I LOVE Eating Out in Alderley Edge

I LOVE Alderley Edge. Well, obviously. I LOVE living here and I really, REALLY love eating out here. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a dolled-up dinner and cocktails, there’s really no need to go anywhere else.

You’ll find dog-friendly restaurants, Pan Asian or Italian restaurants, and restaurants for vegetarians and vegans.  We all have our own ideas of which is the best restaurant in Alderley Edge or the best bar in Alderley Edge, but, most importantly, there’s a café or a restaurant serving exceptional food and drink for anyone and everyone.

Everlasting Loves

Old favourites have been a feature of the village, well, forever. The Merlin and the Alderley Edge Hotel will hold happy memories for most of us. The Merlin is a Wilmslow Road landmark; an imposing building that has been sympathetically extended over the years. Warm, cosy, and welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere, The Merlin is a premium pub ideal for relaxing with friends or family. The menu is extensive, from brunches and light bites to classic meals and Sunday roasts. The new glass cube and the garden are especially popular in warmer months.

The Alderley Edge Hotel is more than a restaurant. It’s a beautiful, boutique hotel complete with a contemporary restaurant, al fresco dining and a secret garden just PERFECT For cocktails on a sunny evening. Lovely for a relaxing Cheshire stay, the Alderley Edge Hotel has long been a sought-after wedding venue. Just a stroll out of the village and nestled in lavish grounds, it’s also perfectly situated for amazing woodland walks to the Edge after which you can easily justify a pint or glass of fine wine and a hearty meal.

Proper Pubs

The De Trafford Arms is a high quality, ‘proper’ pub on Congleton Road. There are open fires, candlelit tables and secluded dining areas and in the car park, a listed cobblestone area. The building is two centuries old, with the first recording of the De Trafford in 1802, and it forms a big part of our village’s history.  The food at the De Trafford is proudly traditional yet with a modern flair. And the Sunday roasts are spectacular! Another traditional pub is Robbie’s hostelry, the Drum and Monkey, off Heyes Lane and yet still just five minutes from the heart of the village. The Drum has a heritage dating back to 1897, has a beautiful outside dining area and retains all its traditional values. 

Newer Neighbours

More recent and welcome additions to the village are fast becoming just as well-loved and look set to enjoy similar longevity. Victor’s, for example, opened in 2018 and is already a firm favourite and hub of the village. Victors Alderley Edge is a 100-cover restaurant and bar, over 2 floors plus an exclusive private dining room, for any special occasion. One of the newest kids on the block, the Churchill Tree, is brought to us by experts in destination gastro pubs, the Cheshire Pub Co (of Mobberley’s Frozen Mop fame).   Set in the historic grounds of Alderley Park’s reclaimed country estate, there’s a warm welcome, an honest pint, fine wine, classic cocktails, fancy fizz and great food crafted by talented, local chefs. 

The Botanist, also on London Road, enjoys a relaxed and quirky vibe with magical cocktails a speciality. With something of a secret garden feel, the Botanist is a perfect fit with Alderley’s myth and legend. Piccolino stands proudly at the north entrance to the village and not only can you enjoy cocktails and Italian cuisine, it’s a great place to people-watch.   Gusto also offers Italian inspired dishes and is a favourite amongst children, who can make their own pizzas.  The Bubble Room in the centre of the village allows you to watch the world go by and you can enjoy a fabulous bottomless brunch at the weekends.

Les Deux Pizza Bar specialises in 48 hour-fermented dough and offers pasta and cocktails as well.   If you are looking more for a cheeky glass of wine, then Corks Out is THE place to go. There are wines from around the world to choose from, and discover new favourites. Why not enjoy a cheese or charcuterie board on the side? 

Spoilt for Choice

Whatever you’re looking for, whatever the occasion, we are truly spoilt for choice with Alderley Edge restaurants and bars. Every kind of cuisine, British pub food or fancy eats, there are plenty of independent cafés and bars, too. Parea is a distinctive and stylish bar.   La Cucina specialises in tasty food in a coffee house setting, serving fresh wood-fired pizza and authentic Italian pasta. They’re also renowned for truly excellent coffee.

There’s also the delightfully different Aldeli. There can’t be many coffee shops and delicatessens set in service stations, and a service station with history at that. Aldeli is proudly New York-inspired where everything is made with love. They’re a foody, family-run venture creating delicious dishes from locally sourced produce. Lebanese Yara always hits the spot and is great for sharing dishes with friends ( you can also bring your own wine here … corkage applies of course ), the Village Café is fabulous and where you can grab a coffee or hearty breakfasts and lunches, Foster’s Fish and Chips is a family favourite, and don’t miss the Wizard Tea Room up on the Edge. For authentic tandoori dishes, in fabulous surroundings, Bengal Tiger Lily is worth the trip up to Nether Alderley – or to takeaway, try the Village Balti.  

And There’s More

Oh! Mustn’t forget takeaway lunches from The Real Food store where you can also grab a coffee and Murray’s Sandwich Shop. Then a little further out on Brook Lane Neonista is the healthy gym, coffee and deli venue. It’s also a perfect stop for cyclists on Knutsford Road. Alderley isn’t short of high street names either, with the coffee shop within Waitrose, Costa Coffee, and Cafe Nero.

It’s no wonder that Alderley Edge is such a busy and bustling little village. We really do have everything.  I’m sure I’ve forgotten a couple, but we all have our favourites. Which pub, bar, café or restaurant in Alderley Edge is YOUR favourite? Let us know now and share the love!

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