Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Hale - who's got a new restaurant worth shouting about?
Never forget the 'burbs. Whilst there's always a note of moving and shaking going on in the city centre, we like to keep a keen eye on the wider Greater Manchester region.
There's a lot going on, don't you know? There's popstars opening coffee shops, General Stores evolving into Foodhalls and a man who goes by the name Sanchez dishing out burgers in one of Altrincham's hottest new courtyards.
Read on for a selection of new openings spanning Hale, Sale, Altrincham and beyond in the Trafford region.
What: Brewchimp Indian Social Club
Where: 164a Barton Road, Stretford, M32 8DP
When: Open now
We wrote about plans for this meeting of great minds back in January. since then the name has changed slightly but the idea is still the same. Take over Stretford's pioneering Sip Club and with a modern bar hosting music and events in the downstairs space, there's "authentic Southern Indian cuisine" in a "tapas-style" to go nicely alongside plenty of beer drinking upstairs. The masala breakfast served on a weekend is apparently a must-try for those who like their mornings with a bit more kick.
What: Dirty Bird BBQ
Where: 70 Flixton Road, Urmston
When: open now
While not totally new, Dirty Bird BBQ was a lockdown project that grew wings and is now a fully fledged restaurant in Urmston. Food is strictly of the red basket, 10-napkin variety. Think honey sriracha chicken, short rib, crispy jackfruit and pecorino, and meatball subs. There is also a commendable commitment to classic cocktails. Our new favourite day of the week? Wing Wednesday, obvs.
What: The Embassy
Where: 106-108 Ashley Road, Hale WA14 2UN
When: open now
Our reviewer was entranced by The Embassy's bonkers Spanish-fusion cuisine that sneaked up on Hale during lockdown. The Basque-inflected menu includes black rice, teriyaki artichokes and roasted octopus, as well as a superlative Basque cheesecake. The owners say: "We create haute cuisine but we are also daring and fun as well as consistent and responsible with our menu and service." Our reviewer says: "The Embassy is something very special not just for Hale, but for Greater Manchester."
What: Foodhalls
Where: Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7WZ
When: September
In an almost Pokémon-esque power move, Sale’s Groceries & Beer, part of the super-cool General Stores group, is evolving into a fully-fledged Foodhalls like the one made famous by Stretford. Details are thin on the ground at this point but it’s believed the venture will include multiple visiting food outlets akin to its Stretford cousin as well as the General Store’s trademark groceries offering. Until then, current edition Groceries & Beer will be hosting Basilico’s organic artisan pizza (until 16 August) and Dim Sum Su’s award-winning dim sum (16 August - 15 September). Make the most of them whilst they're there.
What: I Call Myself Sanchez
Where: Kings Court, Altrincham, WA14 2RD
When: Open now
There’s a brand new burger hatch in so hot right now Kings Court. Helmed by former SEVEN BRO7HERS chef Jack Hogan, the pop-up with room for seating at Altrincham's King's Court is a US-inspired burger joint making the most of local ingredients including bread from the Bake House in Hale and meat from Waugh Farm in Mobberley. Burgers range from a classic burger and fries to a spicy vegan chicken burger and the Queso burger with its 6.5oz pattie, local cheddar and homemade burger sauce.
What: Kennedy’s Irish Bar
Where: 30-32 Greenwood Street, Altrincham WA14 1RZ
When: Open now
Altrincham Fans of Guinness and great craic rejoice, there’s a new Irish pub on your doorstep. Promising the aforementioned stout and great times as well as wholesome homecooked food, Kennedy’s is as traditional as Irish bars get. The menu includes classic Irish breakfasts, Steak and Guinness pie and Irish rarebit on Guinness soda bread. Plenty of live music too. Embrace the craic.
What: People
Where: 183 Ashley Road, Hale Altrincham, WA15 9SD
When: Open now
Another Hale entrant, this time created by Adam Karim who has invested a cool half mil in the place. As the owner of Ask Ventures, Karim is behind Don Giovanni, Manchester’s oldest independently owned Italian restaurant, and is-it-open-or-not club Mahiki. The website says People is "your neighbourhood eatery and bar serving modern European Cuisine alongside handcrafted cocktails." Which doesn't tell you an awful lot but there is plenty of fizz and plenty of brunch. Inside, the 80-cover restaurant has space for a further 50 in the bar area and another 30 outside. It will feature herringbone wooden flooring and upcycled teak Art Deco furniture.
What: Recardo’s
Where: 161 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, Altrincham WA15 9SD
When: August
Upstairs Patisserie by day, downstairs nightclub by night is the order of things at new venture Recardo’s in Hale. Taking over the former Suburbia and Arvina site on Ashley Road, Recardo’s is being billed as the North West’s first "floral café" which as you can imagine will mean floor-to-ceiling foliage in aid of the perfect selfie. Artisan pastries and “luxury coffee” will also be served. After dark, a 250-person nightclub will open until 2.30am with live performances of strictly 70s, 80s and disco classics only. A venture helmed by former popstar (frontman of Sweet Sensation) turned hospitality entrepreneur Recardo Patrick, expect Cheshire glam for the ‘gram.
What: Yard Burger
Where: 9 Claremont Road, Sale M33 7DZ
When: Open now
Sale is getting a new burger joint and it looks like you’re going to need to run a few laps around Sale Water Park to make room for it. Dealing in self-described “burger porn”, Yard Burger will also serve fried chicken, dirty fries, dirty halloumi and all the other delicious filth we all crave. Highlights of the menu - which comprises five Manchester-themed burgers - include the Snobby Cow (Yard-seasoned 4oz patty, caramelised onion chutney, American cheese, smoked streaky bacon, truffle mayo) and the Curry Mile (Yard-seasoned 4oz patty, mango chutney, cheese, onion chaji, coriander and lime mayo).
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