I have a confession to make… Just recently I ended up in court.

Thankfully, I wasn’t guilty of a misdemeanour, or – heaven forbid - a more serious crime.

My other half and I were invited to the Courthouse at Knutsford in Cheshire to see how its owners are converting it into an upmarket bar, restaurant and rooms.

Knutsford Crown Court closed in 2010 when judicial proceedings were moved to Crewe.

After lying abandoned and empty for seven years, the iconic Georgian building has been acquired by Flat Cap Hotels, a family-run hotel group, founded by brothers Oliver and Dominic Heywood in 2015.

Barristers Restaurant and Bar launched in the quirky old building in June.

The old Court Room has also been converted into one of the largest ballrooms in south Cheshire – with a banqueting capacity for 250 guests.

An exciting addition will be the Rooftop Gardens, to be opened soon as a cocktail and Champagne bar – along with additional event space.

Ten luxury bedrooms will be added before the end of the year, and an additional 40 bedrooms at the rear of the building in 2018.

Both Barristers restaurant and the ballroom are stunning spaces, with a wealth of history and fabulous architecture.

Artist James Blankhorn was commissioned to create portraits of famous past ‘convicts’ to adorn the walls of the restaurant – and he did not disappoint.

While dining or sipping elegant cocktails, you are watched by the likes of Steve McQueen, Sirius Black, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

They are eye-catching paintings, with a twist. And alongside are old relics from the courtroom, including scales, law books and handcuffs, plus a selection of judges’ wigs and gowns.

Also, it was good to see that much of the original court furniture has been retained.

We were sitting for lunch in the old jury box. And the old dock, where the defendant would have been sitting to await his fate, is now home to the bar.

The menu does not disappoint.

At lunchtime there are titbits like padron peppers and a Hummus Board; small plates of Duck Liver Brulee, bruscetta and lamb koftas, to name a few; sandwiches, including prawn and avocado, and chicken and chorizo. Main courses vary from Seabass, with sautéed potatoes, samphire, onions, brown shrimp butter, and blush tomatoes; to good old fish and chips given a twist with curried chickpeas.

I was only able to manage a light lunch, having enjoyed a cooked breakfast and a large meal the night before at the group’s sister hotel, The Vicarage, just a few miles away.

My Panna cotta – with Burt’s blue cheese, comice pear, rocket, crispy walnuts and a port gel, was absolutely delicious. My other half opted for Steak Frites – a marinated 6oz flat rump, fries, comfit tomato, rocket & parmesan salad, and aioli. His clean plate was testament to his enjoyment.

We only partook of some still water with our repast on this occasion – because we had a long drive ahead of us. But having seen some of the cocktails being served, we will definitely return on a day when the car is safely stowed away.

The venue serves its own Barristers lager and craft beers, and a range of smoothies, plus an interesting wine list.

Afternoon tea and evening meals are also served, and Sunday lunch. And there is an emphasis on local produce.

The Courthouse project is set to be complete in 2018, in the 200th anniversary year of the building’s initial opening, when it was designed by renowned architect George Moneypenny.

Knutsford is the perfect place for some shopping - with three streets lined with a great selection of independent boutiques.

The Indoor Market is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and there is the award-winning Artisan Market on Princess Street on the first Sunday of every month.

Make sure you make a visit to The Courthouse – it will be criminal if you don’t!

It’s all in the detail: The Courthouse is in Toft Road, Knutsford, Cheshire -- www.thecourthousecheshire.com -- Phone: 01565 743333.