Whether it’s a weekend wander or a quick nip into town, Warrington, together with Stockton Heath, is the perfect hub for life in the fast – or slow – lane. It’s simple here; you work your own pace.
The town of Warrington is packed with the hustle and bustle of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, peppered between the famous-name high street stores and foodie chains you’d expect in a busy town centre. And less than 10 minutes down the road is the relaxed, more intimate shopping and eating experience of Stockton Heath, with a picturesque spot on the Bridgewater Canal – a countryside setting for an afternoon stroll in the autumn leaves.
Lockdown may have pushed back the grand re-opening of Stockton Heath’s hottest new cocktail and tapas bar Maison Fleur, but the floral restaurant is up on its feet and is now the go-to for an evening of glam and good food. Just up the road, Terrace Bistro currently holds the number one spot as the best restaurant in Cheshire for its all-round experience and fresh, local ingredients, according to Tripadvisor. London Road is also home to hybrid fine wine takeaway-cum-bar Corks Out, a deceptively big yet cosy space that opens up into a terrace (with optional roof). Customers say how safe they feel coming here for a cheese board or pizza – paired of course with a glass or two of the 300-plus wines, spirits and champagnes.
Heaths26 serves up freshly cooked, homemade food (and has a famous slimmer’s menu), while Warrington artisan bakery White Lace Cakes Bakery specialises in brownies, baked treats, desserts, celebration cakes and luxury wedding cakes.
Warrington’s Bold Street House has been open for just over a year. It does cocktails, wine by the glass and offers a delicious bar menu with cheese and charcuteries – and a Sunday roast voted in the top six in the town.
Or check out Italian San Lorenzo, complete with The Terrace gin and cigar bar for a classy night out.
The relocated Living Colour Floral Artists, which has been in Stockton Heath for 18 years, grabs your attention from its pretty window and pavement display, home to a gorgeous selection of fresh and dried flowers, gifts and homeware. Bells and Whistles is the latest boutique to hit the Stockton Heath high street, launched on September 5th after a five-week turnaround following talks to open a pop-up shop. The lifestyle giftshop has something for everyone: candles, Italian leather handbags and purses, plus a luxury men’s section.
There’s Donna Marie for locally sourced unique and quirky gifts, All That Jazz sells glistening furniture, homeware and accessories, and Etc. is the place for baby and children’s clothes, toys and gifts. Or why not head to the newly revamped Warrington Market to check out more than 50 local businesses, including the flagship Cookhouse with 12 food vendors, two bars and an open terrace.
Warrington and Stockton Heath locals are lucky in that they have the lovely Thorn Marine right on their doorstep: a one-stop shop for boating. Situated on Bridgewater Canal, not only does it offer boat hire and repairs, but the walk along the canal takes you through the likes of Grappenhall and Lymm. Why not tie it in with a walk along the Trans Penine Trail (once the Warrington and Stockport Railway) and come back along the Bridgewater Canal, or there’s Moore Nature Reserve with almost 200 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and ponds.
And if you’re thinking about moving to the area, Gascoigne Halman branch manager Lee Tickle says: “Being an estate agent in Stockton Heath, we are blessed to be right in the heart of this amazing community. The suburb offers wonderful schools, boutique shops, coffee culture, the annual Stockton Heath Festival that attracts around 10,000 visitors, Bridgewater Canal, beautiful walks, attractive architecture, two golf clubs, and easy access to the motorway leading you straight to the heart of Manchester and Liverpool. It is no surprise people don’t move away – they move up.
“The exciting property market boasts many different types of homes to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. From properties constructed between 1900 and 1930 and period buildings close to the centre, to more modern developments suitable for growing families, there really is something for everyone.”
