A First Look at Panache One London Road, Poynton

Panache One London Road, Poynton, is the latest luxury bar and restaurant offering to arrive in Cheshire. Last weekend, I was invited along for a sneak peek at Panache Poynton the evening before their official opening party over the August Bank Holiday. With covers up at the windows to stop any wandering eyes, it was an exclusive invite to have a tour of the restaurant and try some of their signature drinks and nibbles.

Previously an old bank building, Panache One London Road, Poynton, has gone through quite the refurbishment! With over £1.2million spent on it, it’s been a year long process to get the restaurant to where it is today. With extensions being added, the whole building is totally utilised and has been upgraded to include the best spec available. There’s certainly been no scrimping here, it is beautiful with chic furnishings and décor and feels like ‘luxury’ from top to bottom.

Panache One London Road has been split into three main areas, making the location suitable for a range of different occasions; the bar, the restaurant and the side extension. The bar area is beautiful and can seat up to 100 people, both on the ground floor around the bar and upstairs looking over the bar and restaurant.

For me, one of the standout features of the bar is its convertible-style roof that can be retracted to allow an indoor/outdoor drinking and dining experience; perfect for the lovely summer weather we have been having this year!

The restaurant area is absolutely stunning – truly the perfect location for celebrating a special occasion. With a centre piece of a grand piano that plays itself and sends music throughout the restaurant, the area is beautiful and the perfect location for a sophisticated dinner. Other standout points include the wall of champagne which I die for; exactly how I wish I could decorate my own home, to be fair!

There is also a side area to the restaurant with another retractable roof to give the option of outdoor dining. I absolutely love the mirrors and greenery here which compliment the indoor/outdoor feel perfectly. This space can also be used for private events which is a great addition to Panache.

Of course, we tried some of the food and drinks during our visit, and I have to say I was very impressed. Owners Gary McCabe and David Whitehead welcomed us with open arms to test out ‘the best cocktail maker in the UK’ who was heading up the bar and, well, it would have been rude not to have a drink or two!

Honestly, the cocktails were incredible. From a classic Pornstar Martini, to non alcholic mocktails and even testing the bartender to create a rum based, fruity cocktail, the drinks were fabulous.

Panache will be serving both an A La Carte restaurant menu and bar menu made up of nibbles, and during our sneak peek of the location we tried some nibbles from both menus. With the bar menu serving more casual food like tapas and the restaurant menu serving main courses such as handmade pizzas, I would be keen to go back and try a full meal. All the food we sampled was delicious and truly whet my appetite for more.

Whether you are located in Cheshire and looking for a new spot to visit, or like myself, are more central to Manchester but keen for a retreat from the city to somewhere more sophisticated and chill, Panache One London Road is truly worth a visit. From afternoon tea, to casual drinks to a sophisticated dinner date, Panache is set to be the go to place for celebrations in Poyton.