After six years of pop-ups, supper clubs and feeding the community at home during the pandemic, Stretford Canteen has opened the doors to its first-ever bricks-and-mortar site.
Located on Chester Road in Stretford town centre, the new restaurant marks a huge milestone for owners Josephine Sandwith and Dean Taylor, who have waited a long time to see this particular dream come true.
The duo first set up Stretford Canteen in 2016 and quickly developed a name for themselves, drawing on Jo’s upbringing in beloved 70s, 80s and 90s Manchester restaurant Beaujolais and what she had learnt from her parent’s love of Lyonnaise cuisine.
Image: Streford Canteen
Now they have finally opened their very own family venture, which they will operate alongside their eldest daughter Eve (formerly The Creameries, Trove and Duck Soup).
The new cosy 24-seat bistro has an intimate feel complemented by antique French furniture and an original 1920s Parisian bar station, with a pop of colour provided by sky blue retro bar stools.
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Here diners can expect to see the return of Stretford Canteen’s famous supper clubs – this time in time in their very own restaurant – as well as an all-day menu of classic French and European dishes.
From caramelised onion tarte tatin with parsley dressing, radishes with butter, salt and vinaigrette and onglet steak with lentils and salsa verde, there are some tempting options to choose from.
Image: Streford Canteen
Working with local farmers, growers and producers such as The Crafty Cheeseman, Stretford Canteen’s menu boasts a seasonal selection.
The menu is made up of bar snacks, plates, sides and desserts and is set to change regularly with the seasons.
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Dishes are centred around local produce and sustainable values and, as you might expect, there is also a considered wine list featuring wines from across Europe with a specific focus on France.
Speaking on the new opening, Josephine commented: “Finally opening our own bricks-and-mortar site has been nothing short of wonderful.
“We’re so excited to be starting the next chapter of our journey with the amazing community in the heart of Stretford, and the reaction so far has been uplifting. We can’t wait to share more great food, wine and cocktails in our friendly neighbourhood space.”
Feature image – Stretford Canteen
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Work begins on new £500m ‘culture hub’ with a cinema and performance spaces in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Work is finally beginning on a new £500 million culture hub in Manchester.
The first phase of plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic has entered an exciting new chapter, with Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse officially commencing construction of the new Culture Hub – which is tipped to provide a ‘major boost’ for budding artists, and creative groups and organisations in the area.
The hub is set to include space for food and drink on the ground floor, while the first floor is home to a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes, and community events.
Locals can also expect a brand-new 40-seater cinema, which has been included following feedback given during a public consultation, and 200-seater performance space for a diverse range of performances.
Everything from dance and drama, to music and modern art will fill the performance spaces once the hub opens.
Expected to be completed in 2027, the Culture Hub sits within the first phase of a wider plan to ‘refresh’ Wythenshawe Civic, and will come to life thanks to £20 million of funding from the UK Government and a further £11.9 million from the Council.
What Wythenshawe Civic Centre looks like currently, before being transformed / Credit: Wikipedia Commons
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” explained Cllr Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“This is the drive behind the Culture Hub – a place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show, or enjoy the cinema space, right in the heart of their community.
“This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre.”
Joe Stockton, Development Director at Muse, called the construction of the new Culture Hub an ‘exciting moment’ for Wythenshawe.
He added: “Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops.
“It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Police launch investigation after man found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in Manchester road
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a man was found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in the middle of a road in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out Plymouth Grove, in the Longsight area of Manchester, at around 9pm this past Friday (30 January), and when they arrived at the scene, found a 61-year-old man lying in the road.
After being found ‘unresponsive’, the man was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently being treated for head injuries.
At this time, it is currently unknown how than man came to be in the road.
With so many questions left to answer, and a police investigation now underway being led by GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, officers are now urgently appealing to the public for witnesses and information.
“We have an open mind as we investigate how this man became to be injured,” explained PC Megan Stockton in the appeal. “However, there is the possibility he was struck by a vehicle.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, particularly anybody who may have dashcam footage taken in the area on Friday night.”
Can you help? If you have any information that could assist GMP’s investigation, then please contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 3421 of 30/01/26, or by calling 101 or using the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
25th July 2022 
