A  busy bank holiday weekend led us to the Knutsford Wine bar for a late lunch in search of something filling and tasty to use up the rest of the day. We were sat next to the  fire, there was a nice buzz about the place, a long table of women in front of us and the usual mix of people around us. We were downstairs in the main bar but there is a mezzanine floor above with a more restauranty feel.

The wine bar is another one of Knutsfords Historic buildings, a former 14th Century Chapel, the interior is rustic for want of a better word with the usual blackboards, mirrors, wonky shelves and a very wonky wine rack behind the bar, but the fixtures and fittings do suit the building and the exposed brick walls.

The menu has the same feel as the surroundings, some fish and meat dishes that you'd expect but a lot more that you wouldn't expect from a traditional bistro.  We had arrived late so the pie and the halibut had sold out. It looked like all the other diners had the same taste as me but there were other things on the menu that appealed.

I started with ‘Smoked Salmon on a warm potato pancake with horseradish crème fraiche and lemon'.  This came really well presented, lots of scattering and dribbling going on, the salmon was really fresh and went well with the potato cake. But I hate it when the person you're with chooses something better. This was ‘Prosciutto and pear salad with Cashel Blue cheese and rocket', again presented attractively on the plate and, the flavours and textures complimented and contrasted each other perfectly.

For the main course we chose ‘Slow roasted lamb with celeriac and potato dauphinoise, green beans and rosemary' which I can honestly say must be some of the nicest lamb I've had in years. Cooked to perfection it just melted in the mouth. The potatoes and beans went well with the dish but weren't in the same league as the lamb, more hangers on than best friends, but still went well. Across the table appeared ‘The WB Burger with cheese, bearnaise relish and French Fries' served on  a wooden platter. This went down really well, the meat was tasty, quality beef, with just the right amount of garnish and relish, you'd have thought Spongebob was in the kitchen and I don't know what they put on the fries but they made you want more .

To drink we chose a Fleurie, Louis Tete, Beaujolais 2006, excellent choice and was made all the nicer by being served professionally by the barman.

If you haven't visited the KWB as they call it, then you probably should give it a try some time, and rejoice (or beware) in its Jekyll and Hyde atmosphere from daytime chilled out rustic bistro, to relaxing evening dining with pianist in the corner to diva's belting out classics till the early hours. This Knutsford treasure is a place you should get to know and enjoy its diversity, atmosphere and friendly mix of people.

Our Verdict

Food
Atmosphere
Service