A MUCH-LOVED wine bar and bistro hailed ‘a hidden gem in the heart of Knutsford’ is closing.

Copper 29 on Princess Street shuts today, Friday, December 30.

In an emotional message on social media, staff said: “Sadly, we are going to be closing our doors after three incredible years.

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“It has been a rollercoaster and the highlight has been all the great people that we have met along the way.

“We’ll be opening from 5pm, for one last night, this Friday, December 30.

“We hope to see you on Friday, and if you can’t make it, thank you for all your amazing support over the last three years and we wish you all the very best for 2023.”

Customers say they are ‘very sorry’ and will miss this ‘amazing place’.

Knutsford Guardian: Copper 29, named in the top eight venues in the Guardian Best Restaurants of 2022Copper 29, named in the top eight venues in the Guardian Best Restaurants of 2022 (Image: Copper 29)

Regular diners posted good luck messages, wishing staff well for the future.

One customer said: “This is such sad news, a wonderful place with amazing food and people. So sad to see Copper 29 go.

“Good luck with all your new adventures Vicky and the team.”

Another customer said: “We loved your place, incredible food in such a happy atmosphere.”

One regular added: “What a shame. Delicious food, great service and lovely atmosphere. We will miss the place. Good luck for the future.”

Her comments were echoed by another customer, who said: “I am so sorry to hear this. Your place is amazing, the food divine and the hospitality second to none.”

Knutsford Guardian: Copper 29 is closing 'after three incredible years'Copper 29 is closing 'after three incredible years' (Image: Google Maps)

The business opened in February 2020, just six weeks before the Coronovirus outbreak.

Two families, the Assinders and Fishers, teamed up to open the bistro bar, serving artisan coffee, wine and small plates.

The staff, all local to Knutsford, tried to stay open as long as possible during the pandemic, offering takeaways.

However, they had to close during lockdown but never gave up hope of creating their dream venture.

The team aimed to offer a bright and welcoming café by day and a relaxed wine bar and bistro from Thursday to Saturday evenings, serving ‘a delicious creative small plat menu from around the world’.

Their recipe for success won much acclaim with five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.

One diner said: “Copper is a little gem in the heart of Knutsford serving restaurant-quality food and with a great selection of wines, dessert and traditional cocktails.”

Another customer said: “Superb food and wines and just the place to go to relax, chill and enjoy yourself whether just for a drink or food.

“The homemade cakes are lovely and everyone is friendly and welcoming.”