutsford took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Councils work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “In 2021 we had a positive response to the alfresco evenings from customers and restaurants alike. We are excited to be able to bring them back for 2023.”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure takes place from 6pm to 10:30pm on Saturday 21st July and covers the following areas.

  • The entire length on Minshull Street
  • Selected parking bays on Princess Street
  • The section of Princess Street outside Lost & Found.

The King Street, road closure takes place on 22nd September from 6pm to 10:30pm and covers the following areas:

  • King Street from the junction with Church Hill to the junction with Minshull Street.

Minshull Street will also be hosting three afternoon sessions from 12pm to 10:30pm on July 29th, August 26th and September 16th. Amberon will provide traffic management services throughout each road closure.

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 6pm to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (21st July)

  • Café on the Corner
  • Lost & Found
  • April’s Kitchen
  • Project 53
  • The Angel

King Street (22nd July)

  • Morgan Edwards
  • Gusto
  • Smokehouse and Cellar
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Piccolino
  • Wine and Wallop
  • Café on the Corner

Minshull Street (29th July, 26th August, 16th September)

  • Project 53

Sandra continues “These evening road closures provide additional outside space to venues for their customers to enjoy the amazing food and drink Knutsford offers while also enjoying the iconic surroundings of Knutsford town centre. We hope these sessions are busy and give the town centre a lively continental atmosphere during the summer months”.

Patrons are urged to contact their chosen venue direct to see whether they need to book a space in advance.  If the evenings are cancelled due to adverse weather, the cancellation will be announced across both Knutsford Town Council’s and the participating venues social media platforms.

Person with a Selection of Thai Food

Kanom Thai new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A taste of Thailand can now be found in Knutsford, with Knutsford Market Hall welcoming its newest stallholder, Kanom Thai. The new trader, Kritsana Hatsadee offers an authentic selection of Thai cakes, pastries and desserts all handmade by Kritsana herself. This includes her signature moon cakes, a traditional Thai pastry.

Kritsana said “I am excited to be at Knutsford Market Hall and offer a snapshot of authentic Thai sweet treats. As a native of of Udon Thani, Thailand, I grew up learning from multiple generations of outstanding cooks and am proud to share my cuisine with the people of Knutsford”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Kritsana join our Market Hall family. With the addition of the dessert range from Kanom Thai, we have a dynamic and unique food offering in the market that is a must to experience”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Kanom Thai, Style Loft Boutique, Med Olives, Grandad’s Attic, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Sabrina’s Baby Boutique, Radchester Garden Ornaments, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

Group of people outside a restaurant in Knutsford

Family Fest added to Knutsford’s summer events calendar

A new family friendly event, Family Fest, is coming to Knutsford this summer taking place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The Town Council has collaborated with local businesses to organise a day jam packed with activities.

On the 5th August, attendees keen on sports can enjoy family workouts with Chris Nicklin of Nxstep Gym and join in a sledge track push Challenge at Nxstep Gym. There will also be a party time session full of party games and dancing hosted by Cheshire based party planner, Bunny Business at Charlton Lodge.

For the creatives, Knutsford Olde Sweet shop will be holding a fancy-dress competition, judged by Woody from Toy Story and Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan, alongside free face painting. Mini and Moi will have craft workshops and hair braiding. There will also be a colouring competition judged by Buzz Lightyear at Hal Whittakers – colouring sheets can be collected during the week leading up to the event from Hal Whittakers or Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique.

For families who would like to slow down the pace there are story time sessions at Knutsford Library and Waterstones. Wine and Wallop will be screening the classic family film, Toy Story at their pop-up cinema.

Knutsford Fire Station will appear with their fire engine on Princess Street outside The Lost & Found (pending any emergencies). Families can view the fire engine and meet the fire fighters. At Lost & Found attendees can enjoy live music, street food plus there will be a family photographer available to take a family portrait.

Julia Chard owner of Knutsford Olde Sweetshop said “We are so excited about this summer event. Family Fest is full of fun activities for kids of all ages and interests. It’s great to be taking part in another fabulous Knutsford community event.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “There is so much in the programme for Family Fest and as most activities are free it is a brilliant purse friendly day out during the school holidays. For some activities spaces are limited so keep an eye on social media and look out for flyers with instructions for prior booking”

Businesses taking part include;

  • Nxstep Gym
  • Mini & Moi
  • Knutsford Olde Sweet Shop
  • Wine & Wallop
  • Hal Whittaker
  • Sabrina’s Baby & Toddler Boutique in Knutsford Market Hall
  • Waterstones Knutsford
  • Knutsford Library
  • Lost & Found
  • Bunny Business

The event is kindly sponsored by Bunny Business.

Knutsford Music Festival 2023 a Great Success

Knutsford’s own music festival took place last weekend for its sixth edition, bringing an array of concerts to venues across the town! The event was a scorcher too, as the sun shone over Knutsford for the festival weekend.

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 8th – 11th June with a varied programme to please all musical tastes! Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in a variety of cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its fifth year alongside BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe, who once again curated an outstanding programme of folk artists from the UK and beyond to entertain hundreds of attendees in St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre.

Friday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far performed at the stunning Brook Street Chapel Hall to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 10th June, the festival’s free event on the Moor which brings four hours of live music and activities for all ages. The event featured eight local artists and bands who performed a variety of original material, as well as an African drumming workshop and a children’s arts and crafts workshop. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band and the Worleston School of Music.

Attendees were quick to praise the various events; Richard Wright spoke of Music on the Moor which featured the Northwich Uke Club, saying it “was brilliant – thanks to everyone who put this event on”. Mat O’Rourke enjoyed folk sensation Katherine Priddy, commenting “She was mesmerising, it was a fantastic night of music” whilst Lynn Moseley enjoyed the Budapest Café Orchestra closing the festival commenting “What a treat! Thank you”.

Fringe events including a beautiful harp concert in Knutsford Methodist Church, the Music Train from Chester to Knutsford which arrived at The Angel at King Street, as well as programmes of music all weekend inside the Lost and Found, the Courthouse and The Builders Arms ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for three days.

Alex Brown, Events Officer at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who was involved with the festival this year – it was a fantastic weekend once again with music in all corners of the town centre. Thanks again to Neptune Ltd, Slater & Gordon and Knutsford Hearing Centre for sponsoring the event and helping to make the weekend possible!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2024. Simply email alex.brown@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. To find out more about the other events organised by the town council, check out their events calendar on their website now: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events-calendar

Picture of King Street

Town Centre and Cross Town Conservation Area Reviews

Following the adoption of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan in 2019, the Town Council set out to meet its commitment to work with Cheshire East Council to review all the Town’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans. The aim is to ensure that all are up to date, are reflective of the existing built environment, and are relevant in the continued protection and enhancement of these heritage assets.

A consultant at Donald Insall Associates was appointed to undertake the conservation area reviews and engagement meetings. The consultant is currently working on the Town Centre & Cross Town Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

In order to understand the views of people living locally the consultant will be holding drop in sessions for you to share your views and learn more about the project. This drop-in session will be held on Wednesday 5th July from midday until early evening. The drop-in sessions at 12noon – 1:30pm, 3pm – 4:30pm and 5:30pm -6:30pm will be held at 60 King Street to provide a chance for residents, business owners and tenants, property owners and landlords, and anybody else interested in the special nature of the town centre, a chance to ask our consultant questions, see some of the consultant’s findings and research, and provide views on how best to protect and manage the Town Centre Conservation Area.

If you have any further questions about this consultation session, please contact the Planning and Facilities Officer, Bob Allen on 01565 653929