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We were thrilled to try The Lost & Found in Knutsford, newly opened and occupying a beautiful former town hall. With its vast, almost church-like windows and contrasting exposed metal, it has an industrial but glorious feel – reminiscent of a train station (or perhaps its lost and found office).
At first we were confused by the number of doors. We walked through one and stood by a till for a while, as the bar staff glanced over but continued their duties. It was only then that we realised, as this was the bar, they probably thought we were waiting for people. We spotted another entrance further down with a likelier contender for reception (hint: a receptionist is a good giveaway – honestly, I need my eyes testing!), and were promptly dealt with. Sent upstairs (downstairs is an informal bar, while the dining takes place on the first floor), we walked into a room with a high, vaulted-ceiling and a vibrant but not too busy atmosphere.
The staff at The Lost & Found were exceptional. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and timely, and the food whizzed from kitchen to table with just enough time between courses for the food to settle.
First of all, the drinks were stunning. We tried both a boozy and a virgin cocktail just to see, and we were delighted with the results. The Hedgerow Bramble (non-alcoholic, left) was refreshing, fruity and invigorating. Meanwhile, the tartier Watercooler Fizz (bubbly, right) was divine – I could happily have drunk these all day! Rhubarb gin and prosecco? My idea of heaven.
My companion started with smoked salmon for starters. The pickled cucumber was delightful and delicate, providing a neat accompaniment. The green apple was refreshing and slightly tart. Meanwhile, the salmon was a jewel-like sliver of silky goodness.
I had the curried aubergine to start. Served with sticky leaves, the subtly spiced aubergine was paired excellently with cooling cream cheese with dill. There’s a version served as a main too, if you want more – and this comes highly recommended.
As it was Sunday, my companion opted for a traditional roast with a decent portion of chicken, beef dripping roasties, golden cauliflower cheese and a mountainous Yorkshire pudding done the proper way. The meal was exquisite and the portion size was more than enough to satisfy your Sunday hunger pangs.
I, on the other hand, went for a lighter sea bream with a delicious leek and potato risotto. Admittedly, this was a bit oily on the eye but it was ridiculously flavoursome. The risotto was made with potato instead of rice, so it was like a really indulgent chunky mash.
For dessert, my companion opted for the sweet cheese with vanilla and plum. This was a novel dessert with a nicely balanced white chocolate crumble, which manages to satisfy your sweet tooth without getting too sickly.
I tried vanilla panna cotta with poached pears, pecans and butterscotch sauce. This was a veritable explosion of crunch, squish and squirt – perhaps the only way I can describe this. A delicious offering, and one I’d highly recommend, it was perhaps sweeter than the sweet cheese and more filling, but rounded out our meal nicely.
Come here for the gorgeous venue and decor, stay for sumptuous food and drink with a very reasonable price tag.
