Gather your friends, sip on a crafted cocktail, and indulge in a tempting selection of small plates.
Bench Bistro Bar in Congleton is a vibrant cocktail bar and bistro with a difference. Known for its distinctive dining experience by serving dishes on miniature picnic benches. The menu features a variety of small dishes, including lamb lollipops, Dr Pepper chicken wings, popcorn mussels, mac 'n' cheese, pork belly, and baked camembert. Additionally, Bench Bistro Bar offers a unique afternoon tea experience and an amazing selection cocktails and drinks from the bar.
Watch out for their great offers
During January you can get 25% off everything on these days:
Mondays, Tuesdays (excluding Congleton), Thursdays & Fridays (12 PM - 5 PM)
Happy Hour
20% off all drinks
Friday 5 -10pm
Saturday 3 - 6pm
The Menu
The menu features a variety of small dishes, including lamb lollipops, Dr Pepper chicken wings, popcorn mussels, mac 'n' cheese, pork belly, and baked camembert. Additionally, Bench Bistro Bar offers a unique afternoon tea experience with savory items like curried falafel lollipops and mini beef burgers, complemented by sweet treats such as lemon fondant cake and mini doughnuts.
The cocktail selection is extensive, featuring classics like the Pornstar Martini and Daiquiri, alongside signature creations such as the 'Gummy Bear' and 'Watermelon Sugar High.' The interior decor is vibrant and playful, adorned with garden gnomes, hummingbirds, and a pick 'n' mix station, creating an Instagram-friendly atmosphere.
Top Info
🕐 Food Served Mon & Thurs 12 – 8pm, Fri & Sat 12 – 8.30pm. Sunday 12 – 5pm
🍔 Choice of small plates
🧺 Served on a wooden picnic bench
🍰 Amazing afternoon teas available
🌺 Cosy booths and vibrant interior
🍹 Gorgeous Cocktails
👶 Kid friendly
🪑 Outdoor seating
🌍 30-34 Lawton Street, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1RS
We headed out for a family lunch on Sunday and ended up spending the entire afternoon, enjoying great food, drinks, and chatting together.
A staff member recommended ordering 3-4 plates per person, but since we were two adults and two children, we opted for three plates each, along with an extra bowl of olives. This turned out to be more than enough for our family of four. I simply wish we had food for pudding as their fondue picnic table looked amazing. Ill have to go back!!!
The concept of small plates is perfect—you can either pick a couple of delicious options for yourself or order a variety to share in the middle of the table. It creates a wonderful atmosphere for sharing, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed, sociable meal with family and friends over a few drinks.
Our Personal Favourites
"Chicken n Cheese Balls" - these were outstanding, I'd never had anything like these before. Soft tasty filling covered in a crispy breadcrumb with a fruity dip.
"Lamb Lollipops" -my husbands favourite, really succulent meatballs covered in rich gravy
"Chicken Wings" - my youngest really enjoyed these, they had a tangy sauce on and the bucket was endless it had so many wings in.
"Cauliflower Wings" - a massive portion of crispy coated cauliflower with a great flavour.
"Roast Potatoes" - these were so crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside
"Pot of olives" - which had garlic gloves and pepper in too.
Our Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, it's the kind of place you can return to repeatedly, always finding something new to try. The concept is perfect for a relaxed, enjoyable meal or casual drinks with a few bites. The menu caters to a diverse range of tastes and dietary needs, with gluten-free options clearly marked and an impressive selection of vegetarian dishes. Several standout dishes were particularly delicious, and while the menu isn’t overly fancy or elaborate, it offers fantastic options with unique and intriguing flavors. It’s truly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
👶Children's Menu
They offer a special children's menu featuring a 'Pick n Mix' option, which includes classic kid-friendly choices like chicken nuggets or hot dogs. There are options like noodles or flatbread pizza too.
For those little ones feeling adventurous, they can easily order from the main menu as well. The small plate portions are perfectly sized for children, making it a great dining experience for all.
🍹Cocktails
What truly impressed me at Bench was their cocktails. The extensive menu was packed with fun, colorful, and delicious creations. My personal favourite was the Lemon Meringue—it was a delight to watch the bartender craft it, and even more delightful to drink.
They’ve even taken creativity to the next level with a cocktail-filled picnic bench, adding a playful twist to the experience!
🍰Afternoon Tea
I've previously enjoyed their afternoon tea, which is just as fantastic. It's fun, vibrant, and a refreshing twist on the traditional spread. Instead of finger sandwiches, you get mini burgers, corn on the cob, and falafel. The experience is topped off with a delectable trifle, donuts, and scones, all beautifully presented on their signature picnic bench.
Click here to read more about their afternoon tea
I would definitely recommend trying out Bench Bistro.
It is something that little bit different.
Press Visit Jan 2025
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