NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS has been thriving in recent years thanks to its growing collection of independent businesses, community events, and accessible transport links.
While Newton has always been a popular place due to its close proximity to the M6 and neighbouring towns and cities, its reputation has been on an upward trajectory in recent years.
A large part of this success is down to the the growing variety of independent businesses on the town's High Street, from cafes, bars, and restaurants, to clothes, craft, and beauty shops.
The town's parks, canals, and community events are other reasons why people choose to visit Newton-le-Willows, with the area benefitting from a £18m makeover of its railway station in 2019 and lying on the busy Manchester to Liverpool railway line.
So as local folk enjoy trips to Newton due to its offer and convenience, the Star has picked out five of the best businesses for visitors to try.
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Verona
Launching along Newton's bustling high street in 2017, Verona Kitchen & Bar has prided itself on providing customers with the highest quality meals, with ingredients imported from Italy or from award-winning local suppliers.
With these ingredients helping to curate a mouth-watering menu - full of wood-fired pizzas, freshly-made pastas, and sumptuous specials - the family business has been rated as Newton's top-rated restaurant on Trip Advisor for several years.
In fact, the five-star reviews have been so plentiful that the business achieved a 'Traveller's Choice' award last year; an accolade that recognises the restaurant among the top 10% of global listings on Trip Advisor.
In recent months, the Italian restaurant has created a light lunch menu, maintained its five-star food hygiene rating for the fifth year, and has been offering a 'kids eat free' offer throughout the summer holidays.
Riddling Rack
Launching as a cafe bar in 2018, Riddling Rack has adapted to the various crises and changing trends that have occurred in recent years, while always retaining a relaxed atmosphere to grab a coffee, a glass of wine, or a bite to eat.
Switching its focus from quality wines to premium cocktails in recent months, the business regularly updates its food menu to keep things fresh for customers. Current options include sandwiches, toasties, small plates, and charcuterie platters.
To make the most of its High Street space, the Riddling Rack has also refurbished the premises to provide extra space and private events in its upstairs lounge.
The bar will also host a comedy show next month, and has attracted lots of new faces and business partnerships this year.
Shakey J's
Launching as a milkshake and dessert shop in 2016, Shakey J's slowly developed its reputation as a tasty treat venue on High Street in Newton-le-Willows, and became well known for its rewards offered to well-behaved pupils at local schools.
Following a move into a larger premises a few doors down the high street in early 2023, this allowed the family business to expand its menu and offer more dining space to customers.
On top of milkshakes, ice creams, and waffles, the business now also offers Full English breakfasts, wraps and burgers, chicken wings and loaded fries, and more.
With a focus on providing fresh and high quality food at reasonable prices, the move also allowed the team to realise its goal of becoming a welcoming place for all the family.
This year, Shakey J's won the Star's 'Best Breakfast' competition for the second year in a row, and continues to offer rewards schemes to local schools and sponsor local sports teams.
Mamma J's
Mamma J’s, a family-run coffee shop, opened on Newton High Street in 2021, after former childminder Amanda Jackson's battle with blood cancer.
With the laidback coffee shop benefitting from the network of independent businesses in Newton, the business expanded with a downstairs seating area just a few months after opening.
With coffees, teas, smoothies and milkshakes on offer, the business also serves up a selection of fresh cakes, toasties, and paninis, as well as cooked breakfasts on at weekends.
Following the continued success of the business, Mamma J's further expanded with an outdoor seating area earlier this summer.
The Kirkfield
Located at far end of the High Street, The Kirkfield has become a popular establishment since opening its doors in 2018.
With the hotel, restaurant, and bar combining as three revenue streams for the independent business, the business has had growing support from visitors and the people of Newton.
The Kirkfield's hearty pub menu has been a driving force in attracting visitors to the venue, with classic options such as fish and chips, pie of the day, and Sunday roasts.
The bar's selection of cask ales is also a selling point, as well as the live music performances, high-quality service, and luxury beer garden.
While these businesses are a selection of reasons why people choose to visit Newton, there are a whole range of other venues worthy of a visit, including the recently-renovated Pied Bull pub or the cask-ale focused Firkin.
The recently revamped Cancello is another popular venue for Italian food and live music, as is the coffee and deli shop Fika.
Womenswear shop Willows and crystals and raeki business Pierce and Love also attract visitors to the high street, while the Red Bank family farm attracts people a little further away with its cosy cafe and tasty butchers.
Newton Grill has also been growing with its wide menu, meal preps, and themed nights in Wargrave, a little further down than the popular Victoria pub.
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