Cheshire Restaurant Pioneers Exclusive Water Menu, Challenging Beverage Norms

In a surprising move, a restaurant in the English county of Cheshire has introduced a water menu, challenging the traditional beverage offerings at upscale establishments. As of late August 2025, La Popote, a restaurant in the village of Marton, now presents diners with a selection of seven premium water options, ranging from a £5 bottle of Crag water from the nearby Peak District to a £19 bottle of Vidago, a mineral-rich water from a Portuguese spa town.

The driving force behind this unique menu is Doran Binder, the restaurant's water sommelier. Binder, a self-described "water evangelist," is on a mission to elevate water as a proper drink, not just a means of hydration. He believes water has been sidelined for too long and deserves to be celebrated for its diverse flavors and terroir, much like wine.

Customers at La Popote can now explore the nuances of different waters, from the soft, smooth Lauretana spring water from Italy to the sweet, brackish Vichy Célestins from central France. Binder guides diners through the tasting experience, explaining how the mineral content and geological origins of each water contribute to its unique taste profile.

The water menu at La Popote is part of a growing trend, as more high-end establishments around the world, including several in the United States, have begun offering specialized water selections. This shift reflects a broader consumer interest in non-alcoholic beverage options, driven by health and wellness concerns. As people seek alternatives to sugary drinks and alcohol, premium waters are positioning themselves as a sophisticated and flavorful choice.

While the concept of water connoisseurship may seem novel, it is gaining traction, with water experts like Michael Mascha, the "godfather of water," leading the charge. Mascha, an Austrian-born Texan, has been instrumental in training a new generation of water sommeliers, including Binder, and promoting the idea of water as an "experience" rather than just a utilitarian necessity.

As the water menu at La Popote continues to evolve, with the restaurant's owners planning to add water-themed events and tastings, the broader impact of this trend remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the humble glass of water is no longer an afterthought, but a focal point for those seeking to elevate their dining experience and explore the diverse flavors of the world's most essential resource.