The Cheshire town of Bollington, less than an hour's drive from Manchester, has been celebrated after a local delicatessen and wine bar earned a top national award. Knowles Green on Wellington Road was named the best Farm Shop/Deli in Cheshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, which recognize independent businesses across food, retail, fitness, and lifestyle sectors.
Bollington's Culinary Scene
Bollington, a 45-minute drive from Manchester city center, sits on the River Dean and the Macclesfield Canal, overlooking the Peak District. Historically known for cotton-spinning, the town now boasts a growing foodie scene with bars, restaurants, cafes, and farm shops. Knowles Green, run by Mark Dent and Dagmara Sztompka, has built a reputation for its selection of cheeses and wines, previously recognized as one of the most inspirational cheese retailers in the country. It offers exceptional food and drink, including olives, breads, and salamis, and hosts events like pizza pop-ups and wine and cheese nights that often sell out in advance.
Other Shortlisted Venues
Also shortlisted at this year's Muddy Stilettos Awards was Coupe!, an intimate bar and cafe on Bollington's High Street, nominated for Cheshire's Best Bar. Known for craft beers, small plates, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and roast beef sandwiches, Coupe! opened in November last year and hosts pop-ups like the Sudanese and Egyptian supper club Abda. The Green, another High Street cafe popular with walkers, was nominated for Best Cafe in Cheshire, serving coffees, cakes, French toast, pancakes, and brunch dishes like Turkish Eggs and Chorizo.
Natural Beauty and Walking Trails
Bollington, historically nicknamed Happy Valley due to its location among Peak District hills, is popular for nature walks. The 16th Bollington Walking Festival in September will feature over 40 guided walks and tours. Popular routes include Bollington to the Macclesfield Canal, taking in the Middlewood Way and canal views, or heading north along the canal into farmland with vast views over the Cheshire Plain before returning via the village of Pott Shrigley. The town is also home to the White Nancy monument, a Grade II-listed sandstone structure built in 1817 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, located on Kerridge Hill nature reserve.
Accessibility
Bollington is accessible by a 45-minute car ride from Manchester or a 23-minute train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield, followed by a 20-minute bus ride from the station.
