Sale has been given something of a transformation in recent months, with a bevy of new food and drink operators moving into the Trafford suburb.
From a new Green’s opening from celebrity TV chef Simon Rimmer, to the arrival of city-wide favourites Rudy’s and Sugo Pasta Kitchen at the newly-developed Stanley Square, there’s never been a better time to go and eat there.
The once-brutalist 60s shopping centre has been transformed beyond recognition – tempting local residents to stay in their local area, rather than hawking off to Altrincham or into town.
What’s more, the square’s regeneration is redirecting attention to some of Sale’s long-standing local favourites – such as The Fat Loaf, which has just won a big award, and Michelin-recommended restaurant The Perfect Match.
But it’s not all about the food. There’s also some great retail to be discovered here, as well as great walks, cultural activities and more.
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Here’s our guide to this foodie neighbourhood on the rise.
Food and drink
Image: The Manc Eats
GrapefruitCoffee – Opened by the team behind record, zine and live show outfit Comfortable On A Tightrope back in 2019, this cute little cafe next to the tram stop serves up great coffee and freshly-baked goodies, ranging from gingerbread men to chiffon cake with grapefruit Turkish delight, mascarpone cream and grapefruit marzipan.
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Pizza Ammore Napoli – As the name suggests, Pizza Ammore is all about the Napoli-style of cooking, promising a thin base, charred crust and simple but flavourful ingredients.
Cowtown Grill – Cowtown Grill saw huge success in lockdown as one of the few restaurants in the area to stay open for takeaway. Its traditional Canadian poutine, burgers and steaks have proven a hit with locals. Cowtown also claims to be the first restaurant in the UK to serve the national Canadian dish of chips, cheese curds and gravy.
Greens – A fixture in the south Manchester suburb for over three decades, Greens vegetarian restaurant was a trailblazer in its time – and remains so today, as the oldest surviving veggie restaurant in Manchester. Its owners have just opened a second site in Sale.
The Fat Loaf – The winner of the 2022 Restaurant of the Year – North West category at the Food Awards England, this family-friendly eatery is a beloved local gem putting a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. With an open kitchen and al fresco dining in the summer, it serves a light tapas menu, alongside an a la carte feature=ing a white haggis scotch egg and grilled king prawns with nduja and focaccia.
Petisco – Opened by four friends who’ve all known each other since childhood, newcomer Petisco more than holds its own against Stanley Squares’ more established new residents. Here you’ll find all the tapas regulars, alongside some surprise hero dishes.
Petisco more than holds its own against Stanley Squares’ more established new residents. / Image: The Manc Eats
The Perfect Match – A Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, it’s described as a “simple, honest little bistro […] creating tasty, well-crafted dishes from across Europe”.
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Dutch Courage – This craft beer bar in Stanely Square can also be relied on for great cocktails, with outside terrace seating making it perfect for sunnier days.
Draft – Another neighbourhood craft beer bar, at Draft you’ll find a regularly changing menu featuring locally-brewed beers and lagers alongside those from further afield.
Sugo Pasta Kitchen – First opened in Altrincham in 2015, this southern Italian pasta kitchen is known for its Pugliese-style handmade pasta dishes, tiramisu, wine list and thoughtfully-created starters. New to Sale, it is the restaurant groups third Greater Manchester site.
Image: Hops and Boogie
Hops and Boogie – A new bottle shop, tap room and record store in the heart of Sale’s newly rejuvenated Stanely Square. Head down to find booze and beats from around the world.
Sale Food Hall – With a bevy of rotating food traders to be discovered inside, Sale Food Hall currently boasts delicacies from boozy ice cream parlour A Few Scoops, Chinese street food from Dim Sum Su, and Ethiopian cuisine from House of Habesha. From the team behind General Stores, you’ll also find a great convenience store and coffee shop inside.
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Roti – This Indian-Scottish fusion restaurant is unlike anything else in Manchester, with an eclectic menu featuring a roti ‘chip butty’ made with marinated chickpea chips and curried aloo, Haggis pakoras and an Indian twist on the classic Scotch Egg.
Rudy’s – Manchester’s most beloved Neapolitan pizzeria has recently landed in Sale, bringing its award-winning pies with it. Listed in the world’s top 20 pizzerias more than once, it’s a must-visit – and it’s surprisingly cheap, too.
The Perfect Match in Sale is a must-visit according to the Michelin Guide. / Image: The Perfect Match
Cork of the North – This small bar boasts a heated ‘wine garden’ and offers a changing daily selection of tipples by the glass. Its kitchen, meanwhile, serves complementary small plates and various styles of cheese.
Borello – A traditional Italian restaurant in Sale with a huge menu, Borello’s offering spans bruschetta and antipasti, classic pasta favourites like carbonara, bolognese, lasagne, as well as pizzas, mains like chicken milanese, steaks, salmon and more.
Off The Hook – This popular fish and chip shop began life as a pop-up before coming a Sale mainstay. Head down for all your chippy tea favourites, alongside homemade pies, pakora-style sweetcorn and halloumi fritters, and locally-made Grandad’s Sausages.
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Shopping
Image: The Manc Group
Maker’s Market – Popping up in Sale on the third Sunday each month, the Maker’s Market is a great place to find gems from local traders in Mancheser – ranging from foodie goodies to plants, homeware, records and more.
Emporium M33 – Home to 37 local independent businesses, Emporium M33 is a true hidden gem. Set across three storeys, it’s drawn a number of comparisons to Affleck’s Palace with traders selling everything from fashion items ad antiques to candles, cakes, buttons, jewellery, pet accessories, bags and art.
Ashby’s Greengrocer – Opened in February 2022, Ashby’s is a new groceries store opened with the mission of bringing back the ‘traditional greengrocer’. Selling a range of organic, fresh produce, this is the place to go for all your fruit and veg.
Idaho – First opened in Altrincham, this charming little shop houses the very best indie brands from all over the globe – from homeware to cards and more.
Nightlife and hotels
Image: Booking.com
As a densely residential suburb of Greater Manchester, Sale’s nightlife tends to wrap up rather promptly around 11pm.
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It does boast a number of popular bars, with locals recommending The Steamhouse, The Brooklands Tap, and Jackon’s Boat down the road in Stretford as all being good for a night out.
Alternatively, you can always hop on the tram and be in the city centre in under 20 minutes.
As for hotels, on the budget end, you’re looking at either a Travelodge or Premier Inn, whilst on the slightly more premium side of things, there is The Belmore – a charming real ale pub with rooms upstairs and a cracking Sunday roast.
Culture
The canal in Sale, with the Waterside Arts Centre on the left. Credit: Geograph
Sale’s cultural hub is right in the town centre – the Waterside arts centre.
This modern complex combines the Robert Bolt theatre, the Lauriston Gallery, a library, studios and workspaces.
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Throughout the year, it hosts a massive range of dance, theatre and comedy suitable for all ages and interests, with something to do just about every day of the year.
The waterside location of Sale is also a massive draw for locals and visitors alike.
Walkden Gardens in Sale. Credit: Geograph
You can rent kayaks to cruise along the canal, or do the same over in Sale Water Park, with the added option of stand-up paddleboarding.
Sale Water Park is home to one of the prettiest park runs in the region, which loops along the River Mersey too.
Then there’s Walkden Gardens, a stunning bit of green space featuring an arch of wisteria, a Japanese Garden, and a theatre lawn.
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Property
A mansion for sale in Sale. Credit: Rightmove
Sale is definitely on the pricier side of the scale in Greater Manchester, though it pales in comparison to some other parts of Trafford.
According to the Land Registry, the average house price around here is £346,324, and majority of homes sold were semi-detached properties.
Terraced houses average a bit cheaper at £289,340 and if you can find a flat in Sale, the average for those is £185,196.
Sale is helpfully on the Metrolink line, with Altrincham-bound trams taking about 15 minutes to get there from the city centre.
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There are buses too, but the tram really is the quickest way to get around from here.
Cyclists can take advantage of the traffic-free canal towpath that goes all the way to town, passing Old Trafford.
Sale is also one of those suburbs that’s right next to the M60, so drivers can get on the ring road in mere minutes.
Feature image – The Manc Group / Hops and Boogie
Boroughs
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 6 – 12 October 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s our first full week of October.
The season’s have changed, the leaves are beginning to drop and change colour, and spooky season’s now right around the corner, so that means there’s plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and beyond, as autumn in our region is always a thing of beauty.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Pumpkin Festival 2025
Kenyon Hall Farm
Monday 6 – Friday 31 October
Pumpkin Festival 2025 / Credit: The Manc Group
What could be more cute and autumnal than rummaging around in a field in the October sunshine, hunting for your perfect pumpkin? Nothing, if you ask us.
If you’re liking the sound of that, then good news, as Kenyon Hall Farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival has officially kicked off and they’ve got THOUSANDS to choose from.
As well as the fields full of pumpkins, there’s loads of seasonal items in the award-winning farm shop too (alongside masses of fresh produce), like tattoo transfers for your pumpkins, gonks, keyrings, and more.
And don’t forget to stop off at the cafe for their seasonal pumpkin specials.
13 Going On 30 The Musical officially made its world premiere in Manchester last week, and there’s still one more week left to see it for yourself.
This totally grown-up new musical comedy is based of the hit 2004 film of the same name starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and is now playing at Manchester Opera House to enthusiastic crowds.
Don’t miss this hilarious and inspiring new production about the choices we make, the friends we choose and the beauty of never losing your sparkle.
Find out more, read our review, and get last-minute tickets here.
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Oktoberfest 2025
Albert’s Schloss
Monday 6 – Sunday 12 October
Oktoberfest 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ is back, and this year, there’s THREE whole weeks of it.
As always, Albert’s Schloss has a jam-packed programme of Oktoberfest-themed events for this year, and there’s plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry that awaits.
Throughout the 21-day-long event, which culminates with one final Bavarian blowout on Sunday 12 October, revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss and enjoy an array of activities – with everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and specially-selected beers, to must-see ‘eclectic’ entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, and best dressed competitions on the lineup.
Not to mention there’s a full menu of Bavarian-inspired feasting to look forward to too, and it’s more than just pretzels.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s down at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Feeling brave? Scare City has returned to the North West with yet another ‘immersive’ horror experience in the lead up to Halloween.
Taking over the grounds of the abandoned Camelot Theme Park for ‘another year of terror’, just as it has done for the past four years following the success of its initial 2020 launch as a drive-in cinema, this year’s event features a selection of terrifying zones to weave your way through – some familiar, some brand new.
Tickets are now available to book at £29.50 for standard entry, or £44.50 for the ‘Gold Entry’ (both plus a booking free).
Find out more and grab tickets to this year’s event here.
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Pumpkin Lanterns
Manchester City Centre
Monday 6 – Friday 31 October
Pumpkin Lanterns / Credit: CityCo / Manchester BID
Have you noticed that Manchester’s adorable little pumpkin lanterns have already started popping up around the city?
If you’re looking to get in the mood for Halloween, but want to keep things a little on the cheaper side this week, then you need look no further than up above in the city centre as the annual decorative pumpkin lanterns are back once again.
Going on a little tour to see the lanterns in the trees in St Ann’s Square, Market Street, and beyond is the perfect activity for all the family, easy to plan, and great for pictures – and it’s free too.
Did someone order a new restaurant with the best views of the city? Because you got one.
Chotto Matte officially opens this Friday, and we got a glimpse inside its staggering new venue with 360º views of Manchester and a gigantic rooftop terrace a little early.
There’s dazzling indoor restaurant spaces, private dining rooms, and some of town’s coolest loos inside this jaw-dropping new opening.
The 20,000 sq ft space splits into two concepts and cuisines – Nikkei cuisine (sushi, tempura, robata) and an exclusive new concept called Claude’s, a Mexican-inspired sky view bar with literally hundreds of mezcals and tequilas.
Summer may be over, but guess what? Now that autumn is well and truly here, that means we get to wear layers, cosy up in our favourite places, and eat heartwarming plates piled high with all the major food groups.
Whether you want the likes of Banyan’s bottomless Yorkshire puddings bigger than your head, or swapping your meat out for a pie (you heard us), we’ve got something to suit everyone.
Roast dinners / Credit: The Manc Group
You can even get dog roasts too, if you ask The Refuge nicely, so check out our top 25 best places to head to for a perfect roast in Greater Manchester here.
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Did you know you can rent your own private cinema in Manchester city centre?
You may be in deep (far too deep) to the latest teen drama like we were a couple of weeks back, biting your nails through a sporting event, or just wish you could see your favourite film on the big screen again – and that’s where King Street Townhouse comes in.
There’s a luxury cinema tucked away in this popular hotel and you can book it out for all sorts of private screenings, and it’s an ideal way to snuggle up once the winter days arrive.
There’s loads of packages too, so you can stick whatever you want on the cinema screen, relax in plush armchairs, and tuck into cocktails, popcorn, and snacks.
What about ‘street nipples’? Have you noticed any of those popping up around Manchester in recent days?
Yes that’s right, we did say ‘street nipples’, you heard us correctly.
In case you weren’t aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a way of marking this hugely crucial event, pavement studs across major UK cities like Manchester have been transformed into nipples as part of a bold conversation-starting initiative from charity Breast Cancer UK.
Pavement studs often go unnoticed, just like the early signs of breast cancer – but this clever new campaign is already stopping people in their tracks.
Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice? It’s time to step into the world of Jane Austen.
Lyme Park is celebrating 30 years since Pride and Prejudice was filmed there by reprising its role as ‘Pemberley’ three decades on from the BBC adaptation series.
The National Trust, which cares for Lyme Park, is inviting visitors to step into the pages of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with a series of events to commemorate the occasion throughout this month – including needlework classes, themed spaces, and regency fancy dress activities, both inside the house and outside in the grounds.
30 Years of Pride and Prejudice at Lyme / Credit: BBC | National Trust
Lyme will celebrate 30 years of BBC’s Pride and Prejudice until Wednesday 22 October, and entry to the park is free for National Trust members, while admission fees apply for non-members.
Some events, however, will be ticketed, and you can find out everything happening here.
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Featured Image – The Manc Group | CityCo / Manchester BID
Boroughs
Northern Rail have announced their latest flash sale with train tickets available from just £2
Danny Jones
Finally, we’ve got some good news on the train lines once again, as Northern Rail has just announced the return of their fantastic flash sale, which sees literally millions of discounted tickets made available to the general public.
With the last promotion from Northern having delighted Brits up and down the country, the train company are once again offering affordable tickets, with prices starting from just £2.
The only catch is that you’ve got just a few days to make the most of the savings.
Confirming the flash sale across the Northern Assist social media accounts, the rail operator has now detailed both start and end dates, as well as the valid travel dates.
The 2025 Northern flash sale began at 8am this Tuesday, 30 September, with thousands of train journeys having already been booked.
A full list of all the routes with cut-price tickets on until Thursday, 2 October can be found HERE.
According to Northern, the top destinations with the most tickets available in Northern’s Flash Sale are as follows:
Manchester and Manchester Airport
Leeds
Bolton
Preston
Manchester Airport
Blackpool North
Shipley
Rochdale
Stockport
Bradford
Sheffield
Wigan Wallgate
Hebden Bridge
Blackburn
Meadowhall
Liverpool Lime Street
Skipton
Wilmslow
Doncaster
Ilkley
Hull
Wakefield Westgate
Although it remains an ever-essential network and the UK’s second-largest national rail service, the PR around Northern isn’t always positive when it comes to efficiency, quality and reliability.
Their estimated 2,650 daily lines across more than 500 stations often come under fire, especially in comparison to public transport down towards the capital.
With all that being said, the arrival of the latest Northern flash sale is a much-needed plus for the firm.
Commenting on this week’s flash sale, Northern’s commercial and customer director, Alex Hornby, said: “With three million tickets up for grabs, there’s something for everyone in Northern’s Flash Sale.
For our existing customers, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit somewhere new, and hopefully, we can encourage those who don’t currently use the train to give it a try.
We believe the Flash Sale will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to the countryside and stunning coastlines. Customers will need to book early to avoid disappointment – once they’re gone, they’re gone!” You can grab your tickets online NOW.
Once again, the Northern Rail flash sale runs for just three days and closes this Thursday, 2 October, with tickets valid for travel strictly between Monday, 6 October and Friday, 24 October 2025.
Tickets can be bought on Northern’s app, online, at ticket offices and on ticket machines in stations managed by Northern – please make sure to check terms and conditions.