New family-run restaurant and wine bar opening soon in Knutsford

Linden Stores, an independent family-run business, is opening later this year.

Owners Chris Boustead and Laura Christie, originally launched their unique bistro in London but moved to Cheshire with son, Ollie, to be closer to family and friends.

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Chef Chris named the shop after Linden Road, where he grew up in Scarborough, and his seasonal menu is inspired by childhood memories in Yorkshire.

A six-course sharing menu will be offered for dinner (Image: Linden Stores)

Meanwhile, wine connoisseur Laura, is responsible a ‘glugable’ stock of wine, promising bottles for every occasion.

The couple have 25 years of experience in hospitality, having run several restaurants together.

The pair opened a shop in Audlem in 2021.

Laura said: “Knutsford is the perfect location for the next Linden Stores. “It offers a great position with its proximity to Manchester but also has tonnes of gorgeous countryside right on the doorstep.

“We really have the best of both worlds, which offers us an amazing array of local suppliers.

A selection of sustainable, natural wines will be available (Image: Linden Stores)

“We’re hoping to bring the best of the city and countryside to Cheshire with unique and interesting wines and a menu to match.

“We just can’t wait to get open now.”

The new restaurant will offer a lunchtime à la carte menu and a six-course sharing dinner menu, with wine pairings at £40 per person.

Wine pairings of £40 per person for dinner will be available (Image: Linden Stores)

Sharing dishes will include mackerel, fennel and Cinderwood market garden bitter leaves and apple, as well as Cheshire game bird, with turnips and leaves, wild mushrooms and quince.

Each dish champions local produce and considers all food waste, with everything used in some way, from daily specials to cooking stock.

A small a la carte is available for walk-ins at dinner.

Chris said: “Linden Stores is all about good cooking accompanied by a good wine list in a laidback yet refined atmosphere.

“Our dishes will be based on seasonality, local availability and quality, with sustainability always at the forefront.

“With our sharing plates, we hope that some of our less common ingredients will also give guests the opportunity to try something they perhaps wouldn’t usually choose.

“This is going to be a really exciting next chapter for us!”

With wine at the heart of the venue, Laura and Chris will continue to offer a selection of notably sustainable, natural wines to grab and takeaway.

Branded tote bags will be available (Image: Linden Stores)

As the festive period approaches, their signature branded tote bags could make the perfect gift for wine lovers, alongside some of the quirky, independent labels and British producers available on the shelves.