A vibrant Northern suburb has been named one of the trendiest postcodes in Britain thanks to its “indie spirit and cool café culture” – and it’s not in Manchester!
Hoole is vibrant suburb just outside Chester and has long been a favourite among locals for its strong community feel, independent shops, and stylish Victorian terraces. Often compared to London’s Notting Hill – earning it the nickname “Notting Hoole” – the area has now been recognised as one of the UK’s most desirable places to live for 2025.
It’s one of several Northern spots to feature on the list by The Sunday Times, which also named Hull has a haven for “real Northern hipsters” thanks to its thriving culture, food, and art scene.
In Cheshire, the judges singled out Hoole’s CH2 postcode for its buzzing high street and a selection of top-tier restaurants and cafés. The area is home to renowned chef Gary Usher’s Sticky Walnut.
Victoria Brzezinski and Hannah Evans reporting for The Times said: “Beyond bagging a reservation at the neighbourhood favourite Sticky Walnut, the chef Gary Usher’s flagship bistro (the rotation of hearty dishes includes chicken schnitzel and ox heart kebabs), foodies can head to Okells for breads, spreads and silky flat whites, or there are brill brunches on offer at Little Yellow Pig, a thoroughly cute cafe.”
The Faulkner is another hotspot and the village’s go-to gastropub, while Hoole Food Market offers organic produce and veg boxes that have become a staple for locals. The neighbourhood also boasts boutique shopping, yoga classes, and a welcoming atmosphere that has drawn creative professionals and young families alike.
Leann Shaw, who owns Hoole Food Market, isn’t surprised by the village’s ascent as one of the country’s coolest places. She described it as “a lovely social shopping experience.”
The accolade comes after tourism leaders from Chester and nearby Wrexham recently pledged to work closer together to bring more visitors to the region and encourage them to stay longer after the area saw an increase in interest after Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham FC.
In a meeting organised by Marketing Cheshire and Destination Wrexham, and led by Visit England and Visit Wales, the leaders are looking at ways of capitalising on Wrexham’s “Hollywood football fairytale” and combining it with the wider tourism offer of Chester, Cheshire and North Wales. Hoole’s cool new vibe certainly won’t hurt that mission.
Colin Potts, Chair of Destination Chester, a group of the city’s tourism and hospitality leaders, last year said: “Wrexham’s growing profile provides a wonderful opportunity for joint marketing projects, not least because of Chester’s proximity and excellent accommodation offer. When you then combine that with the history and industrial heritage both sides of the border, the Unesco World Heritage Sites at Jodrell Bank and Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, when we join forces, we have an outstanding visitor offer.”
Other postcodes included in the coolest list include Farsley in Leeds (LS28) and Newport in Pembrokeshire, Wales (SA42).
