Harden's survey result
Summary
“Terrific French cooking” by Cheshire-born chef-patron Joseph Rawlins combines with immaculate presentation from his FOH partner, Parisienne Gaëlle Radigon, in a smart, “contemporary setting” (“love having a tablecloth: so many restaurants don’t”) at this converted farmhouse in a village famous for its timber-framed church and ancient ‘Marston oak’ (Britain’s largest tree). Top Tip – “the set meal is exceptional value”.
Summary
‘Casual fine dining’ is the promise at chef Joseph Rawlins and Gaëlle Radigon’s “contemporary”-feeling establishment – a converted farmhouse, next to a fine, very ancient church (Europe’s oldest with a timber frame) not far from Alderley Edge. Wilmslow-born and Paris-trained Joseph produces a modern French menu, and fans say dishes can be “inspired”.
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.
For 33 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?
Church Farm, Manchester Road, Marton, SK11 9HF
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.00 | £28.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 85.00 | Always available | 7 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £15.50 | £35.00 | £6.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Church Farm, Manchester Road, Marton, SK11 9HF
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
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