WHAT more can you ask for than some lovely food, a couple of drinks and a lot more laughs in a night?

We tried the popular Cookhouse Comedy Club at Warrington Market last week to see what the sell-out event was all about.

Upon entry we put a couple of beers to the test from Hop Emporium – that being their own lager as well as Clwb Tropica and they hit the spot.

Neighbouring visitors also took to the Artisan Bar and you could see why so many were enjoying cocktails.

Food-wise, Wholesome Junkies and Krua Thai were at hand to line the stomachs. A burger and chips for the former always go down a treat and some prawn crackers and duck spring rolls from the latter ensured I will be eating them again.

The host, Bren Riley, was on good form and I could have quite easily watched him for a while longer.

Bren introduced the outrageously funny Nina Gilligan.

Early doors, she asked for people under the age of 30 and one brave lad put his hand up and discussed what turns her on as she has got older.

The exact details were better saved for in person and perhaps can’t be written word for word online but she had the crowd, particularly mums in hysterics.

How she managed to keep a straight face while reeling off jokes about sex topics was beyond me.

 

Nina Gillgan in action as she had the crowd in stitches

Nina Gillgan in action as she had the crowd in stitches

 

And her performance set the scene nicely for headliner Jamie Sutherland to follow up – and after Nina’s effort he had a lot to live up to.

Thankfully, he did exactly that.

He provided his take on lockdown, a night out with his wife and every parent’s nightmare – TikTok.

Jamie also spoke about the trials and tribulations with customers after getting a job at Tesco during lockdown – something a lot of the industry could relate to and the audience were receptive. It was impossible not to be.

I couldn’t believe how quickly the night flew by but I could believe my jaw was aching from laughing.

These sort of events are surely what was in mind when the new market was backed and it’s great to see them coming off - and they are not just a case of catering to the middle-aged bracket, it works for the younger visitors too.

The April Comedy Club event may be sold out already – and for good reason – but it is well worth keeping an eye out for future events to put it to the test.