A new foodhall and community space is opening up in the heart of Sale town centre next week, and it’s just in time for Christmas.
Store Retail Group – the team behind the popular General Stores and foodhall concepts across the region – has announced that the Trafford suburb of Sale is the next place to welcome a brand-new foodhall to its town centre, and it’s opening next week ready for the busy festive season.
Sale Foodhall in Stanley Square will open to the public on Thursday 18 November, with an exciting line-up of food traders, community space, and new retail offering.
If you’re unfamiliar with the foodhall concept, it has already proved hugely-popular in Stretford and is now being rolled out in neighbouring Greater Manchester suburb with a large and colourful unit that has plenty of space for rotating indie food vendors, plus the much-loved artisan pizza experts Basillico, and proper tasty burger-slingers at What’s Your Beef set to join the lineup as permanent residents.
The first temporary trader to join the foodhall family at the new venue will be Eat Dutch, which is set to bring its authentic mini Dutch pancakes to Sale throughout November and December.
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Sale Foodhall in Stanley Square will open to the public on Thursday 18 November / Credit: LekkerEatDutch | Basillico Pizza
The new Sale Foodhall boasts a 150-cover dining and drinking space, plus an outdoor terrace, and it has replaced the ‘Groceries and Beer’ unit, which has been operated by the Store Group for the last two years, but has now relocated around the corner to the Stanley Square Shopping Mall in a huge 5,500 sq ft food, drink, and retail destination.
The new unit will also have a bar serving local craft beers, wine and spirits, a coffee shop with bakery unit, plus General Store’s trademark ‘cornershop’ retail space.
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The flexible spaces will provide a variety of uses for the local community, from pop-up retail spaces, to informal classes.
“We’re looking forward to becoming an even bigger part of the community here in Sale [as] it’s been a brilliant home to us over the last two years, and we can’t wait to open the doors to a much bigger space,” explains Mital Morar – Founder of Store Retail Group.
“This is a chance for us to evolve into that proper community hub that we always strive to create – from baby groups to beer tastings, everyone is welcome.
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“Our local neighbourhood is everything, and at the centre of will always be quality independent food and drink as well as convenience.”
Sale Foodhall is a large and colourful unit that has plenty of space for rotating indie food vendors / Credit: Store Retail Group
The grocery store within the new venue will offer the same great innovative neighbourhood retail concept that Store Retail Group has become known for, and as well as championing local makers from food and drink, to homeware, the shop will be a destination for artisan alcohol, local fresh baked goods, and zero-waste household essential refill stations too.
Sale Foodhall follows the launch of the Store Group’s two new General Store launches at Deansgate Square and in MediaCityUK earlier this year.
On top of that, there are also plans in the pipeline for another new General Store at Manchester’s new garden neighbourhood KAMPUS in the city centre, plus a new Foodhall in Northwich has already been announced, with more exciting plans to come.
Featured Image – Store Retail Group
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
11th November 2021 
