A weekend exploring Nantwich, Cheshire, enjoying the fine dining hospitality of Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

Where is it? 

The medieval market town of Nantwich, Cheshire is just south of where I grew up. This proximity to my old hometown gave me and my partner, Kirsty, the perfect opportunity to park the kids with doting relatives and enjoy some rare together-time at one of the county’s if not the region’s most well-appointed spa hotels, Rookery Hall.  

What’s the accommodation like? 

Built around the original 1815 mansion house and nestled within 38 acres of gardens and woodland, there’s plenty to explore right on your doorstep. But why walk the grounds when you can get a good pampering? Rookery Hall’s spa is housed in a purpose-built facility across from the main house where the warm welcome, range of treatments and professionalism of the staff reflected the bespoke facilities to a tee; I had my stresses gently pummelled out of me, while Kirsty enjoyed a full body massage.  

What did you eat and drink?  

The 3 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant showcases the hotel’s original features to excellent effect, with mahogany wood panelling and a magnificent latticed ceiling. Even more impressive was the menu, a collation of modern British classics that had us spoilt for choice. I opted for mackerel to start and a lamb loin main, while Kirsty went for the beetroot followed by wagyu beef.   

Kirsty’s beetroot was a rich, earthy delight complemented by creamy whipped goat’s cheese. While my mackerel came with heritage tomatoes and sea herbs, transporting me back to a Cornish harbour. Every succulent forkful of my Herdwick lamb loin was lusciously satisfying, so much so that I almost lost my wagyu envy. But I needn’t have worried as Kirsty bequeathed me a slice of hers. Glistening with onion and ale purée it sliced like butter, and I even snaffled her oxtail croquette. Carnivorous bliss.  

Kirsty topped off the meal with a confection of British raspberries, while my strawberry and vanilla cheesecake with its light, creamy topping was the very antithesis of stodge. What a perfect dining experience.  

What is there to do?  

Nearby Nantwich boasts many independent shops and eateries. Our first stop was The Cheese Shop, where owner Nick Birchall shared his encyclopaedic knowledge as we enjoyed some delicious samples. Standout was the Cheshire Blue, a variety I’d not come across before.

We enjoyed lunch at the award-winning Nantwich Bookshop: hearty filled sandwiches, warming homemade soups and excellent coffee in quite the wonkiest building I’ve ever sat in.  

Our final stop was The Nest, a cocktail bar, distillery and retail outlet for Three Wrens Gin. The engaging bar manager, Rhys, took us through a selection of their award-winning gins, featuring ingredients hand-picked from the Cheshire countryside.  

Lasting memory 

Having stubbornly dodged a trip to Nantwich for my entire childhood, the weekend gave me pause for thought. We really are spoiled in these islands for delightful places, right on our doorstep, that showcase our rich history, excellent produce and entrepreneurial spirit. And we should celebrate and make more of them.  

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip 

If you’ve a taste for gin, Three Wrens Gin’s World Gin Award-winning apple crumble edition delivers on the promise of its name to perfection. Treat yourself to a bottle of this fine tipple!