An Offerton man has set up a remarkable intimate restaurant just a few miles away in Macclesfield, and it has since become the top rated restaurant in the town. 

Chef Mike Dodd took over 'Aquila' in July 2019, diversifying the menu from what was previously a predominantly Italian selection. He explained that he wanted to introduce new ideas and diversify the selection of cuisine in Macclesfield. 

"As an outsider, my favourite thing about Macclesfield is that it has a similar feel to my hometown of Stockport. It is a really nice, working town", Mike said. 

This is an intimate restaurant, with 14 seats on the floor and two at the bar. It specialises in small plates and tapas, and has the highest TripAdvisor score in Macclesfield.  

Other features of Aquila include a wood fire place, perfume in the bathroom, and a small seating area outside. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Stockport Nub News)

"Since I've run this place - touch wood - I've not had one dish sent back," Mike adds. 

"People always comment on how hot the food is. Well, it is hot because it comes straight from the pan to the table. 

"And because it is tapas style, you don't have to wait for all the food to be ready at once to send it. As soon as the dish is ready, it is brought out.

"Quite often I will bring the food out myself if my waiter is busy. Only six of us work here across the week.

"I do all the food side of the business myself, including getting the stock in the morning, after I have prepped and proved the homemade focaccia of course."

Dishes include a Chicken dijon with shallots, mushrooms, brandy, wine, dijon mustard and cream (bottom right). (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Stockport Nub News)

Popular dishes include patatas bravas, salt and pepper sausages, and garlic and chilli king prawns.

Readers can find many more dishes on the Aquila website. And if you do fancy the short drive for some cosy Mediterranean food, advance bookings are recommended as the place soon fills up.

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