I was lucky enough to be invited to the Courthouse in Knutsford, part of the Flat Cap Hotel chain to sample its lunch menu.
Court House Barristers Restaurant
The Courthouse opened its doors in June 2017 in this amazing building which was the original Knutsford Crown Count that closed in 2010 a building that is breathtakingly beautiful and which retains many of its original features including a wooden panelling and seating area’s which you actual dine in that had been used for the public gallery and dock.
The building is divided into different area’s the original Magistrates Court, now Barristers restaurant andthe original Crown court now events functions rooms.
Barristers Restaurant
Barristers restaurant was where we ate, the setting was stunning with all the features retained and the walls decorated with a gallery of famous and celebrity criminals.
For starters I went for the duck pate and my husband had the soup.
For main I followed it with steak and onion sandwich which came with homemade crisps while Stephen decided to have the fish and chips.
I can honestly say he hasn’t stopped going on about how amazing the fish tasted and to be honest it really looked good, I have never seen a piece of fish as chunky as this was. I did pinch a chip or two off his plate and they were really good.
My steak was cooked to perfection but I was too full to have a pudding but Stephen never passes on anything that has chocolate in it and again he said it was delicious
After our meal we given a guided tour by the General manager, very interesting.
He explained the history of many of the original features such as on the wall in the corridor are seven bowler hats which were worn by the judges when sentencing the seven people who were to hang.
Events and Private Dining
The impressive Court Room at The Courthouse has already hosted many gala dinners and charity events and can accommodate up to 300 people.
This was originally the Crown Court, all very quirky with its own trap door where the accused would have been brought in from the cells below and if found guilty would have been led away back to the cells, while the bar area was the original jury seating area.
The smaller side room also had its quirks as it retained the original witness box.
Court House news
Work is underway for 10 bedrooms to launch later this year. All will be in keeping with the history of the building and there are future plans for an additional 40 bedrooms in the future.
During the summer, the Rooftop Gardens will launch providing a glamourous location for cocktails and champagne.
The Cells
There are also plans to create private dining space in the original cells underneath Barristers Restaurant.
The Courthouse prides itself on its varied menu for fine food and drink and with products sourced within a 50mile radius.
So, if you fancy afternoon tea a light lunch or a fantastic evening meal with friends and family the Courthouse is definitely worth a visit.
If you want a truly unique experience.
The Vicarage Country Pub, restaurant, and hotel is another Flat Hat venue well worth a visit - check out our review by following the link.
For more information please email