The top five restaurants in Warrington - Tripadvisor

The stylish cocktail bar and eatery has taken the number one spot from Stockton Heath's Terrace Bistro.

On social media, Bold Street House said: "Number one in Warrington. What a way to get back to business.

"This year feels like it's going to be a good year. Bring it on."

To mark the occasion, and as restrictions ease, we have put together a guide to Tripadvisor's top five.

All of them are expected to fully open on or after May 17 - but check their websites or social media for what is on offer in the meantime such as al fresco dining and takeaway services.

1. BOLD STREET HOUSE, CULTURAL QUARTER

This venue has faced its fair share of challenges - opening just six months before the pandemic. 

But it has risen to all of them and has gained a loyal following.

It is run by Jenny Arnot, who was previously an operations manager for the Lounges group and helped launch Dorado Lounge in Old Market Place.

The reviews on Bold Street House's Tripadvisor page are also for La Petite Maison - the pop-up bar that the team run in Queens Gardens every weekend.

One reviewer said: "We popped up to Warrington to see what was going on in the town centre on a gorgeous sunny day and came across Bold Street House and their fantastic outdoor seating area in Palmyra Square.

"What a great little set up they've created, was lovely to sit and enjoy drinks and start to feel a bit more normality again, what a great atmosphere and absolutely spot on customer service."

Talking about the venue pre-lockdown, another visitor added: "Lovely spot in Warrington. My partner and I have been a few times for drinks and bites. One day we tried their Sunday dinner and it was unreal."

2. TERRACE BISTRO, STOCKTON HEATH

The Terrace in London Road – established by former Priestley College student Marc Smith – has received more than 250 five-star reviews since launching in 2019.

Marc reckons sourcing fresh, local ingredients, the seasonality of the Terrace's menu and a personal touch are key parts of the restaurant's success story.

One contributor said: "As always, everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Food is absolutely delicious and decor stunning. Couldn’t fault anything. Brilliant service."

Another reviewer talked about the 'Bistro Box' - a gourmet takeway offering to keep the business ticking over during lockdown.

They added: "While we can't get to our favourite restaurant we can still eat the food.

"Executive head chef Phil Daley is keeping busy producing great dishes for us to finish off at home.

"While we wait for the reopening it's nice to walk past and see the work they are doing for the future.

"Redecoration and a new front soon for the building will further enhance the Bistro for the summer.

"Bistro Box is great, but of course I'd prefer the restaurant to be open. Look forward to getting back in there in May."

3. THE DINING ROOM, LATCHFORD VILLAGE

This popular cafe in Knutsford Road serves traditional tasty English Breakfast cooked fresh each morning.

A Tripadvisor user said: "I have tried the Dining Room for the first time today and due to lockdown being in operation I had the takeaway Sunday carvery.

"It was a great meal. I ordered and collected it and it was still hot when I got home several miles away.

"The meat was sliced thickly and there was plenty of it. The variety of veg was well cooked and the gravy was tasty.

"I can honestly say that it tasted like a good home cooked roast dinner. I will certainly try this again, and would not hesitate to try more of their menu when lockdown is over."

4. MR LAU'S DIM SUM BAR AND RESTAURANT, CULTURAL QUARTER

A long-time town centre favourite and former Warrington Guardian Food and Drink Award winner.

Mr Lau’s is run by Pamela Lau and Adamo Devoti, in Springfield Street, and is believed to be the only dedicated dim sum bar outside of London.

And their number of five-star reviews are approaching 2,000.

Visiting before the current lockdown, a contributor said: "Highly recommend dim sum at Mr Lau's.

"Food is delicious and very reasonably priced. Excellent service too. My partner is a Michelin trained chef in Asian cuisine and thoroughly enjoys the food, so much so that we keep coming back.

"Great atmosphere on a busy weekend but calm and relaxed during the week."

5. HEATHS 26, STOCKTON HEATH

A deli and coffee shop which last year won a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award.

One contributor said: "Perfect little cafe that everyone I know loves. The food is always delicious, really well prepared and nice big portions.

"The staff really make the cafe feel so welcoming too, they’re all so friendly and happy to accommodate any needs or little changes to your meal. Can’t recommend this place enough."

Another visitor added: "We often visit Heaths for breakfast. Now during lockdown their takeaway service is great - easy to order, ready in good time and even an efficient drive through service."