Knutsford Christmas Bake Off Returns!

Knutsford’s Christmas bake off is back for 2026!

Hosted by Knutsford Bake Club and held at Knutsford Market Hall the event will take place on 28th November.

Bakers can drop off their entry at the market hall from 3.30pm ready for judging at 4pm. The age categories are:

4-11 years

12-17 years

18 plus

The prize for each category winner is a day in the kitchen at Li~Ly by Aiden Byrne.

Aiden Byrne, said, "We are delighted to see the Knutsford Christmas Bake Off return, run by our wonderful local bake club. While we won't be able to judge the entries—as we'll be fully hands-on in our own kitchen—we are thrilled to offer all three category winners a day in the kitchen at LI~LY by Aiden Byrne. Nurturing local culinary talent is something we care deeply about, and who knows? We might just discover the next rising star."

April Johnson, a Knutsford Bake Club member said, “We are excited to bring back Knutsford Christmas Bake-Off. The afternoon will be informal with bakes invited from all levels of bakers and the best thing is there is no theme! Biscuits, traybakes, sponges and traditional Christmas fayre are all welcome. There is nothing better than the aroma of fresh baking to get us all into the Christmas spirit. A huge thanks to Aiden Byrne for offering his valuable time as the prize!”.

Bakers are urged to register their interest via Knutsford Bake Club’s Facebook page or email hello@knutsfordmarket.co.uk

Photos – Bake Club members, April Johnson, Dee Griffiths, and Hannah Webb with Aiden Byrne of Li~Ly Restaurant.

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am to 4pm. The market is also open on Makers Market Sunday and during the Christmas market weekend. It is home to -

The Market Café

Garvey’s (opening in late November)
Cheshire Party Store

The Market Barber

Slipped Discs

Cheshire Craft Store

The Market Hall Butcher and Deli

Knutsford Mobile

Waterhouse’s Quality Foods

It also houses pop-up stalls at £20 per day.

LI~LY Restaurant by Aiden Byrne is an independent fine dining restaurant in the heart of Knutsford, Cheshire, owned and operated by chef-proprietor Aiden Byrne and Sarah Byrne.

LI~LY opened in November 2024, housed within a stylish contemporary restaurant space inside a beautifully restored 400-year-old black-and-white timber-clad building.

The restaurant offers five-course seasonal tasting menus for lunch (Thursday–Saturday) and nine-course seasonal tasting menus for dinner (Wednesday–Saturday).

LI~LY has been recognised by The MICHELIN Guide in both 2025 and 2026, acknowledging its exceptional culinary offering and overall dining experience.

In March 2026, LI~LY was awarded Three AA Rosettes, progressing to Four AA Rosettes at The AA Hospitality Awards on 21 September 2026.

In July 2026, LI~LY was named Cheshire Restaurant of the Year at the Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards.

At the 2026 Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards, Aiden Byrne also received the Outstanding Contribution to the Region and Industry Award, recognising his contribution to Cheshire’s food scene and the wider hospitality industry.

LI~LY’s award-winning sommelier Garry Clarke was ranked 5th in the Taylor’s Port Top 100 Sommeliers UK 2026, recognising his expertise and contribution to LI~LY’s wine programme.

LI~LY takes its name from Knutsford’s historic River Lily, often described locally as the smallest river in Europe, symbolising the Byrnes’ connection to the town and its heritage.

LI~LY combines contemporary elegance with warm, intuitive hospitality, alongside a carefully curated wine programme designed to complement its evolving seasonal menus.

The restaurant is independently owned and family-led, with Aiden and Sarah working closely with their small team to deliver the complete LI~LY experience.

About Aiden Byrne

Liverpool-born Aiden Byrne is one of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs.

His career has taken him through some of the country’s most prestigious kitchens, including The Dorchester, Pied à Terre and Manchester House. A familiar face on television, Aiden has appeared on programmes including Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.

In November 2024, Aiden and his wife Sarah opened LI~LY Restaurant by Aiden Byrne in Knutsford, creating an intimate fine dining destination centred around evolving seasonal tasting menus, exceptional produce, and genuinely warm hospitality.

In less than two years, LI~LY has quickly established itself as one of Cheshire’s leading independent restaurants, gaining recognition from The MICHELIN Guide, progressing from Three to Four AA Rosettes, and being named Cheshire Restaurant of the Year in 2026.

Aiden’s contribution extends beyond the restaurant. In July 2026, he received the Outstanding Contribution to the Region and Industry Award at the Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards, recognising his impact on Cheshire’s food scene and his wider contribution to the hospitality industry.

Beyond the kitchen, Aiden is a passionate advocate for the hospitality industry and wider community. He is a supporter of charities including Hospitality Action and The Seashell Trust, dedicating his time and profile to raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart. He is also an Ambassador for Safe to Trade, championing high standards, integrity, and professionalism across the sector.

Knutsford Bake Club 

Knutsford Bake Club was started by founder Lucy in 2012.

A group for lovers of baking to share experiences and friendships, explore bakes together, swap recipes, and much more.

They meet regularly in establishments in Knutsford (their way of supporting local businesses) and they bake to a theme, taste, and share.

They are a welcoming inclusive group. Open to all levels of bakers.

They hold a MacMillan charity Coffee Morning each September and support other local charities with bakes and judging throughout the year.

Contact April Johnson

april@btinternet.com