Heather Hayes is the managing director of Blue Orchid, the largest provider of Business Start Up Support Services in the North West. Heather and her family enjoy dining out near their home in Kingsley, near Frodsham, and much farther afield.

Café Waterside

Clarence Mill, Clarence Rd, Macclesfield SK10 5JZ

01625 575563

happy-valley.org.uk/pubs/pub

Café Waterside is a real treat. Not only is it a lovely café serving delicious breakfasts croissants filled with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon it is a lovely setting. Set in an old converted mill, the afternoon teas and homemade soups and cakes taste so much better sitting on the terrace in the sunshine watching the boats and world go by. The atmosphere and canal activity keeps the children entertained while we can take in the local art and photographs on display. Julie Taylor owns the business; the atmosphere and food are a testament to her hard work.

The Drunken Duck Inn and Restaurant

Barngates, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0NG

015394 36347

drunkenduckinn.co.uk/

My husband Ian and I stayed at the Drunken Duck last year, both of us ready for some fresh air. Initially caught by the name, we felt well-rewarded when we arrived to find the perfect location to relax, in particular the views over the fells were breath-taking. Not only was the food excellent using the best local ingredients, the homemade bread was divine. The weekend was complete when we discovered they brewed their own beer and offered an extensive wine list. All we had to do was put our feet up!

Delamere Fortune Palace

School Lane, Norley near Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6PB

01928 788293

www.delamerefortunepalacerestaurant.co.uk

Fortune Palace is a favourite with my children, Laura, 15, and Tom, 13. We’ve been eating here as a family for years. We always receive a hearty welcome from Pat and Jimmy who are fantastic hosts and the food never disappoints. We believe it to be one of the best Chinese restaurants around and look forward to the Chinese New Year events that they organise - definitely a highlight in the family calendar.

Marco Marco Northwich

Warrington Road, Acton Bridge, Cheshire CW8 4QT

01606 854880

www.marcomarco.co.uk/

Marco Marco is another business we’ve supported and I’m delighted they are thriving in a difficult economic environment. They offer reasonably priced Italian classic dishes using fresh, organic ingredients, all sourced from trusted local suppliers. The restaurant is set in a 400-year-old pub, so it has many charming features. There’s the added entertainment value of an open-plan kitchen where the chefs can be viewed preparing the food.

Red Bull/Horseshoe Pub

Kingsley, Cheshire

It would be unfair of me not to mention my local pubs, both of which have recently come under new ownership. The pubs play a key part in village life, providing live music and family events. The cooked breakfast at The Horseshoe is a great way to start the day and if you’re visiting the Red Bull, Ian would definitely recommend the homemade steak and ale pie.