Six year anniversary for The Salt Bar Macclesfield's Jo Bentley
A Macclesfield restauranteur is celebrating the six year anniversary of taking on her Macclesfield business.
Proprietor Jo Bentley took on The Salt Bar in 2016, which describes itself as an independent café bistro, is open for lunch and evenings.
Originally from Knutsford, she left her comfortable career working for a chain restaurant to take on her dream of owning of own place.
The Salt Bar, which opened in 2013 on Macclesfield's Church Street, originally opened with a Scandinavian emphasis.
Jo has kept some of the business' original concept, but added her own flavour and her passion of freshly-cooked meals.
"We're an independent bistro for the community", she said.
"Our best seller is our Scandi-style meatballs in cream sauce with 100% British pork and beef. It comes with mash, cranberry sauce and pickled cucumber.
"The sharing board does well also, as it gives a full idea of our different flavours we have to offer.
"We've changed with the times as well, plant-based vegan foods have come into the menu and we have had to alter some of our dishes according to that."
The Salt Bar looks like a place that could be frequented by a TV chef. A small, homely interior with a cool, cultivated vibe.
There are cosy cushion-propped benches and trendy bar stools to perch yourself on. The stripped-back music playlist and oxygenating plants adds to the cosy feel.
The venue can seat about 35 people, which makes it not too big to lose atmosphere, but not too small for if you wanted to hire the place out for a party.
Other menu items include a bourbon glazed cauliflower along with a sweet potato and ricotta gnocchi.
"The whole vibe is casual and friendly, and for you to take your time," added Jo.
"I use independent and local suppliers to keep my prices affordable.
"I get my meat from across the road and fish from Cheshire Fish, so it is all local, and the quality is just fantastic."
Having seen our high street change with internet shopping, COVID, and the recent cost of living crisis, Jo is keen to champion independent businesses across Macclesfield.
She has released a slew of viral Facebook posts encouraging people to support their independent businesses in town, which have attracted thousands of likes.
"I know that it is tough out there at the moment for everyone," she continued.
"I am not anti-chain, but when people see a quiet place they won't go in, so they'll go for somewhere more popular which tends to be the bigger places.
"I want to try and encourage people to change their mindset and think that places are only empty because of everything that is going on right now.
"Just going into somewhere new and having a coffee makes that business' day.
"I love being a business on Church Street, it is quaint with it's own little community feel.
All the business, we're all friends with each other. We help each other out and try and promote The Castle Quarter as a whole. And we'd love more people to come down."
Her local ethos is also shown with the desserts, which feature home-grown rhubarb and gooseberries from Jo's garden.
The Salt Bar also uses Cheshire Egg Company eggs (Congleton) and cheese from Chestergate.
They also make their own cakes, which can be taken advantage of with their coffee and a cake deal for £4. The beans come from The Little Coffee Roastery of 8 Little Street.
They also have Macclesfield drinks brands such as Wincle Brewery, Crag Spring Water and SiDa on the menu.
Jo employs eight, including her sister Milly, with all staff being from our town. Jo's business partner's daughter also works at the Macclesfield eatery.
The Salt Bar has also seen a recent logo rebrand thanks to Macclesfield artist Sophie Hocking, who also has products sold at the entrance of The Salt Bar.
As well recently launching a new set menu, The Salt Bar have recently joined Deliveroo as well, so you can enjoy their food at home.
The Salt Bar is located at 23B Church St, Macclesfield SK11 6LB.
Their opening hours are as follows:
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Please note: The kitchen shuts slightly earlier than the advertised closing time.
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