DOES mashed potato belong on a roast dinner?
According to Elliott Cooke it does but it needs to be the smoothest, creamiest mashed potato to go with the crispiest roast potatoes.
These are just two of the ingredients in Warrington’s Best Roast Dinner, which is served at Heaths 26 in Stockton Heath.
Each week, we will be searching for the best Warrington has to offer in different categories.
Ashleigh Hair and Beauty took the first Best of 2023 title – Best for Hair - in Warrington, Tomlins is officially Best for Pies and Bamboo Hair and Beauty was crowned Best for Nails.
Voting for Warrington’s Best for Cocktails is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Breakfast.
Next up was roast dinners and ten delicious Sunday bests in Warrington made the shortlist for Best for Roast Dinner 2023 with Heaths 26 beating off some tough competition and taking the coveted title.
Elliott is the owner and chef of the Walton Road venue, which is a family-run business offering eat in and takeaway breakfasts, salads and sandwiches as well as homemade soups, a variety of vegetarian and vegan options and, of course, the award-winning Sunday roast.
Elliott and his family moved to Stockton Heath in 2009 and at the age of 16 he started a chef’s apprenticeship at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel moving on to work in Michelin starred and fine dining restaurants in the UK and Portugal.
The crispy roast potatoes are a big hit (Image: Image supplied)
The 25-year-old opened Heaths 26 18 months ago in November 2021 with his brother carrying out the refurbishments and his parents advising him on the business and admin side.
Elliott said: “I have loved all the places I’ve worked and although I’m only young, I felt that he time was right to set up on my own.
“The offer to take over at Heaths came up and I jumped at the opportunity.
“Cooking is my passion and I love meeting people.
“Heaths gives me the opportunity to do both.
Roast dinners at Heaths are full of high quality, fresh ingredients but Elliott adds his own twist from time to time.
The Vimto cabbage was hugely popular as is the cauliflower cheese and the roast potatoes always get high praise.
The award-winning roast dinner at Heaths 26
Elliott said: Our roast potatoes are fantastic - even though I say so myself!
“The question we always get asked by customers is whether you should have mash with a Sunday roast and I always say yes.
“We serve the smoothest, creamiest mashed potato together with our crispy roast potatoes.
“We usually offer lamb or beef and a vegetarian or vegan option with a rich gravy and Yorkshire pudding.
“For dessert, sticky toffee pudding and bread and butter pudding are also on offer.”
Sticky toffee pudding is a great way to end your Sunday lunch
So, what do customers think about Heaths? Why did they think the venue should win Warrington’s Best for Roast Dinner 2023?
One nomination said: “This is a traditional Sunday roast with an excellent selection of vegetables including braised red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, roast parsnips and carrots.
“They always come topped with a homemade Yorkshire pudding.”
Another happy customer said: “This is a local, family business and their love of food clearly shows.”
Elliott said: “The greatest complement we get is that customers feel like part of the Heaths family.
“As a small, independent, family business, we aim to provide the personal touch together with high quality food.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and support of our team, who all contribute to the success and the family atmosphere at Heaths.
“With the increase in the number of people working from home, we always welcome customers who want to come in with their laptops and enjoy breakfast, lunch or a hot drink and a slice of cake.”
Heaths 26 on Walton Road in Stockton Heath
He added: “We were blown away by the support we received in the Warrington Guardian’s search for Best for Roast Dinner and our wonderful, loyal customers have helped us so much.
“We couldn’t have won this without their support and we’re so grateful to each and every one of them.”
Elliott is hoping to develop a range of artisan breads and cakes in the future and open the venue for evening bookings.
For more details go to facebook.com/Heaths-Kitchen-298850133495845
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