Terrarium by Little Tap opens in Tarporley high street

Terrarium in Tarporley has welcomed its first customers.

It is the second venture of Myles Carr, following the success of craft beer bar Little Tap.

Having swung open its doors for the first time on Wednesday (September 4), Myles couldn’t be happier with how things have gone so far.

He said: “The first week has been amazing, almost as if I have been watching it happen.

“The team have so much enthusiasm and support for the business it really shone through and made the whole process so much easier.”

Terrarium's owner, Myles Carr (Image: Caroline White Photography)

Little Tap opened in a former butcher’s shop on Tarporley's high street in 2016.

Last year, Myles decided he wanted to separate the food and drink sides of the business.

So, he signed the lease to a unit just across the road from the bar, which had most recently been home to clothing boutique Rebel and Rain.

To help fund the project, Myles launched a community fundraising, aiming to bring in £100,000.

It took little more than two weeks to smash this target, with 432 backers pledging a total of £111,653.

These supporters have been commemorated in a specially commissioned piece of art on display in Terrarium, created by Luke Crump.

Luke Crump's artwork celebrating the people who financially backed Terrarium (Image: Caroline White Photography)

It was initially hoped that the restaurant would be ready to open in time for the summer, but this was pushed back due to a few unexpected delays.

Myles added: “It has just been a perfect end of a difficult journey, but the start of something really exciting!”

On how he has found running both Terrarium and Little Tap, he said: “The two businesses compliment each other so well.

“Over the weekend we saw guests frequent Little Tap before coming for dinner at Terrarium and then returning after, which gave them a full evening to enjoy.”

Inside Terrarium (Image: Caroline White Photography)

Terrarium’s menu focuses on small plates and utilises a host of local suppliers, including Oliver Perry Produce in Middlewich and Tarporley’s own Briscoe’s Dairy.

Sea bream, duck breast, breaded mushrooms and chateaubriand are just some of the dishes on offer.

For dessert, diners can enjoy treats including crème brûlée and fudge, as well as after dinner cocktails and dessert wines.

The launch menu (Image: Supplied)