Prestbury, a quaint village dotted with the lavish homes of Premier League footballers, is not just famous for its high-profile residents and their flashy cars.
The English village is also well known for serving one of the UK’s finest Sunday lunches. Reporter Dianne Bourne discovered this gem when she visited the village at the heart of Cheshire’s opulent Golden Triangle.
In the middle of the village of Prestbury lies Bacchus, a restaurant brimming with traditional charm, where diners can indulge in classic cuisine amidst crisp white tablecloths and enjoy service that comes with a genuine smile.
The establishment’s Sunday roast has become the stuff of local legend, offering a sumptuous four-course set menu priced at £33.50. But be warned, advises Dianne, it’s a feast that requires a hearty appetite.
On her visit, Dianne enjoyed the bustling atmosphere from a prime window seat she had booked well in advance, which afforded her views of the village church and an excellent spot for people-watching and supercar-spotting.
Dianne said: “Unfortunately, there were no footballer sightings on this particular Sunday, despite the village being home to several big names (I suspect many are preoccupied with the Euros at the moment). But that didn’t stop the parade of jaw-dropping vehicles that frequent these parts.”
She continued: “As we settled into our table, we were greeted with a full a la carte menu to peruse, as well as the set Sunday lunch menu which was my main focus. The menu boasted a variety of starters, mains and desserts, concluding with coffee and homemade petit fours, all for a reasonable £33.50.
“I decided on what I assumed would be a light Waldorf salad starter, while my companions opted for a duck spring roll that arrived looking more like a log due to its size. My salad was surprisingly substantial, featuring crunchy lettuce leaves paired with large candied walnuts.”
Ready and eager to chow down on the main event, Dianne said: “Of course, everyone has their own idea of the perfect Sunday roast, but for me, it’s all about tender meat that melts in your mouth, veggies that actually taste like veggies, and a sizable Yorkshire pudding with just the right mix of crispiness and fluffiness.
“I prefer my plate drenched in gravy, and if I’m fortunate, I’ll discover a truly cheesy cauliflower cheese hidden somewhere. So, Bacchus was a real treat as it delivered on all these fronts in spades. For me, this was one of the best Sunday roasts I’ve had in a long time. The beef, just look at it, served pink with crispy edges, was the perfect meaty partner to a selection of simple, well-cooked fresh carrots and greens.”
Upon uncovering a generous serving of cauliflower cheese hidden beneath her meal, Dianne was thrilled, stating that “the roasties were the ideal mix of crisp exterior and fluffy interior.”
In addition to the traditional roast, Bacchus also offers alternatives such as roast lamb or chicken, pan-fried seabass fillet for those seeking something different, or a vegetarian-friendly mushroom and asparagus fettuccine.
When it came to dessert, Dianne was enticed by the warm banana loaf served with caramel and cinnamon ice cream. Her companions, on the other hand, chose the selection of British and Continental cheeses (which comes with a £2 supplement on the set menu price).
Relishing in her sweet indulgence, she commented: “The pudding was wonderfully nostalgic and comforting – although I didn’t think it needed the crunchy oat accompaniment scattered around the sides. The cheese selection was also impressive, served with a plate of colourful crackers to sample it all with.”
As for the beverages, you know you’re in a posh establishment when the wine list resembles a leather-bound phone book. And with a name like Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), you can be sure you’re dining at a restaurant that takes its drink offerings seriously.
The menu boasts a variety of French vintages and bottles priced up to a staggering £750, not to mention 11 different champagne options.
Dianne also noted: “For those on a more modest, (or journalist’s) budget, there are also some bargain “bin end” deals at the back of the menu, with whole bottles starting from just £25. House wines are also available by the glass from a reasonable £4.25. Luckily, during my visit, I was joined by wine enthusiasts who kindly offered me a taste of their superb Italian Amarone.”
Having enjoyed her experience, Dianne was impressed with how much food she got for her money, especially as there were so many different choices on offer. She was particularly impressed with the first-class service style she experienced throughout her visit.
Summing up her Sunday lunch at Bacchus, Dianne said “One thing is certain, you’ll leave with a full stomach and likely in need of a long walk – which we did, taking a leisurely stroll around this charming little village, its main street lined with a mosaic of historic buildings.”