Village compared to Notting Hill named one of UK's coolest places to live

The village of Hoole, a stone's throw from Liverpool, has earned a place as one of the UK's trendiest spots to live. Drawing comparisons to west London's Notting Hill, Hoole boasts an array of independent shops, bars, and restaurants, alongside picturesque Victorian terraces originally built for railway workers.

Located just a ten-minute walk from Chester train station, and roughly 40 minutes by car from Liverpool city centre, this award-winning village continues to thrive. Since being crowned Great British High Street of the Year in 2016, Hoole has remained a desirable place to live. The Times has recognised its postcode, CH2, as among the 11 coolest in the UK, the Liverpool ECHO reports.

The publication highlighted Hoole's "indie spirit and cool cafe culture", also noting the impact of renowned Chester-based chef and restaurateur Gary Usher's ventures in the area.

According to reporters Victoria Brzezinski and Hannah Evans: "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 Hoole's go-to gastropub, while the veg boxes from the wholefood store Hoole Food Market are a must.

"And the crowd? The east London creative Oliver Hooson is now a regular - he's currently renovating one of the smart Victorian red-bricks in his hometown - as well as cool young parents who have fled London for more space and Parent Power-approved state schools.

"If that's your scene, there's pregnancy yoga at Hoole Community Centre and baby-friendly classes at Barre Esthetique."

Hoole resident Innes North, who made the switch from Toxteth to Hoole, said: "I retired from working at BT when I was 67 and decided to move here to be near my daughter. It's a lovely place to live.

"My friends and family are in Liverpool, but they come here all the time for their holidays - I can't get rid of them! I don't miss Liverpool because it's so easy to go there in the train."

Leann Shaw, the proud proprietor of Hoole Food Market, said: "It's just a lovely social shopping experience here. You can buy what you need and you get to talk to the nice people behind the counter."

Kevin Bartlett, the face behind Hoptons Butchers, said: "Business is good, it's back to normal now after the pandemic. People come here for the quality of the produce and for the service. I think being able to buy what they want in small amounts is a big draw for them."

Meanwhile Sophie, who worked at the local community centre, said she loved Hoole and its "amazing community", but she cannot afford to live here because of high rents and property prices.