the cellar

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exquisite cuisine by Executive Chef, Craig

Nestled beneath the vaulted brick ceilings of Hillbark, The Cellar exudes charm and sophistication. Its walls of glass display over 2,500 bottles of fine wine, creating an atmosphere that is both contemporary and romantic. This intimate setting combines modern style with timeless elegance, offering a truly unique dining experience.

Culinary Perfection

The Cellar Restaurant

A Gourmet Escape

Seated in plush orange leather chairs at tables dressed in crisp Irish linen, diners indulge in meals served on Limoges porcelain and paired with the finest European crystal glassware. To elevate the ambiance, guests can enjoy live performances by resident pianist Graham Matthews, creating an unforgettable evening of fine dining, elegance, and entertainment.

Executive Chef, Craig meticulously curates a menu that embodies the pinnacle of culinary artistry, offering three extraordinary tasting experiences: the Signature Tasting, the Fish Tasting, and the Vegetable Tasting. Each dish is a celebration of the finest local produce, with ingredients sourced from the region’s most respected suppliers, ensuring a fresh and sustainable approach to every meal. Hillbark’s in-house butchery allows for the preparation of the finest cuts of meat, expertly crafted to enhance the natural flavours and textures of each dish.

As a 2AA Rosette awarded restaurant, The Cellar stands as a true testament to culinary excellence. The Cellar is where luxury, character, and award-winning cuisine meet in perfect harmony. 

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About Us

We pride ourselves on a dedication to the very best of British craftsmanship, extending far beyond the kitchen and into every aspect of the dining experience. From the artisan crockery and Irish damask linen to the meticulously crafted Sheffield silver cutlery that took four years to perfect, we believe that every detail should enhance the joy of dining. Even the stag-handled steak knives are designed to fit perfectly in your hand, a small yet significant touch that speaks to our commitment to quality.

With every dish, Chef Baker’s unwavering attention to detail shines through, as he creates each plate from scratch using only the highest quality ingredients. This dedication to excellence has earned the restaurant its prestigious 2 AA Rosettes, a testament to the skill, passion, and care that defines every dining experience at The Cellar.

“I love it when guests tell me that they feel connected to my food. It is important to me that my dishes create an emotion, for example joy, amusement or happiness, or even restore a memory.”

~ Executive Chef, Craig

Our Accolades

Since opening in August 2002, Hillbark has consistently received recognition for its exceptional cuisine. Notably, in 2012, we were awarded our first 2 AA Rosettes under the direction of Stewart Warner. This tradition of culinary excellence continued and in 2024, Hillbark achieved the coveted 2 AA Rosettes again, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects his dedication, innovation, and the ongoing commitment to outstanding dining.

Every meal served is an invitation to experience the pinnacle of gastronomic achievement, where every dish is a masterpiece. Whether you’re enjoying a Tasting Menu in the Cellar or indulging in the unique Chef’s Table experience, you’re in the hands of a culinary master dedicated to making your dining experience unforgettable.

“You might find a perfectly balanced dish of oyster, shallot, dill and elderflower, delicious enough to turn any oyster ‘hater’”.

~ Euan Davidson, The AA

Our Food: The Best of British

Our philosophy is simple: to celebrate the finest British ingredients with every dish, all sourced from local, sustainable suppliers.

From Welsh beef, lamb, and pork from Kinmel Bay, to chicken and duck from Goosnargh, and venison from Bowland, every ingredient arrives as a whole animal and is butchered in-house, ensuring maximum flavour and minimal waste. Our fish and shellfish are sourced from the shores of Birkenhead and Anglesey, all caught sustainably and chosen for their superior freshness.

We work closely with long-standing partners to bring you the best seasonal produce, while our chefs continue to forage for unique ingredients, sharing their discoveries and passion with our guests.

Signature Tasting

The Cellar’s signature Tasting Menu is an immersive culinary journey that showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared with creativity and precision. Each course is designed to complement the next, taking diners on a thoughtfully curated experience that balances innovation with classic techniques. Ideal for special occasions or simply celebrating the art of fine dining, this menu is a true expression of passion and philosophy.

TASTING MENU

Tasting of Fish

For lovers of the ocean’s bounty, our Tasting Menu of Fish offers a refined exploration of the freshest seafood. Expect delicate, flavour-forward dishes that highlight sustainable catches and thoughtful pairings. Perfect for pescatarians, this menu brings out the purity and elegance of the sea in every bite, delivering an experience both light and luxurious.

Tasting of fish

Tasting of Vegetables

Elevating the humble vegetable to new culinary heights, our Tasting Menu of Vegetables is a celebration of the garden’s richness. Featuring a vibrant array of seasonal produce, this menu offers inventive preparations that emphasise natural flavour and texture. Each dish is carefully composed to surprise and delight, showcasing how plant-based dining can be as indulgent, intricate, and satisfying as any fine dining experience.

tasting of vegetables

Chef's Table

The Chef’s Table offers a truly unique dining experience, where guests are immersed in the heart of the kitchen. Positioned at the kitchen pass, guests can watch our talented chefs in action, witnessing the skill, precision, and artistry that go into every dish.

The ambience of the kitchen, from the sizzling sounds to the aroma of fresh ingredients, creates a dynamic environment that enhances the overall experience.

With up to 24 guests seated around the table, this exclusive experience allows diners to interact with the culinary team, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and even follow the cooking process on our 56” TV, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action. Perfect for private events, special occasions, or an unforgettable evening.

To book your Chef’s Table experience, contact us at +44 151 625 2400 or email dining@hillbarkhotel.co.uk

Our Wine

We are proud to offer a wine collection that spans over 600 artisan selections, showcasing exceptional producers from around the world. Each wine has been carefully chosen not only for its quality but for the joy it brings to the senses, ensuring that every bottle has the power to make you smile.

With an extensive range, including more than 20 varieties of Rosé, we offer everything from timeless ‘Old World’ classics to rare ‘New World’ discoveries. Whether you’re selecting the perfect pairing to elevate your dining experience in our 2AA Rosette Restaurants, or unwinding with a glass in one of our lounges, we offer a wine for every occasion and every palate.

wine list & pairings

The Team

Under Craig’s leadership, the kitchen is a hub of energy and creativity, where each individual is nurtured to fulfil their potential. Craig believes in the power of mentorship, guiding his team members to continually refine their craft and elevate the guest experience. His unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that Hillbark remains a place of culinary distinction, where every dish reflects the passion and expertise of the team behind it. 

“I am so proud of the team as they each assist us all to be the best we can be.”
~ Executive Chef, Craig

We pride ourselves not only on our culinary skills but also on nurturing and passing on this expertise to our team, ensuring that excellence is reflected in every aspect of our service.

Our Careers

Are you passionate about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary? Do you have a keen eye for perfection, and the drive to continuously enhance the guest experience?

We invite talented and self-motivated individuals to join our dynamic team at Hillbark, where we are dedicated to delivering exceptional food, wine, and service. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work in an environment that celebrates culinary excellence, fosters personal growth, and encourages creativity.

Please email your CV and a cover letter outlining why you want to be part of our team to careers@contessahotels.co.uk

We can only consider applications from individuals eligible to live and work in the UK.

Dress Code

Strictly no sportswear or denim e.g. jeans, tracksuit bottoms, hooded sweatshirts and trainers of any description. We would like our guests to be able to express their own individual style, however, we find the majority of our guests like to dress smartly.

Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in your reservation not being fulfilled and the full cancellation policy will apply.

Off-Site Dining

If you have a special location in mind, we can bring the Hillbark dining experience directly to you.

Our expert team of chefs and front-of-house staff will deliver the same high-quality service and culinary excellence that you would expect in our restaurant, ensuring your event is memorable.

From exquisite dishes to impeccable service, we tailor each offsite experience to create a truly unforgettable meal for you and your guests, wherever your celebration may be.

To book your off-site dining experience, contact us at +44 151 625 2400 or email dining@hillbarkhotel.co.uk

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Wine Tastings

We are proud to offer a wine collection that spans over 600 artisan selections, showcasing exceptional producers from around the world, including “The Judgements of Hillbark”. Each wine has been carefully chosen not only for its quality but for the joy it brings to the senses, ensuring that every bottle has the power to make you smile. With an extensive range, including more than 20 varieties of Rosé, we offer everything from timeless ‘Old World’ classics to rare ‘New World’ discoveries. Whether you’re selecting the perfect pairing to elevate your dining experience in our 2AA Rosette Restaurants, or unwinding with a glass in one of our lounges, we offer a wine for every occasion and every palate.

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Vouchers & Experiences

Treat someone special to an unforgettable culinary experience at Hillbark with our exclusive dining vouchers and experiences. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply offering the gift of exceptional dining, our vouchers allow the recipient to enjoy a memorable meal in our luxurious setting. Choose from a variety of dining experiences, from indulgent tasting menus crafted by our 2AA Rosette-awarded chef to exquisite afternoon teas and private dining events. Perfect for any occasion, our vouchers are a thoughtful way to give the gift of fine dining.

coming soon

Gift Shop

Discover a curated selection of indulgent treats and elegant essentials in our Gift Shop. Whether you’re looking for the perfect memento of your visit or a thoughtful gift, our collection includes handcrafted Hillbark chocolates, carefully selected wines from our award-winning Cellar Restaurant, and a range of exclusive kitchenware and culinary accessories. Each item is chosen to reflect the quality and character of Hillbark, allowing you to bring a touch of our five-star experience home with you.

Hillbark Membership

members enjoy access to a range of privileges

Including 20% off all dining experiences and so much more!

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