Not only is Hilltop Country House the most idyllic setting for your wedding but also is an amazing venue for all celebrations, especially those that are raising money for a charitable cause! Every year, we host at least one charity event. Back in June 2023, we held an event for JDRF, raising nearly £14,600. On Saturday, 28th October, we proudly looked after an East Cheshire Hospice Fundraiser and what a night it was!
160 guests attended the event, raising £15,495 for East Cheshire Hospice. Jason Walker, who approached us about the event, wanted to raise as much money as possible in memory of his mum. Plenty of local businesses sponsored the event, including Jleaf, MKP Developments, Platinum Independent Financial Services and Higgins Miller Solicitors. We donated the venue, our services, drinks, and a huge proportion of the bar profits.
After a social media post asking for a local photographer to capture the event, the response was overwhelming with suppliers all willing to give their time free of charge. As a result of this, Photographer David Murch and Videographer Lana Johnson captured the evening. Helen from Taylor Made Blooms Florist also kindly donated gorgeous fresh flowers to decorate the venue as well as a bouquet raffle prize.
The evening was a huge success and plenty of fun for everyone. Every guest brought a bottle for the raffle. It started with a glass of prosecco and a game of heads and tails. They were followed by a delicious 3-course meal cooked by the Hilltop kitchen team, finishing with bongo bingo, an auction, a raffle, and a cheese board for everyone to share! Two bands, Living on IO and North Room, entertained the guests in Hilltop’s nightclub.
It was a night full of love and local people coming together to put on a great evening for a special cause.
The chefs behind the menu
As an already award-winning venue with hundreds of fabulous reviews from happy guests, our mission to provide the very best in class continues apace. As well as many upgrades to the property and facilities, we are now looking to take our culinary offering to the next level.
We are very pleased to announce the arrival of acclaimed chef Paul Merrett who will work alongside the current kitchen team for wedding breakfast and event menus. Paul has twice been awarded a Michelin star and currently owns two award-winning gastro pubs in Southwest London. Paul spends time at Hilltop each month developing menus, training the kitchen team, and working on weddings and events.
Paul and Head Chef Iain Winnard are together focussing on all aspects of food delivery – sourcing the very best local suppliers, upgrading our crockery selection, modernising the menus, and maintaining outstanding delivery and service.
The East Cheshire Hospice Fundraiser was a great opportunity to witness the team in action. Paul and Iain were ably assisted by Simon and Diney in the kitchen. A hearty soup of roasted red pepper and tomato was finished with a fresh pesto made with herbs from Hilltop’s own kitchen allotment. This was followed by chicken stuffed with herby sausage meat and plated with chive mash and roasted heritage vegetables. Every banquet needs a stunning dessert, and on the night, our chocolate honeycomb torte hit the spot. Great food for a great event!
“The team from the Sunflower Centre would like to say a massive thank you for your hospitality and generosity on Saturday night. We had the best night and felt very humbled.” – East Cheshire Hospice.