Acclaimed Cheshire restaurant celebrates 5th anniversary

Next Door, a restaurant based in Fordsham, Cheshire, is celebrating its fifth anniversary, having built a reputation as one of the best rated restaurants in the area since opening in 2017. 

Owned and operated by Richard and Vicki Nuttall – a chef and sommelier, respectively – the venue is housed in a 17th century timber frame cottage that once housed Mrs Nuttall's great grandfather and grandfather, as well as her father's butcher's shop – HE Coward. The business still remains in the family but is based a few doors down, providing the restaurant with its meat. 

Despite facing a global pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, Next Door has had a strong few years in terms of performance. It has been listed in the Michelin and Good Food Guides, on top of becoming the second highest rated fine dining restaurant in Cheshire, according to TripAdvisor.

The Next Door team tried to make the best of the pandemic-enforced closures, improving the interior and allowing the kitchen team to gain experience in the family butcher. This meant the restaurant could build on its 'nose to tail' philosophy, aiming to use every part of the animal in food preparation. 

Having gained experience in renowned restaurants such as London's Petrus (now Marcus Wareing at the Berkley) and The Savoy, as well as spells in France and the Caribbean, Mr Nuttall now heads up the kitchen at his own restaurant, Next Door. 

Mrs Nuttall, who also manages the venue, has more than 15 years' experience in hospitality, food and wine retail, including working for Michael Caines Restaurant Group. 

"We are extremely proud to reach this landmark, despite what has been a challenging few years to say the least!" she says. 

"My family has a long history in the food industry in Frodsham, and we are always conscious that many of our diners are our neighbours. We put absolutely everything into making each experience as special as possible – from providing first class service to finding the perfect wine for every dish."

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