One of the North-West’s most enduring and admired restaurants celebrated 40 years in business with a glamorous black tie ball.

Stilt walkers and magicians were among the entertainment which greeted guests, including the Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Barbara Coan.

The Mooney family, who own and run Belle Epoque in Knutsford, invited friends, regular clients, business contacts and local celebrities to the glitzy bash in their Art Nouveau premises on King Street.

The restaurant was originally called ‘La Belle Epoque Restaurant Francaise’ when it launched in 1973. Its reputation spread and soon it began being mentioned in dining guides as something of a gem in the area. Today Belle Epoque still offers atmospheric dining and is also a sought-after wedding venue