Stambridge Lakes Restaurant renowned as a 'guilty secret'

Andy Conroy opened the Lakes Restaurant in Stambridge Road, Stambridge, with his wife Amanda, a chef, seven years ago.

“It’s not just a business, it’s our way of life,” Andy, 60, said.

Owner Andy and head chef Gary. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“We get lots of regulars and people who are just discovering us for the first time.

“It’s like a guilty little secret. Word of mouth is so important as we don’t advertise.”

The Lakes is aptly named after the two lakes found on the site at Stambridge Fisheries.

Views can be enjoyed from the restaurant's deck. (Image: Gary Watty)

It seats 40 diners in a stylish and modern restaurant, complete with a bar. In the summer, it can seat an additional 40 people on the lakeside deck.

However, owner Andy admits times have been tough for restaurants overall.

He added: “It’s been a particularly difficult few years for the hospitality industry. We’re not central like Leigh Broadway, so people travel a long way to see us, which is quite humbling. That’s mainly down to our staff, and the quality of our food.

“They’re really lovely local people.”

Top dishes include prawn cocktail and crayfish tails. (Image: Gary Watty)

Head chef Gary Watty has worked at the Lakes since 2021.

He said: “The setting is lovely. The lake and our food are totally unique.

Diners at the restaurant. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“Looking out at that view is really good for relieving any stresses.

“We get really busy in the summer, but everyone mucks in. We’re a good team.”

The deck can seat 40 diners. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Gary butchers chickens on-site, to reduce food waste and ensure “good quality”.

He added: “You know exactly what’s on your menu if you do it yourself.

Local fisherman enjoy the site's two lakes. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“Being on a lake, our fish dishes sort of go hand in hand. Our haddock and crayfish ploughman's and salads are very popular.

Waitresses Sue Richards, Gill Ratford and Lauren Sheridan. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Waitress Sue Richards, 57, said: “The view is absolutely stunning in the summer.

“It’s not like coming to work. The atmosphere is just great, as everyone’s so friendly.”

The restaurant is nestled away off Stambridge Road. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Regular diner David Tite describes the restaurant as “very pleasant”.

He said: “It’s the full package, with the enjoyable food and nice setting. During the summer, this place is so enhanced by the view.”

Diners David Tite and Alison Ware. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

New customer Alison Ware said: “It’s obviously very popular. It was packed when we came in, which is always a good sign.

“The food is lovely, and there’s a good selection.”