A world-renowned water expert from Macclesfield is travelling to Athens for an award.

Doran Binder, who bottles spring water at source under the name Crag Spring Water in Wildboarclough, will travel to Greece this week at an industry awards ceremony.

It is there where his still and sparkling water bottles - or 'neron' as it is pronounced in Greece - will face off against 30 of the world's best natural waters.

On Wednesday, he will find out whether he has won a Fine Water Society Award, in a blind taste test that will be live-streamed on Facebook. 

"It is like the Oscars for water", Doran said.

"It is the highest table in the world of water. And what is lovely is that as a Macclesfield company we are there at that table. 

"We picked up a Silver medal at the awards last year, and for me that is a massive achievement for little local Macclesfield business.

"We were the first to Britain to ever receive this accolade.

"For someone to potentially give a gold to our brand is incredible. I would be shocked and humble and grateful, it would be a mind-blowing moment.

"I couldn't justify going to the awards last year as it was too far in Hollywood, but as this event is in Europe, it was a no-brainer."

The upcoming event will allow Doran meet many of the experts and influencers who have championed his water brand in-person for the first time.

But it is not all about winning for Doran, as he celebrates five-years of his mission to provide quality, natural water available to Macclesfield and the wider local area.

Crag Spring Water is stocked in the finest of Michelin star resutaraunts, to your everyday friendly Macclesfield neighbourhood café.

The price is affordable, and you can get it delivered to your door like you would with ordering milk from a milkman.

These facts represents the ethos that Doran wants nutritious, quality water to be accessible to everyone.

"I'm in love with naturally-occurring water," added Doran.

"We've been dumbed down about the importance of water in this country,

"The elites are not drinking tap water. The elites have been drinking good water for hundreds of years. 

"But we're lead to believe that chlorinated tap water is just as good for us. It is patronising and wrong.

"I compare it to fuel for your car. If I said to you, I can get you fuel for your car that is 5p per litre but in five-years time your engine is knackered. Or I can get you a fuel that is slightly more expensive now, but will protect your car in the long-run, you'd go with the more premium one. That is how water is to the body.

"You want your car to last you. You can change your car, but you can't change your body."

Alongside the number of accolades, Doran has also seen growth with his new TikTok account @beardedwatersommelier. So much so, that he even gets recognised training at his gym in Macclesfield.

As well as selling bottles to every other venue in Macclesfield, you can also visit where the water comes from and try some of Earth's most wackiest waters. (When Doran gets back from his Athenian adventure, of course).

A perfect family day out, or a nutritious pit stop if going on a countryside walk. The Crag Inn's water tasting experience can be booked in advance, or paid for by walk-ins.

The Crag Inn and their Water Tasting bar is open from Monday to Friday 11-4, and Saturday to Sunday 12-4.

You can book the affordable half-hour and hour-long water tasing sessions on 01260 227239.

You can follow Crag Spring Water on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Order enquiries can be submitted through their website.

See Also: Co-op funding will help group's mission to rewild Macclesfield

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