Dean Harper is an independent chef who specialises in private dining. He cooks bespoke menus for celebrities and anybody else who wants to enjoy restaurant quality food without leaving their home

The print version of this article appeared in the January 2012 issue of Cheshire Life

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Dean Harper is an independent chef who specialises in private dining. He cooks bespoke menus for celebrities and anybody else who wants to enjoy restaurant quality food without leaving their home

Northcote ManorNorthcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BETel: 01254 240555www.northcote.com

Northcote is very special to me. It was my first Michelin star experience six years ago. I love Nigel Haworth’s use of local produce and the modern British cooking techniques. To stay overnight is a brilliant experience and the service from the waiters and sommeliers is exceptional. The afternoon tea and breakfast are nothing less than perfect.

Earle4 Cecil Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9PA0161 929 8869www.earlerestaurant.co.uk

Simon Rimmer’s restaurant, Earle, in Hale is outstanding. It’s perfect for a big celebration or just somewhere for great food on a Sunday afternoon. The surroundings are comfortable and the staff are knowledgeable. Dishes are simple and locally sourced. I love this British modern brasserie.

Farmers’ market at Rode HallCongleton, CheshireTel 01270 873237enquiries@rodehall.co.uk

Unfortunately, this market occurs only once a month, it’s just not enough! There are over 70 suppliers of artisan food. You can get your hands on a wide range of organic produce, grass-fed meats, home-smoked fish, organic dairy (local cheeses) and home grown organic vegetables. It’s great to walk around tasting lovely food as you go. This is a good family day out with music, face painting and entertainment for the kids. I think it’s great to support local businesses and the produce beats the supermarkets hands down.

Sam’s Chop HouseBack Pool Fold, off Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1HN.Tel 0161 834 3210www.samsmanchester&thevictorianchophouse.com

This is my favourite gastro pub and it’s rare to find places like this in the city centre. Again, this is a menu of traditional home cooked British pub classics with flair. The corned beef hash cake is a favourite of mine along with the steak and kidney pudding - yummy! To match these dishes, there’s a vast selection of fine local ales. The staff are smart and friendly and the restaurant is cosy and warm.

Michael Caines at Abode5th Floor, Abode Hotel, Grosvenor Road, Chester, CH1 2DJTel 01244 347000www.abodehotels.co.uk

For a high-end fine dining experience this place is a winner. I recently enjoyed ‘Christmas with Michael Caines’ which was an evening of amazing modern British food with French influence, introduced by Michael himself. It was total indulgence for any foodie. The service was fantastic and delicious pre-dinner champagne got the gastric juices flowing.