HOSPITALITY is in the blood for the two young entrepreneurs transforming Knutsford’s iconic Crown Court building into a stunning new destination venue for Cheshire.

Brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood, of Flat Cap Hotels, have spent 12 months transforming the Georgian Sessions House creating a luxurious restaurant, bar, wedding, banqueting and conference space called The Courthouse.

“It’s probably true to say that hospitality is all we’ve ever known,” says 26-year-old Dominic.

“We’re third generation hoteliers – my grandfather James fronted various pubs and hotels in Manchester including The Mersey Hotel Cabaret Club where Shirley Bassey and Freddie and the Dreamers performed.

“When he sadly passed away the mantle was passed on to my father who has been a hotelier for more than 40 years.

“All our conversations growing up were about the hospitality industry, it’s a been way of life for us.”

In 2014, Dominic and Oliver, aged 29, launched Flat Cap Hotels with the opening of their first business The Vicarage.

Once derelict, this 17th century Grade II listed country pub and hotel in Holmes Chapel has received acclaimed reviews for its fantastic food, fabulous cocktails and quirky décor.

The brothers have an ongoing strategy to bring buildings of historical prevalence and individual character into community use, and have ambitious plans to open five venues in the north west by 2019.

Yet The Sessions House, which closed as a court in 2010, was not even on their radar as they looked for other possible premises.

Although they are Knutsford born and bred, they didn’t know the 17th century building, designed by George Moneypenny, was on the market.

“We just happened to be driving past and saw the ‘For Sale’ sign,” says Dominic.

“The inspection days were coming to an end and we were aware there were lots of interested parties.

“We were both just so intrigued by the austere property that as we walked around it, we just knew it suited the concept and brand so well. We could see where everything would be – the bar, the restaurant, the kitchen and the bedrooms.”

Their plans for The Courthouse came to public attention last July when Flat Cap Hotels became the first hotel group in the country to launch a crowdfunding campaign for investment.

The project eventually received private funding but for the siblings the campaign was a ringing endorsement for their plans, brand and concept.

“Not only did it help to raise our profile, it also showed that the public are just as passionate about and invested in the future of this building as we are,” says Dominic.

Ironically, although the former Crown Court was classed as a public building, many of the public had never been able to step foot inside the place.

“Unless you had a reason to be there – which let’s be honest is either because you’re on the wrong side of the law, or you’re a representative of the court – there was no way that the public could access the building and experience the beautiful architecture of the place,” said Dominic.

“That’s something really important to us. We want people to come and enjoy seeing this beautiful building, whether that’s enjoying a latte during the day or a post work espresso martini in the Rooftop Gardens or a meal in Barristers restaurant.”

For those unfamiliar with the layout of The Courthouse (and for those who are), a walk up the grand entrance steps and through the pillars leads to The Court Room, formerly Court One, a beautiful open space that can hold up to 550 guests and is perfect for weddings, events and conferences.

The original oak panels have been restored and the elaborate architrave and stunning glass domed ceiling make for outstanding features.

Surrounding The Court Room are ceremony rooms, meeting rooms and spaces for private dining.

Court Room Two is now Barristers Bar and Restaurant. Leading into the former jail cells, there are further dining and event areas.

The Rooftop Gardens provides a unique setting for al fresco dining throughout the day and for sipping cocktails into the evening as the sun sets.

While the initial focus is on developing The Courthouse as a prestigious venue, the two existing wings of the building will be converted into 10 luxury bedrooms, with a further 50 bedrooms to follow.

“It is very exciting to see it develop and come to life,” says Dominic. “It has been a constant surprise as we have uncovered some incredibly beautiful architectural details and made some very interesting finds.

“The grand main doors at the top of the steps to the building hadn’t been opened for years so when we did uncover them there were piles of letters – some of them were from defendants asking for the judge to forgive their absence from court! Incredible to think they were just sitting there for all these years.”

Speaking before the opening Dominic said he was confident they had put together the right team to ensure success.

“I think because we’re relatively young and very passionate people who really live and breathe the hospitality business, we attract young and passionate people too.

“Our baristas and mixologists are of an exceptional calibre and our Executive Chef Steven Tuke, is incredible. He’s worked with some of the best and his food is outstanding – guests will be really impressed by his menus.”

Of course, once The Courthouse is in session it will be up to the jury to decide their fate, but if their reputation precedes them the verdict will be positive.