After five years popping up as a restaurant around the Stretford neighbourhood and beyond, local food and drink heroes, Stretford Canteen, are to open their first permanent restaurant. The new unit is located at the front of Stretford Mall at 118 Chester Road and is expected to open late Spring.
The venue will add to the burgeoning community of exciting and vibrant independent businesses and operators making a home in Stretford as Bruntwood and Trafford Council continue to collaborate with independent businesses as part of their vision to transform the town centre.
Founded by Josephine Sandwith and Dean Taylor, Stretford Canteen has a rich history. With cooking in their blood Jo and Dean are hugely passionate about food and serving simple and beautiful dishes prepared with love and centered around local produce and sustainable values.
Josephine grew up in one of the city’s most beloved gastro institutions, French restaurant ‘Beaujolais’ which was on West Mosley Street, before taking up residence on Portland Street. Taking inspiration from her parents' love of Lyonnaise cuisine, excellent produce and casual, hearty dishes, Jo put her experience into action when she moved to Stretford and opened Stretford Canteen in 2016.
Now, five years, many popups and a pandemic later, the pair are planning their first bricks and mortar restaurant with a vision of bringing a relaxed, home-style bistro to the M32 area.
Guests can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere led by the family team of Jo, Dean and their daughter Eve all working in the kitchen as well as front of house. Jo will be working with local farmers, growers and producers ensuring a sustainable and exciting menu. European and British dishes will regularly change depending on seasonality and availability.
“We are really excited about bringing our own home-grown version of fine dining to Stretford,” says Josephine. “Brilliant food doesn’t need to be stuffy - Stretford Canteen was built around that warm, welcoming relaxed dining experience that I grew up with. It’s about sharing great food and wine with friends and family in a home-style, neighbourhood eatery. We started out by doing our little supper clubs in the evenings at Pines Pantry and our following grew from there.”
Stretford Canteen’s famous supper clubs - which got them started on their journey - will be making a return too., but this time in time in their own restaurant. There will be a considered wine list curated by Eve and featuring highlights from across Europe with a focus on France.
“We have always dreamed of opening a restaurant - and thought we might have put our roots down in Stretford sooner but the Pandemic slowed things down, although our delivery service during that time was incredibly popular!” Adds Dean. “Now we’re so excited to be joining a brilliant community in Stretford and we can’t wait to welcome the neighbourhood to our new, permanent Stretford Canteen”
James Tootle, Head of Retail for town centres at Bruntwood commented.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Stretford Canteen to Stretford Mall. Dean and Jo have built something really special - they are at the heart of a strong and passionate food community in Stretford and we’re delighted to be able to support them in bringing their vision to life. As a talented local independent with something unique to offer, Stretford Canteen embody exactly what we want to bring to the town centre as part of our vision to create a thriving, community focussed high street and an exciting future for Stretford”
The new Stretford Canteen is located at 118 Chester Road and is expected to open late Spring.