Stretford Canteen pop-up to open first permanent restaurant at Stretford Mall

After five years as a pop-up restaurant around the Stretford neighbourhood and beyond, local food and drink heroes, Stretford Canteen, are set to open their first permanent restaurant at Stretford Mall. 

The new unit is located at the front of the Mall at 118 Chester Road, and is expected to open late Spring.

The family run eatery founded by Josephine Sandwith and Dean Taylor has a rich history, with Josephine growing up in one of the city’s most beloved gastro institutions, the French restaurant Beaujolais – a much-loved restaurant of the 70s, 80s and 90s in Manchester.

Taking inspiration from her parents’ love of Lyonnaise cuisine, excellent produce and casual, hearty dishes, Jo put her experience into action when she moved to Stretford and in 2016 Stretford Canteen was born. 

Now, five years, many popups and a pandemic later, the pair are planning their first bricks and mortar restaurant with a vision of bringing a relaxed, home-style bistro to the M32 area. 

With cooking in their blood Jo and Dean are hugely passionate about food and serving simple and beautiful dishes prepared with love and centered around local produce and sustainable values. 

Foodies of Stretford can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere led by a family team with Jo, Dean and their daughter Eve all working in the kitchen as well as front of house.

A menu of European and British dishes will regularly change depending on what’s in season and what’s available.

Jo will be working with local farmers, growers and producers ensuring a sustainable, creative and exciting menu. 

Stretford Canteen’s famous supper clubs – the gastro events that got them started on their journey – will be making a return, too. This time in time in their own restaurant as they serve up regular special evenings and dining experiences.

There will be a considered wine list curated by Eve and featuring highlights from across Europe with a focus on France. 

“We are really excited about bringing our own home-grown version of fine dining to Stretford,” says Josephine.

”Brilliant food doesn’t need to be stuffy – Stretford Canteen was built around that warm, welcoming relaxed dining experience that I grew up with.

“It’s about sharing great food and wine with friends and family in a home-style, neighbourhood eatery.

“We started out by doing our little supper clubs in the evenings at Pines Pantry and our following grew from there.”

Dean added: “We have always dreamed of opening a restaurant – and thought we might have put our roots down in Stretford sooner but the Pandemic slowed things down, although our delivery service during that time was incredibly popular!

“Now we’re so excited to be joining a brilliant community in Stretford and we can’t wait to welcome the neighbourhood to our new, permanent Stretford Canteen.”

The venue will add to the burgeoning community of exciting and vibrant independent businesses and operators making a home in Stretford as Bruntwood and Trafford Council continue to collaborate with independent businesses as part of their vision to transform the town centre in Stretford.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Stretford Canteen to Stretford Mall,” says James Tootle, Bruntwood.

”Dean and Jo have built something really special – they are at the heart of a strong and passionate food community in Stretford and we’re delighted to be able to support them in bringing their vision to life.

“As a talented local independent with something unique to offer, Stretford Canteen embody exactly what we want to bring to the town centre as part of our vision to create a thriving, community focussed high street and an exciting future for Stretford.”