Harden's survey result
Summary
The “inspired menu” and “excellent French food in a contemporary setting” may come as a surprise in this “unusual rural location” – an old village farmhouse overlooking what is thought to be the oldest timber-framed church in Europe. It’s now in new hands under the ownership of Gaëlle Radigon and Joseph Rawlings, a Wilmslow-born chef who spent seven years working in top Paris restaurants. One regular feels “the talented team should concentrate on the French haute cuisine they do so well – Sunday roast seems less successful”.
Summary
This “lovely, small French restaurant with a delightful garden” wins steady praise from fans for its “unhurried and meticulous service” and “exceptional food”, although its ratings were held back last year by those who judge its performance to be more middling. Dutch-born proprietor Victor Janssen celebrated his 55th anniversary as a chef last year, and opened La Popote 10 years ago with his Scottish wife, Lynne, after stints in South Africa and the Scottish Highlands.
Summary
This “lovely, small French restaurant with a delightful garden” wins steady praise from fans for its “unhurried and meticulous service” and “exceptional food”, although its ratings were held back this year by those who judge its performance to be more middling. Dutch-born proprietor Victor Janssen celebrated his 55th anniversary as a chef last year, and opened La Popote 10 years ago with his Scottish wife, Lynne, after stints in South Africa and the Scottish Highlands.
Summary
This “French-style bistro” is a “real find in a small Cheshire village”, with a “varied menu of high-quality dishes” backed up by “wonderful and very professional silver service”. Proprietors Victor Janssen, a Dutch-born chef, and his Scottish wife Lynne ran award-winning restaurants in South Africa for decades, and are now cooking what they like best. Top Tip: “go on a themed evening with live (but not intrusive) music”.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Popote?
Restaurant details
La Popote Restaurant Diner Reviews

"A remarkable husband and wife team with great staff. Excellent food and service every time. The wine pairing for any special occasion is a real treat"

"Can’t wait to return."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
Church Farm, Manchester Road, Marton, SK11 9HF
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | CLOSED |
Wednesday | CLOSED |
Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
Sunday | 12 pm‑6 pm |
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