Tatton Perk celebrates top award and launches two new coffee shops

Mark Lee-Kilgariff launched his coffee business, Tatton Perk three years ago in a distinctive orange van.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff is bowled over to retain a Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award for the second year

The Knutsford dad-of-two has been overwhelmed by the response from customers, after fighting licensing rules to save his business back in 2019 when his trading hours were severely restricted at the Moor.

Now, inundated with five star reviews, he has maintained a Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award for the second year running.

Mark is preparing to open two new coffee shops in Knutsford, after successfully launching a coffee shop and bar in Altrincham.

Situated at One Central Altrincham, beside the Everyman Cinema, Tatton Perk opens seven days a week from 8am until late.

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"It's fantastic," said Mark, who trades at Moor Park on Sundays and Booths Hall business park on Chelford, Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm. "I love it.

Tatton Perk at Booths Hall

"I was a probation officer for 17 years and diagnosed with bipolar. I needed a change of career because my job was too stressful.

"I bought a vintage van and the journey started. My wife Susie and I went to loads of places trying coffee.

"We always turned to Atkinsons speciality coffee beans from Lancaster. They are exceptional."

Painstaking attention to detail has always been his top priority.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff is absolutely scrupulous about freshness and sourcing of his coffee

"We are absolutely scrupulous about freshness and the sourcing of our coffee," said Mark. "The way we prepare it and serve it, everything is done to the highest level.

"We are very proud of our high standards. We have received 87 reviews on Trip Adviser and every single one is five star.

"People really appreciate our service, we make people exactly what they want."

 

Mark and his team of six baristas not only serve exceptional coffee, they also take time to talk.

"We are routed in the community and get to know our customers," said Mark, who puts his staff through a special mental health training course as they could be the first point of call for people struggling with depression.

"It's not therapy, simply a sympathetic ear so we can signpost people to more help."

The pandemic has hit trade.

"It was tough for a while," said Mark. "We're nowhere near pre Covid levels but it is starting to pick up as office staff are coming back.

 

"Loads of people were out walking their dogs and exercising. As we were outside, they felt like it was a safe option to them."

Mark is about to sign a lease on new premises and hopes to secure a licence to serve specialist coffee liqueurs, seven days a week.

"It is in the heart of Knutsford," he said. "We're planning to have a roaster fitted so the smell of coffee will hopefully draw people in.

"We use different beans for different drinks. For black coffee we use fruity, green apple flavours. For coffee with milk we tend to use caramel, molasses and hazlenut.

"Coffee is where wine was years ago. During Covid we were delivering packets of beans to people's doorsteps so they could brew at home."

All his cups are environmentally friendly and 100 per cent compostable.

Mark is also planning to open a coffee shop on the outskirts of the town.

"It's been a great journey," said Mark, whose has two daughters, Aurora and Merry. "I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support."

Mark has been overwhelmed with positive feedback.

One customer said: "Mark and his Tatton Perk team have got it spot on. The wee orange van is awesome, service is 10/10 and most importantly the coffee tastes great, made incredibly well and is priced perfectly."

A reviewer said: "His coffee is simply delicious."

Another customer added: "I've not had a nicer cup of coffee in the UK."

Another review said: "I've worked in the coffee industry for almost 10 years. With that comes an element of snobbery, I know what I like and I tend to spot the faults immediately.

"With TP I get a great coffee that's made just right.

"The milk temp is bang on, the espresso is actually dialed in so it tastes like it should.

"Also environmentally thought by using 100 per cent composting cups is a hugely important piece for me."

Food served at Tatton Perk also won praise.

One customer said: "Tatton Park serves dreamy, creamy, foamy, frothy, fabulous coffee. The almondies were rich, moist, marzipan-y and gorgeous bu tthe Eccles cakes ... flaky pastry with spices aromatic currants were the best ever. Just wish I tried the brownies - made in the farm which you can see from the van. Truly local. Another five stars."