Silence was the first indicator that the food's great here.
The table across from us had by no means been rowdy, but a couple of conversationalists in the party were graced with naturally loud voices. Yet, as soon as the food arrived: silence.
I recently travelled to Lymm, Cheshire, to visit The Church Green, a gastro pub owned and run by chef Aiden Byrne and his wife Sarah.
Aiden Byrne (second from left)
Byrne is famous for becoming the youngest person to win a Michelin star, aged 22, while at Adlards in Norwich. He also starred in the BBC Two programme ‘Restaurant Wars: The Battle for Manchester’ and can often be seen on MasterChef.
The Church Green is located within a stones throw from the beautiful Lymm Dam in the pretty village of Lymm.
On arriving at the restaurant we were offered three menus; a Fish menu, a Beef menu (including a 25oz Tomahawk steak at £50) and a Bar, or Small plate, menu.
My friend ordered from the British Herefordshire Beef menu, a £26 10oz Sirloin steak with Port & Stilton sauce (£3 extra).
The steak is served with traditional grill garnish; chips, tomato, mushroom, watercress and herb butter.
The small plate menu is offered in a tapas style; smaller dishes which you are recommended to order 3-4 plates per person.
I ordered three dishes and requested that they all arrive at the same time; Roast Crapaudine beetroot, goats cheese and tarragon risotto (£5), Cheese and potato pie with Béarnaise sauce (£6) and Thyme and butter mash potato (£3).
The food was excellent, with the Cheese and potato pie with Béarnaise sauce being my particular favourite. The Béarnaise was so delicious that my friend stole some to go with her steak.
The portions are well judged, and my three dishes made for a good sized meal. If you’re particularly hungry then I would recommend opting for a fourth.
Feeling especially greedy we also opted for desserts. I had the Lime cheesecake with spiced pineapple while my friend had the Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream.
We arrived at midday and were one of only a handful of tables. Yet the restaurant soon filled up and it is clear that The Church Green is popular with the locals. Service was very good, and our waitress (Helen) was very helpful.
I am happy to recommend The Church Green. It is clear why it has been awarded its Rosettes. If my experience is anything to go by, they’re well deserved!
01925 752068