Your guide to romantic dining in Cheshire for Valentine's Day

Sweet Valentine... This month Richard Dash and Jamie Carter offer some inspiration for romantic dining in Cheshire

It feels like only yesterday we were showering our loved ones with gifts and festive cheer and now it’s time to find something shiny and new. I hope I’m not speaking on behalf of our own relationship here, but as a couple we prefer experiences over material belongings (although a pair of Gucci trainers wouldn’t go unappreciated... hint, hint). Double points if we manage to book an experience we both enjoy; thankfully we both love to eat and talk food. So, here are some of our fave romantic spots, guaranteed a to get you in the good books.

La Popote

You may have heard, but if you haven’t, we’re more than happy to announce to you that the family-owned La Popote has been placed into The Michelin Guide. Not only a huge achievement for this husband-and-wife duo, but a win overall for the high-end cuisine scene in Cheshire. We’ve been shouting about it for years, so we’re just happy the rest of the UK is starting to catch on. In this beautifully converted barn in the village of Morton (on the road between Alderley Edge and Congleton) you and your significant other will be bathed in candlelight as you talk and taste the night away.

Great British Life: Dine fine at La Popote, newly added to The Michelin Guide Dine fine at La Popote, newly added to The Michelin Guide (Image: Outsauced Media)The kitchen team are beyond creative and talented here; you don’t get onto the Michelin Guide without a huge level of determination and passion for what you do. However, what sometimes goes without recognition is the service team; they’re the backbone of a restaurant and can absolutely make or break a visit. We’re happy to report the service at La Popote is nothing short of world class. The team love the food, they love to talk about it, they have vast wine training too, so if you need recommendations from the wine list (of over 120 wines), they’re more than happy to oblige. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, you cannot go wrong here.

@lapopoteuk, la-popote.co.uk

Sugo

Sometimes the best meals are the simple ones. The one’s where you don’t need a full face of makeup and a lot of manscaping (ahem). So, if easy dining, carbs and cocktails are your thing, then look no further than Sugo in Altrincham. Established in 2015, this pasta kitchen draws on its deep-rooted southern Italian heritage and their own creativity. They pour their heart and soul into each saucy creation and then pour it onto your plate. Inspired by Italy, Made in Manchester. Over the years Sugo have garnered a huge social media audience and a cult-like following of local pasta people.

Great British Life: N’Duja-glazed Chicken Wings at Sugo, Altrincham N’Duja-glazed Chicken Wings at Sugo, Altrincham (Image: Sugo)Naturally, their creativity spills over the pasta pot and into other dishes like their world-famous (well, Manchester-famous, at least) N’Duja-glazed Chicken Wings and House Affogato – peanut butter and salted caramel ice cream, espresso, and Bicerin chocolate liqueur… I mean, do we need to say more? Share a bowl for some sweet romance.

@sugopastakitchen, sugopastakitchen.co.uk

Ethos

Planning on taking your plant-loving partner out for a breakfast or brunch before heading for a romantic walk in the Cheshire countryside? Well luckily for you this independent plant-based healthy eatery sits on the edge of the peak district and serves up some of the most delicious brunches we’ve eaten. Smashed avocado on doorstop-sized sourdough bread, homemade GF granolas, homemade almond butters, jams, cakes, full English brekkies... the list goes on. We’ve been here on many occasions and have heard lots of other guests complimenting the team on their vast selection of food; in particular the amount of tasty Gluten Free options. Husband and wife owner, Adonis and Fey, are from Greece. They have set up home in Macclesfield and love everything that the community represents.

Great British Life: Peanut butter and berry compote stack, from Ethos, Macclesfield Peanut butter and berry compote stack, from Ethos, Macclesfield (Image: Outsauced Media)