La Popote

The story

La Popote: Michelin-Recommended French Haute Cuisine in Macclesfield, Cheshire

A Parisian Culinary Lineage in Cheshire

La Popote, a Michelin-Recommended restaurant in the heart of Cheshire, is the project of Chef Joseph Rawlins and Gaëlle Radigon. Rawlins, a Wilmslow native, trained in Paris under the formidable Guillaume Delage, who himself was a pupil of the legendary Pierre Gagnaire. This lineage—spanning Gagnaire's 12 Michelin stars—is evident in the kitchen's modern, creative take on classic French cuisine. The restaurant's philosophy, as Rawlins told Cheshire Life magazine, is simple: "Fresh and seasonal produce. Using an ingredient that tastes like it should."

The Setting: A Converted Barn and Secret Garden

The restaurant is housed in a beautiful barn conversion on Church Farm in Marton, just south of Macclesfield. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with a "secret garden" overlooked by the oldest wooden church in Europe. Outdoor heaters and a wooden canopy allow for al fresco dining even in cooler weather. Gaëlle Radigon, who brings years of front-of-house experience from both England and France, ensures the service is welcoming and effortless.

The Menu: Seasonal Haute Cuisine

La Popote's menu changes with the seasons, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. The signature offering is the 7-course tasting menu, priced at £85 per person, which gives Chef Rawlins carte blanche to create dishes based on the freshest produce available. A wine pairing service, at £60, sees the team select wines from the restaurant's extensive store to complement each course. The à la carte menu also features dishes like potato and leek espuma with confit duck egg, and wild mushroom risotto with mushroom foam and smoked almonds.

The Michelin Recognition

The restaurant’s dedication to casual fine dining—a high-quality culinary experience in a relaxed, friendly environment—has earned it a place in the 2026 Michelin Guide. It is a testament to the team's commitment to authentic French technique and seasonal ingredients, all served in a setting that feels both sophisticated and unpretentious. Whether you choose the tasting menu or a la carte, La Popote offers a dining experience rooted in tradition and executed with precision.