Bents Artisan Market
Located in Warrington, Cheshire.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Warrington worth knowing about before or after the market.
Photo: Tom Hurst
A well-loved countryside pub on Heath Lane in Croft, three miles from Bents. Cosy and dog-friendly with a large beer garden and a glowing reputation for its Sunday roast — the beef and gammon are both outstanding, with generous portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Open Sundays from noon. A perfect rural complement to a market day at Bents.
“We love this pub - the landlord and landlady are very friendly and really seem to put their heart into the pub. It's beautifully kept and dog-friendly, so perfect to stop in after a good walk. I really miss the amazing breakfasts they used to do and hope they bring them back at some point!”
Photo: The Raven Inn
A thriving community-owned pub on Warrington Road saved from demolition by local residents and now one of the most loved boozers in the area. Original beams, a real fire, excellent flat iron steaks, proper pub grub and a cracking selection of ales including Titanic Plum Porter. Open Sundays from noon. Dog-friendly with a large car park to the rear.
“We booked a table at The Raven for a Saturday lunch six of us escaping the gloomy weather to enjoy a proper pub catch-up. From the moment we walked in, it felt warm and homely. Wooden floorboards, cosy décor, a solid traditional bar exactly what you want from a countryside-style pub. The atmos...”
Photo: The Glazebury Pub & Kitchen
A welcoming pub and kitchen on Warrington Road, a short walk from Bents along the same road. Home-cooked food, generous portions and a warm atmosphere — the Sunday roast and meatballs come highly recommended. Dog-friendly with a lovely outdoor space in summer. Open Sundays from noon. Rooms available for those making a weekend of it.
“We had a fantastic meal with friends. The food was great. The meatballs are huge and delicious! Very good value for money. Home cooked food. I didn't have dessert but the cakes are very nice, I've had them on another occasion. Restaurant was a bit chilly but it is January, even so, it could have...”
Photo: Gustavo Terrace Bar & Kitchen
A sophisticated bar and kitchen on Common Lane in Culcheth village, two miles from Bents. Beautifully presented modern European food — the scallops, sea bass and sirloin steak are standouts — in a stylish, intimate space with attentive service. Open Sundays from noon. Booking recommended. One of the finest restaurants in the Warrington area.
“We had a perfect valentines evening at Gustavo. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming accommodating and attentive. The food was incredible we had scallops & crab toast for starter I was sad when it ended. Sea bass & sirloin steak for mains everything was fresh and beautifully pres...”
Photo: The Comfortable Gill
A highly rated independent pub sitting directly on Warrington Road, yards from Bents Garden & Home — the natural first stop after the market. Reviews regularly mention popping in after a visit to the garden centre, and with good reason: exceptional Sunday roasts made entirely from scratch, a lovely beer garden with play area, great real ales and genuinely welcoming staff. Dog-friendly and open from noon on Sundays.
“Amazing food and well kept beer with a good selection of wines. The Sunday lunch was amazing. We had a roast beef and a roast turkey. All done from scratch and you could tell. Honey glazed carrots, tender stem broccoli mash and amazing roasties and gravy to die for. Lovely staff and a great atmos...”
Photo: Marty's Kitchen & Bar Culcheth
A lively Polish-European restaurant and cocktail bar on Common Lane in Culcheth, two miles from Bents. Creative menu of classic and contemporary European dishes — the pork tomahawk, chicken supreme and mulled wine are firm favourites. Friendly and enthusiastic staff, great atmosphere and a resident magician on selected evenings. Open Sundays noon to 8pm.
“We absolutely love this place. The food is amazing, the staff are so lovely it's like going out and seeing your mates as they love to have a laugh with you. We've been a number of times and every time we have loved it. In fact we're going again tonight but this time taking the kids as they are de...”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
Photo: James Dooley
The host venue for the market and a destination in its own right — a multi-award winning family-run garden centre that has been growing since 1937. Now a 60-acre site with a food hall, butcher, 450-seat restaurant, Italian café, pet shop and dog-friendly café area. One of the North West's most visited garden centres with over a million visitors annually. Open Sundays 9am to 4:30pm.
“Late to put the review up, but the centre is very good. It has a great selection of stuff. This causes the problem of always spending too much after shopping, which is a great problem to have. 😂😂 I went at Christmas and was very happy with the stuff I bought. The store flows very well, whic...”
Photo: Elle H
A well-maintained public park in Birchwood, five miles south of Bents, with a large open field, children's play area, skate park, basketball court, BMX track and a community café serving hot food and drinks. Popular with dog walkers, joggers and families — free to enter at all times with good parking.
“Lovely park with a children's play area, interesting statues dotted around and lots of different paths for walks. There is also a really good cafe here that does great food and drinks and has a toilet too. Great place to visit.”
Photo: Unruly “Shadowmaru” Warrior
A free linear nature park on a disused railway line in Culcheth, two miles from Bents. Accessible walking paths through mature woodland and open meadow, with a ranger station and free parking on site. Dog-friendly and pleasant in all seasons — best visited spring through autumn. A quiet and easy post-market walk.
“Not to bad for a quick stroll Adequate parking available and quite nice scenery. Only problem I found was the amount of mud due to standing water at the far end preventing us from going any further. I thought the walk was a good bit further but due to said mud it was off limits for me and my furr...”
Places to Stay near Warrington
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.