LOCALLY sourced produce and a seasonally changing menu are the key ingredients for success for independent restaurants, according to a restaurateur celebrating the tenth anniversary of his Hale eatery.

Amba, a family-owned independent restaurant in the heart of the village, is celebrating as it’s been successfully keeping the plethora of chain restaurants at bay for 10 years.

Run by husband and wife team, Ryland and Judith Wakeham, in partnership with Judith’s brother David Edmundson, Amba has been serving up locally sourced food for a decade, attracting diners from across Cheshire and beyond.

Amba proprietor Ryland Wakeham, said: “Since day one of Amba we have been dedicated to providing fine, affordable neighbourhood dining to the people of Cheshire.

“Over the past 10 years more and more ‘chain’ restaurants have been opening in the area and we’re proud to be able to provide local people with a local service. We source most of our ingredients from local farmers and greengrocers; even our beer is from just up the road in Dunham Massey. It’s important for us to support the local farming industry.

“Many of our staff have been with us since day one and we believe that’s also a key part to our success; not only do we serve delicious food we also offer a dining experience with a personal, community feel. Over the years, the Amba team has developed such strong relationships with diners they view them now more as friends than customers.”

As part of its 10th birthday celebrations the restaurant is paying homage to one of its key ingredients for success by serving the ultimate Cheshire menu which has been created by past and present Amba head chefs.

Ryland added: “Our plans for the future are to keep serving great food and offering interesting culinary experiences, like the current Cheshire menu, the retro coronation banquet we created to mark the Diamond Jubilee and our Gin O’Clock cocktail menu. We love to hear what our customers want to try and task our head chef to create it.”

Formerly known as the Hale Wine Bar, the Wakehams and David took over the restaurant in November 2002 and completely renovated and expanded the building and kitchens. The team also own the White House Manor Hotel in Prestbury and Napa Lounge and Bar in Bramhall.

Amba is serving a birthday Cheshire menu until November 30. Local delicacies include Arley wild boar, Cheshire smokehouse salmon, Lyme Park venison and Nantwich salt cod.