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Stretford Canteen

Greater Manchester, Manchester - French - Restaurant - ££

No-frills French bistro with a neighbourhood vibe

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

After several years as a mobile pop-up, the Stretford Canteen might not bring this hitherto neglected area the same degree of worldwide recognition as the Stretford End at Old Trafford (Manchester's United's home ground), but it is certainly at the forefront of giving it a shot in the arm. The investment that has gone into upgrading the Stretford Mall (formerly Arndale) has paid off, but unfortunately, the restaurant's location on a heavy-duty arterial dual carriageway is the opposite of picturesque. The frontage is muted and decor is on the lower end of the budget spectrum – there’s just enough room for a few tables, a high counter overlooking the kitchen... and that’s about it. But it’s easy-going, with tables close enough to encourage cheerful chit-chat. The vibe is charming French bistro, unsurprising when we learn that the owner's family background dates back to the much-missed old Beaujolais restaurant in central Manchester. Price is the main indication o...

After several years as a mobile pop-up, the Stretford Canteen might not bring this hitherto neglected area the same degree of worldwide recognition as the Stretford End at Old Trafford (Manchester's United's home ground), but it is certainly at the forefront of giving it a shot in the arm. The investment that has gone into upgrading the Stretford Mall (formerly Arndale) has paid off, but unfortunately, the restaurant's location on a heavy-duty arterial dual carriageway is the opposite of picturesque.

The frontage is muted and decor is on the lower end of the budget spectrum – there’s just enough room for a few tables, a high counter overlooking the kitchen... and that’s about it. But it’s easy-going, with tables close enough to encourage cheerful chit-chat. The vibe is charming French bistro, unsurprising when we learn that the owner's family background dates back to the much-missed old Beaujolais restaurant in central Manchester. Price is the main indication of plate size, but most are generously portioned, so having just one or two small plates is no problem. It’s largely a welcome return to evergreen favourites such as celeriac rémoulade, grilled king prawns with lemon and aïoli, melting short ribs with astringent parsley salad, pommes dauphinoise and so on.

Although some of the dishes tried at inspection were a tad disappointing, others such as salt-baked beetroot with orange, hazelnuts and goat's cheese, and a chocolate mousse with crème fraîche scored well. And, to drink, a fruit-filled, spicy Côtes du Rhône Villages was well-advised. It may not qualify as a destination restaurant but, as far as good neighbourhood eateries go, this one hits the back of the net.

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VENUE DETAILS

118 Chester Road, Stretford
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M32 9BHGB

0161 864 1911

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OTHER INFORMATION

Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Credit card required

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