Michelin-Starred Restaurant Introduces UK's First Bottled Water Menu

A Unique Concept in the World of Fine Dining

A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant has taken a bold step by introducing Britain’s first bottled water menu. This innovative move was initiated by Joseph Rawlins, the 32-year-old co-owner and head chef of La Popote, a French fine dining restaurant located in Marton, near Macclesfield, Cheshire. The menu features bottles priced as high as £20, offering diners a new way to experience their meals.

Rawlins collaborated with Doran Binder, one of only five British water sommeliers, to create this unique selection. Binder, 52, spent seven months carefully curating the menu, which includes seven different bottled waters from across Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Iceland, and the UK. Prices range from £5 for his own Crag spring water to £19 for The Palace of Vidago, a Portuguese sparkling water.

Adapting to Changing Trends

Rawlins, who also oversees wine prices ranging from £28 to £400, noticed that fewer diners are opting for alcoholic beverages. This shift prompted him to introduce something different to keep up with the evolving market. He explained that the restaurant scene has changed significantly over the years, with more groups of two or four people instead of large tables. This means at least one person is often driving and not consuming alcohol.

Despite the novelty, the response has been positive. Rawlins described the initiative as “a bit of fun” and expressed excitement about where it might lead. Since taking over La Popote with his partner Gaëlle Radigon in 2019, the couple was listed in the Michelin Guide for the first time in December 2022.

Exploring the Potential of Water

Binder's award-winning water, Crag, has been available at the restaurant since 2018. The idea for a bottled water menu was first introduced to Rawlins in June 2023 during a water tasting event. Initially, the concept seemed unusual, but after the tasting, Rawlins realized that water could be much more than just a basic beverage.

According to Binder, the taste of water is influenced by the total dissolved solids (TDS) found in the liquid. These minerals, naturally absorbed from the earth, affect the flavor profile. TDS levels vary from low (0-50) to high (over 1,200), with Binder believing the ideal range is between 100 and 200.

Curating the Perfect Selection

For still water, Binder selected Icelandic Glacier Water, known for its sharp, dry, and metallic taste, priced at £12. He then chose Crag, a mid-range TDS option with a smooth, creamy mouth feel, priced at £5. From La Rioja, Spain, he included Brand 22, which offers a smooth mouth feel and delicate mineral taste, priced at £11.

When it comes to sparkling water, Binder picked Vichy Celastin for its delicate and sweet taste at £9, and The Palace of Vidago for its delicate and salty flavor at £19. For mid-range TDS, he selected sparkling Crag, while Lauretana, a low TDS option, was chosen for its sharp and dry mouth feel with a metallic taste, priced at £12.

A New Market Opportunity

Binder shared that he had been working on the concept of a water menu for the past three to four years, struggling to find a restaurant willing to take it on. Many initially thought it was a joke or a gimmick. However, when La Popote agreed to collaborate, it marked an exciting milestone.

He emphasized that the goal was to provide a quality range of interesting water that elevates the dining experience for non-drinkers. By offering water with a story and unique qualities, he aims to give diners a special and memorable experience.

Launching the Water Menu

La Popote’s water menu will be fully launched on Friday, August 22. This initiative not only highlights the growing interest in alternative beverages but also showcases the potential of water as a refined and thoughtful choice in the world of fine dining.