‘Kennedy’s Corner’: Altrincham’s effortlessly charming Irish Deli is at the heart of a new mini-district
Altrincham is possibly one of the most picturesque little parts of Greater Manchester full stop, but one particular new opening in the quaint market town has seen us fall head over heels in love: we’re talking about the simply named Irish Deli.
Launching at the end of September, Irish Deli has taken pride of place on Greenwood Street in the heart of the lovable Trafford hamlet that is fast becoming less of a village and more of a vibrant hub for food, drink, shopping, leisure and more.
Stocking authentic fresh produce and groceries imported directly from Ireland rarely found anywhere else in the region, as well as serving up proper good brews and freshly made sandwiches, cakes and more, they have very much met the assignment when it comes to a deli.
Put quite simply, this little slice of the Emerald Isle is as pretty as a postcard and is quickly becoming a community cornerstone.
The place might be a bit cosy – though there is extra seating downstairs and a lovely sun-trap terrace outside – but it trades on delivering that open-armed Irish welcome that few others can compare to.
Irish Deli also prides itself on bringing over brands that will remind ex-pats of back home, mainly because you’ll genuinely struggle to find them outside of Ireland itself. As you can see, we walked away with a full hamper of stuff and we’re not even Irish.
We’re not just talking Tayto’s crisps here: we mean McDonnells seasoning sachets for a proper spice bag, Drummully pan boxty potato cakes and superbly sweet Folláin preserves; imported sausages, black and white pudding, whisky brands not typically seen in the UK and so much more.
Ham, cheese, bread and even the simplest-looking biscuits never looked so comforting. Not only does it undoubtedly drum up nostalgia for natives but it feels like being beckoned into the warmth and smell of your mum’s kitchen when you were just a nipper.
Better yet, its doors have opened right next to the adjoining Kennedy’s Irish Bar – a popular watering hole that’s been thriving since it opened back in 2021 – as part of an expansion that’s been in the works for some time.
As they explain it, “Typically in Ireland you will find a ship in the back of the pub, so having our Irish Deli right next door to our Irish Bar really gave it that authentic feeling from home.”
With the two increasingly popular spots situated right beside one another, locals have taken to affectionately dubbing this small snapshot of Alty as ‘Kennedy’s Corner’ and even just a couple weeks into opening the deli, it really has struck a chord with the local delegation from Auld Eire and more.
Greater Manchester has also had a huge Irish community ever since the early 19th century, even boasting Little Ireland right here in the city centre and the Heritage Centre over Cheetham Hill.
That being said, whether they live in the WA postcode or not, regular crowds are already travelling to visit this cheerful little shop most days, and you’ll find even more of them descending on Kennedy’s Corner come the weekends – especially when they can stumble into the bustling boozer next door.
And as if all that enticing enough already, there’s sport on the box, live music pretty much from noon until night, it’s super dog-friendly and you can grab pints of Guinness for just £4.70 from 11am-7pm every Monday-Thursday. Say no more.
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There’s even a stunning three-bedroom apartment upstairs available on Airbnb that we’re seriously considering for an easy getaway. A full weekend of eating and drinking the very Ireland has to offer before only having to hobble a few yards to find a comfy bed waiting upstairs.
Kennedy’s Corner might not be an official title of any sort just yet but we love that the locals have carved out this special mini-neighbourhood within what is already a perfect melting pot between the modern Manc foodie/hospitality scene, and the splendour of an old Cheshire market town.
It’s not quite suburbia, it’s not quite countryside either; all we know is that this particular street is effortlessly charming and The Irish Deli itself feels a little bit like going back in time to a simpler world. There aren’t many places that can achieve that feeling these days.
Well worth paying a visit the next time you’re in Altrincham.
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Featured Images — The Manc Group