It’s one of Cheshire’s most famous fine dining restaurants, and owners have made a major announcement

Pecks, near Congleton in Cheshire

A renowned fine dining restaurant in Cheshire has made a surprise announcement about its future plans. Pecks, near Congleton, has been a mainstay of the gourmet dining scene for the past 40 years.

It has welcomed many famous guests over the years, and hit global headlines when it hosted Harry Styles’ mum’s wedding in 2013, with the pop superstar in attendance.

Pecks is currently located in a landmark building on the main A34 into Congleton in the village of Moreton. But owners Pear Hospitality have now made a major announcement on social media about its future.

For Pecks is to close at its current location in February – and then relocate its chef and staff to reopen as Pecks inside Pear Hospitality’s Lion and Swan pub in Congleton town centre.

Pecks is famed for its “Dinner at 8” concept – where everyone arrives at the same time for evening meals. The AA Rosette restaurant also offers a unique presentation style with the options for each course walked around every table in the dining room and explained to guests before they make their choice of starters, mains and desserts.

Posting a statement on its Facebook and Instagram accounts, the Pecks announcement said: “After trading for more than 40 years, in 2025, Pecks will move just 2 miles away to a new premises at the rear of the Lion & Swan in Congleton.

“This is a perfect match, as the Rosette accredited culinary delights of Pecks will be suited with our AA 5 Star Inn. Pecks will now offer an exceptional overnight stay to accompany a dining experience you will cherish forever.”

It added: “The Pecks team will be moving too, ensuring a smooth and consistent Pecks experience in the new premises. This is an exciting opportunity for Pecks to renew its unforgettable dining experience with a fresh new restaurant and kitchen.

“Guests can expect the famous ‘Dinner at 8’ tasting menu to remain, but will be elevated with new surroundings, atmosphere and overall experience. Pecks will continue its exceptionally popular High Tea, along with an exquisite Sunday Lunch.”

Pecks will move to the historic Lion & Swan in Congleton, fresh from its multi-million pound refurbishment
They continued that Pecks will remain open in its current premises through January, with its last service being Sunday, February 2. It will then reopen on Friday, February 7 in its new venue.

Bosses say if you have a booking at Pecks after this date, they will be in touch to confirm the details.

Meanwhile the existing Pecks restaurant site is to be converted into a new “American concept” venue. Bosses have teased their plans saying: “Pear Hospitality has exciting plans for the future of the existing Pecks property on the A34.

“Expect a new, innovative and ‘unapologetically American’ concept, that is sure to leave a smile on your face. More news on this soon.”

Diners have also been assured that any gift cards for Pecks remain valid, and can be redeemed at any Pear Hospitality venue or at Pecks once the move has been completed. Pear also owns gastropubs The Wheatsheaf in Sandbach and The Bluebell in Smallwood.

Inside the refurbished The Lion & Swan, Congleton where Pecks will be moving to (Image: Pete Stonier/Stoke Sentinel)
They concluded the statement saying: “Thank you to our valued guests for supporting Pecks for 40 years, we look forward to welcoming you for many more years to come!”

The move was broadly welcomed by customers and followers, who took to social media to respond to the announcement.

Steve Bennett said: “Wow, so looking forward to visiting the new venue. Ironically, when we were at Pecks in November, it felt a little crowded, so hopefully there will be plenty of space in the new venue.”

Adam George said: “DINNER AT EIGHT is a phenomenal experience. Can’t wait to experience this again in your new premises. Good luck with the move.” Helen Allen added: “Great news for the town centre. Best of luck.”

The Lion & Swan reopened in Congleton in 2023 following a £2million refurbishment by Pear Hospitality. The premises boasts a bar area to the front and currently the Leone Italian restaurant at the rear. There is also a boutique hotel on the first floor.