News

After years of supper clubs, Stretford Canteen opens its first restaurant

The restaurant has been described as "a lifetime in the making"

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 25th July 2022

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.

Read more: Inside Platzki, the city-centre Polish restaurant with an ever-evolving menu

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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.

Read more: The family-run Prestwich bagel shop with queues out the door

“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

News

Award-winning Northern Quarter restaurant announces shock closure with most heartbreaking statement yet

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of the Northern Quarter’s best restaurants and bars has announced its shock closure, adding to a tidal wave of hospitality casualties. 

Cocktail Beer Ramen and Bun – better known to most of us as CBRB – announced the news this evening with a frank and heartbreaking statement. 

In it, the late-night Oldham Street business outlined the ‘massive financial strain’ it’s been facing, describing the obstacles that are ‘affecting everyone in the hospitality industry right now’. 

CBRB stressed the staggering costs of goods and the doubling of energy bills as the ‘massive factors’ that have forced their hand. 

They wrote: “It breaks our heart to have to make this decision and please know, it has not come lightly or without months of deliberation, meetings and rescue plans.

“Countless discussions about a way out of the sh*t that wouldn’t end up coming to this.”

CBRB
CBRB. Credit: The Manc Group
CBRB
CBRB. Credit: The Manc Group
CBRB
CBRB. Credit: The Manc Group

CBRB, which specialises in huge steaming bowls of ramen, delicious small plates and award-winning cocktails, took the time to thank all the customers who have supported the hugely popular independent restaurant over the years. 

They also urged people to get out and support their local favourites before it’s too late, writing: “We can guarantee they’ll need it. So many amazing ideas and talented businesses in our industry are struggling and closing almost every day now and they need your help.” 

CBRB’s final day will be this Sunday, with bookings and walk-ins operating as normal.

CBRB’s statement in full

This is probably the hardest thing we’ve ever had to write. The worst news we’ve ever had to deliver.

This Sunday will be our last. 

The last noodle pull. The last blue drink. The last dinner service.

We want to be as honest with you as possible. After all, it’s you lot that make this place what it is and it’s you who have kept us going as long as we have. 

CBRB wouldn’t be where it is today without your amazing love + support over the last 4 years… 

The business has been under massive financial strain, that we have unfortunately been unable to pull ourselves out of. The obstacles that have been affecting everyone in the hospitality industry right now. The cost of goods sky rocketing. Energy bills more than doubling. They’re all massive factors and they’ve all made it extremely difficult to continue doing what we love, without compromising on quality. 

It breaks our heart to have to make this decision and please know, it has not come lightly or without months of deliberation, meetings and rescue plans. Countless discussions about a way out of the sh*t that wouldn’t end up coming to this.

So for now we just want to thank you. For making this tiny little kitchen and bar become something way bigger than we ever imagined. For making coming to work the last 4 years so much fun. For all the lovely messages, the constant support, for bringing your friends and sharing the love for the food we create. 

Thank you for supporting your local Girl Gang. But for now, it’s over.

If we can leave anything behind it’s this. Go and support your local independent bar! 

Eat out at your favourite family owned restaurants. Order that takeaway from your local small business. Because we can guarantee they’ll need it. So many amazing ideas and talented businesses in our industry are struggling and closing almost every day now and they need your help.

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Bookings and walk ins will operate as normal this week and we’ll keep on slinging the noods and pouring the drinks until the second we have to leave. 

2018 – 2023 

This week will be a bittersweet one. Come see us for a drink.

Big love, Team CBRB x

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Selfridges to open Louboutin bar with cocktails inspired by its iconic £700 shoes

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant

A new bar inspired by Christian Louboutin’s infamous red-soled shoes is set to open in Selfridges, Manchester Trafford, this year.

Offering a spin on classic cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan alongside some bespoke creations, it will be located in the accessories hall on the lower level of the department store opposite the new Christian Louboutin boutique.

Running for a limited time only, Loubibar celebrates the arrival of the swanky boutique where the designer’s latest Spring collection of signature shoes and accessories are now on display.

At the cocktail bar, shoppers can enjoy bespoke cocktail creations including the Rouge Follies (a spin on the classic Cosmopolitan), the Loubifunk (mixing gin with aromatic notes of cherry and zesty limes) and the amusingly named Loubidoo (a ‘transportive’ cocktail laced with coconuts and lime).

Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied

The 360 bar itself is resplendent in Christian Louboutin’s signature red, with plush red stools and menus, and will serve bespoke red cocktails inspired by the French fashion house, which was first established in Paris over 30 years ago.

First launching in 1992 with a collection for women, swiftly followed by a men’s collection a few years later, its signature red lacquered sole makes the shoes instantly recognisable wherever they go.

2014 welcomed Christian Louboutin Beauté, while in, 2022 the House launched a new category dedicated to Kids and Pets: The LoubiFamily.

Favoured by the likes of the Kardashians and Cardi B, as well as Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, they’ve long been considered an iconic symbol of style and quality craftsmanship.

Read more: An award-winning pie and mash cafe is opening in Manchester

With a prolific collection of shoes, leather goods and accessories, Christian Louboutin now counts more than 150 points of sales around the world. 

The new bar’s design incorporates the brand’s playful wit and charm, with the Loubibar itself topped with a lit sign that nods to the decor often seen in Parisian brasseries.

Read more: Two Manchester cocktail bars named amongst the top 10 in the country

Seating is available around the bar as well as a number of booths all featuring textiles complimenting the adjacent Christian Louboutin boutique, the new cocktail bar is open for a limited time only.

Located in the accessories hall on the lower level, it celebrates the new Christian Louboutin boutique where the designer’s latest Spring collection of signature shoes and accessories are available.

Feature image – Supplied

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