It is delicatessen delight in our town, as The Cheshire Gap has re-opened today.

The Macclesfield deli has reinvented itself with a new bar and extended opening hours.

The food and drink hub, situated on 87 Mill Street used to serve business lunches before the pandemic.

But as lockdown began, their office lunch clientele faded, so after closing for a third time ahead of this year's lockdown, the Macclesfield eatery decided to reinvent itself.

The beautifully refurbished deli, which seats 35, will be open for 14 hours a day.

The Cheshire Gap have fed Macclesfield since 1994.

It was taken over by Matt Kirwan (30) in 2018, who has spearheaded this reinvention of the business

"We're so delighted to reopen", he said.

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"Whether it's for a pie and a pint, some wine and cheese, a cake and coffee or just to have a nosey and say hello we'd love to see you.

"A lot people remember what the store used to be, so we've kept a balance of familiar items you know and love, as well as by adding new items and modernising the place.

"We've remodeled so the deli will look brighter in the daytime, in the evening we've also got spider lights and lamps which gives it that warmer mood."

Their to-go menu includes freshly made deli sandwiches, samosas, bhaji, scotch eggs, sausage rolls, Lancashire pasties and pies.

The re-opened deli also offers their potato cakes and butter and potato pie, which are a much-loved centerpiece of their lunch offerings.

Biscuits, brownies, flapjacks and more sweet treats are also available.

They also have a sit in menu which will be available to order until 9pm.

It includes bagels, burgers and light bites. The menu caters for meat, veggie and vegan options.

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You can also take a piece of The Cheshire Gap home with you, as they make their own chutneys and celebration cakes which can be purchased.

"We've always had a fantastic mix of young and old Macclesfield customers and we have always appreciated that", added Matt.

"We didn't want to change that balance too much to put people off.

"We've got five amazing staff members, all of which have stuck by us since I took over the business.

"And we're looking to support takeaway delivery apps like the local business Macclesfield Eats."

The business, which had a busy Saturday night in their soft opening, stocks seven beers on draught and more drinks in bottles.

If you just want to come for coffee in the daytime, there is a selection of affordable brews and non-dairy milk options available.

Aside his customers, Matt's favourite thing about Macclesfield is walking in the Macc countryside, apt given the business is named after our town's position in the Cheshire Plain.

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You can follow The Cheshire Gap on Facebook.

They also have a website.

Earlier this month, we profiled Macclesfield's newest corner shop, which is also going for a hybrid business model.

Please click here to read that article.

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