Destination Prestbury village, Cheshire. What’s on the high street.

Prestbury Village, my favourite staycation destination!

A few years ago Prestbury Village Cheshire was a wash with To-Let signs and empty shop fronts, however things have changed. It’s really good to see the high street thriving with so much on offer for villagers and visitors, even in pandemic times. And as we have started to become accustomed to ‘staying local’ and appreciating what’s on our own doorsteps, it’s good to see that in actual fact, Prestbury village Cheshire has ‘got it all’ from retail therapy, relaxation and pampering, drinking and dining, to lovely accommodation for friends, family and those visiting to stay over (when we’re allowed).

Preloved in Prestbury.

Dress, The Dress Agency of Cheshire, with its now famous pink door, situated right in the heart of Prestbury Village Cheshire, has added a unique, boutique shopping experience to the village. As a community based business, (it sells preowned, designer clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories belonging to people who live close to the shop), it provides a place where ladies meet, shop and chat. Ladies can buy and sell preowned designer labels at a fraction of their original price, saving hundreds of pounds versus buying new. People selling with Dress make hundreds of pounds for themselves, as they offload their unwanted designer items. It’s spot on for recycling and sustainability and a reflection of what people are looking for on the high street, which let’s face it is facing very tough times.

Take a wander, with village walks and a community full of spirit.

If you have the time to wander along Prestbury Village high street, you’ll notice a real buzz and community spirit. There’s always people outside Henry’s the local cafe and the barbers are open late most evenings too. There is an ever growing queue of gents who get a proper groom and not just a hair cut! And it always makes me smile to see people taking the time to sit on the benches passing the time of day (socially distanced of course).

Our busy lives.

However, many of us rush about our busy lives so much that we might overlook what’s on our very doorsteps and fail to notice what’s on offer. For me, Prestbury Village Cheshire is a true destination. Even lock-down here is a pleasure, with its lovely walks and local countryside. I believe Prestbury Village Cheshire is a place worth visiting when all of this is over, as well as supporting during current, tough times, and I can assure you, as a trader of the village myself, I am committed to keeping our village high street looking as lovely as ever (even if it is only 10ft of the curb side that I am responsible for).

I am very grateful for the support of the community and to those who come into my shop, and I am acutely aware how hard it is to ‘keep on keeping on’ at the moment and staying positive too. As someone who used to just ‘live here’ I no longer take for granted the hard work all our traders do to make Prestbury Village Cheshire such a pleasure to live and work.

A big high five for the traders who make our village a true destination!

As much as I’d love to yada on all about Dress, The Dress Agency of Cheshire, the village high street, albeit it only small, has traders a plenty, and every one of them a welcome sight! It’s easy to assume there is just a handful of us, but when you look at things more closely we have rather a lot going on!

Retail therapy!

Retailers of ladies clothing – Dress (of course) and for the men, there’s upmarket menswear store Stephen Muldoon Bespoke

Jack, who now owns and runs the store sells some fabulous brands including Jacob Cohen, Pal Ziliri, Colmar, Bognor, Eton and many more. The items are super stylish and incredibly well made. There is something for every occasion and season, including shirts, jackets, jeans, trousers, tops, coats, hoodies and sweats. Like my own store, Jack provides a very personal service and lovely store environment to shop and browse.

Home interiors

If its your home you’re investing in, then affordable and lovely interiors shop Rococo is definitely worth a visit! Run by Taz and her daughter Faye, it’s full of affordable and very chic soft furnishings, glassware, ceramics, vases, candles and jewellery. You are guaranteed to find the perfect gift for someone… including yourself! Plus, there’s a lovely little room at the back selling unique pieces of ladies clothing, who knew?

Our food and drink supermarket is of course the The Coop, who have kept us alive and kicking during lockdown. There’s some good wines and champagnes on offer here too, plus the village Post Office is situated inside.

Independent florist

Prestbury Flowers have been in the village for generations and is still owned and run by the same family! Making beautiful flower arrangements for weddings, funerals or just because. I am sure Val and her team have a few stories to tell.

Travel

Our friends at Prestbury Travel are famous for their worldwide destinations and highly bespoke service. Another local resident and family owned business, it’s lovely to see an independent travel agent on our high street. Although many people choose to do DIY online holiday bookings themselves, I have to say using a quality travel agent makes it so much easier, and in my opinion definitely worth paying for. My family have been on some fantastic holidays arranged by Stella and her team.

Cars

Definitely one for the boys, we recently welcomed Oakmere Motors  to the village for classic and super cars.

Gentlemen’s grooming

There’s 2 fabulous gents barbers and grooming salons, one at either end of the village. And not just for village folk!. Prestbury Village Barbers and Gents of Prestbury are both run by the same team and have an excellent reputation. Men travel from far and wide to get groomed! Including a number of famous footballers so their social media pages are definitely worth a follow to see who’s who. 5 Star customer testimonials say it all. Their second barbers shop is just along from my shop Dress, so ladies, whilst the boys are being pampered you know where to come!

Ladies hair salons

Ladies contemporary hair salons – The Salon Prestbury, Deaville Hair, plus Alan Victor (who has been catering for the more mature ladies of the village for decades) are all thriving and busy salons. Inside The Salon you will also find beautician Alex Cooper for make up, nails and beauty treatments.

The Salon lists Balmain as part of its inventory and Deaville stock hair care ranges by Show.

Cafe

Henry’s, now owned by Natalie Cox who took it over from the previous owners this year, has always offered good grub and a no nonsense positive attitude! Fresh, homemade soups, sandwiches, quiches, cakes and hot meals are fabulous and as for Natalie’s sausage rolls, well, once tried…you’ll be back for more!

Pubs

The Legh Arms and Ye Old Admiral Rodney pubs are both traditional, proper drinking holes with good beers, wines and spirits. Gill and Geoff at The Rodney are lovely people and always offer a very warm welcome, they have a very loyal following of regulars propping up the bar (socially distanced in current times of course). They have made the outside areas safe and warm too in the rear, whilst The Legh Arms has undergone a recent refurb to its interior, there are lovely rooms to stay in too if you’re looking for a traditional pub atmosphere and a more contemporary room to stay for a couple of nights. Both are dog friendly too.

Restaurants

The village boasts 4 excellent restaurants, each offering something different with a new pizza restaurant opening in 2021.

The Coast’s menu is inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, so you can expect some lovely traditional Mediterranean dishes and absolutely oodles of atmosphere! When we are not locked down The Coast is literally buzzing! Intimate meals, family parties, corporate events or just champagne and cocktails is all on offer and I have to say we love it! Take a look at their menu right here.

Bacchus is most definitely where you can experience some fabulous fine dining, its service is excellent and the food is just superb. Offering an extensive a la carte menu, using fresh, local ingredients, its food is modern British with a hint of European influence, and its wines are handpicked from around the world. Inside you can expect a contemporary boutique dining experience and they have live music too (when we are not in lockdown) at the weekends.

Lilac Cottage is a tapas and wine bar run by Haseena and her husband Felipe. Situated right next door to my shop Dress it’s got a lovely lively atmosphere and serves tapas, mezze and paellas. There’s a beautiful outdoor garden area that is now covered so people can dine safely during the pandemic.

Tiffin Kitchen is where things hot up! And we are talking Indian cuisine here. Indian street food right on our high street offering diverse cooking styles in a very contemporary setting.

Finally Base is coming soon, it’s the talk of the village and promises to offer traditional pizza made in a wood fired oven! Watch this space…

Hotels

The Bridge Hotel has been part of the village forever, it has beautiful gardens and is open 24/7 with a number of rooms available to stay over. Many people book this venue for weddings, however it’s very much a place to drink and dine in a more informal atmosphere for locals and those coming from outside the area. Having lived here for so long, The Bridge has been a way of life and been famous for its amazing Sunday roasts! In more recent times it has been bought by Flat Cap Hotels Group that also own The Vicarage in Holmes Chapel and The Courthouse in Knutsford.

Gin & Wine Bar

The Fox Hole is a little bolt hole usually full of fun and laughter. Run by Tess and Kip they have made this place into a little gem with its cosy friendly vibe! It’s usually jam packed with locals having an absolute ball or enjoying a fabulous gin cocktail. If you’re feeling peckish you can enjoy a cheese board or cold meats to nibble. Due to its size and current restrictions, it is currently being sublet to ‘That Refill Place’, where you can buy sustainable items and refill your shampoo bottles.

Village Club

The Village Club – tucked down Bollin Grove it caters for parties, sports on TV and provides a very warm welcome in its bar as well as hosting various events throughout the year. Reviewers say its the best in Prestbury and perfect for family gatherings and parties.

Beauty clinics

We have 3, each offering something different, Abi’s Beauty Rooms, Deborah Wilson Aesthetics and The Fresh Skin Clinic.

Abi’s beauty rooms where you can prepare to be pampered! You’re sure to come out looking and feeling lovely. From nails and waxing to tanning and lashes, Abi has a superb reputation for all things beauty.

Deborah Wilson Aesthetics is a recent addition to the village, but not a recent addition to clinical beauty! With over 35 years clinical beauty experience, she is the master for none surgical facials and beauty treatments that ‘enhance’ and improve your look. You can find her situated above Deaville Hair and I can personally recommend her! She also offers ear piercing too, as well as the famous ‘Million Dollar Facial’.

The Fresh Skin Clinic is situated right next door to Dress! Run by Jo, her team provide medical skin therapies for a natural, fresh look. Plus a range of other therapies and treatments to have you looking and feeling really good.

Fresh fish!

Did you know there’s a man selling fresh market fish every Tuesday (behind The Fox Hole)? he’s been there for years – who knew?

Our church

St Peters is a a beacon of hope in the community with its wonderful bells that bring the village to life. Probably one of the loveliest graveyards to wander through too. This year sees it celebrate 800 years!

Pharmacy

Thank goodness for our village Pharmacy! Providing lots of help and support if you can’t reach your GP.

Physio

John Griffiths will sort out your aches and pains! His clinic is accessed just opposite The Village Club down Bollin Grove.

Estate Agents

And not forgetting those Estate Agents – Fine & Country, Holmes Nadan and Gasgoine Halman. If you’re buying or selling, they’ve got it covered!

And finally..walks…

There are so many local walks in and around Prestbury, but if you choose to walk down Shirley’s Drive you’ll go through a gate to a public right of way path that takes you on a loop back to the village or onwards to Macclesfield. It leads to the River Bollin and it never fails to impress all year round as the flora and fauna change. If you turn left at the little bridge you’ll find yourself back at the village (just opposite my shop!), or, if you go right it takes you all the way to Tytherington, through fields and along side the river bank. It’s a lovely walk and very popular with dog walkers and families. Just beware of the cattle during April and November!

Whether you live here or not, Prestbury Village Cheshire is a lovely community to visit for a full day out, or for a few days in one of our lovely venues with accommodation. Whatever your reason for coming to Prestbury everyone here will wish you a very warm welcome.

Please pop into my shop Dress, I’d love to say Hello.

Christine x