Pizza, tapas, pastries, pub classics and artisan coffee – the very best places to eat and drink in the metropolitan borough of Trafford.
If you had to pick a favourite dish, what would it be? A towering burger from Archie’s at the Trafford Centre, perhaps, or a plate of perfectly cooked pasta from Sugo in Altrincham, a Dal Bhat from Katmandhu Kitchen, a Mousaka from Yara or a Poke from Unagi. There’s no one cuisine that the Manchester borough of Trafford does best; instead, it’s variety that makes the area special. So, what takes your fancy?
The best food and drink in Altrincham
If you can’t decide why not head to Manchester Food And Drink Festival’s top Foody neighbourhood, Altrincham. Here, the award-winning Market is home to some outstanding food traders; peruse the chalk boards for dishes that take your fancy, and enjoy the novelty of everyone in your party being able to order from a different menu. For those who are after a specific cuisine, however, Altrincham more than delivers: there’s Spanish tapas from Evuna or Porta, freshly-made pasta from Sugo, or the brunch-inspired menu at Toast. Common Ground and Gran T’s are great for coffee – and for those who truly want to whet their appetite, we recommend a walk around Dunham Massey, before crossing a neighbouring field to the traditional surrounds of The Swan with Two Nicks. Whilst you’re in Dunham why not pick up a porter, to sup at home, from the Dunham Massey Brewing Company.
The best food and drink in Urmston
South west of the Trafford Centre is Urmston, an up and coming town that’s home to a number of top places to eat and drink. The Steamhouse is a firm favourite among these: once voted Trafford’s Pub of the Year, The Steamhouse occupies a refurbished station building and serves up cask ales and world beers alongside pub food including Sunday roasts. The Barking Dog, housed in a former post office, has a similar remit, and is particularly famous for its pies. If you’re on a purely liquid diet, we recommend neighbourhood wine bar Kelder Wines or the highly rated pub and beer shop Prairie Schooner Taphouse. Kin Bakehouse & Kitchen is the place to go for lighter bites and sweet treats, the monthly Urmston Artisan Market perfect for browsing street food traders. Foodies should also keep an eye out for the incoming Market 41 food hall; there’s no opening date as yet, but the complex promises to include a number of food and drink outlets alongside a market and pop-up traders.
The best food and drink in Stretford
Stretford already has an established food hall in its central mall, easily reached both on the tram and by following the walking and cycling link along the Bridgewater Canal. Here, street food stalls, a craft beer bar and a coffee counter are backed by a general store selling a range of products and refills. The Longford Tap is around the corner, while laid-back restaurant and bar The Hive is also nearby. A short distance from this central cluster is Bakehouse32, where wood fired sourdough pizzas and New York style bagels are the order of the day.
The best food and drink in Sale
Stretford’s close neighbour, Sale, is just two stops away on the tram and similarly strong for food. Bistro restaurant The Perfect Match has gained an enviable reputation since opening, winning Newcomer of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2020. Pairing British and European food with a hand-selected set of wines, the restaurant has been lauded by local critics. Head to Chez Nous Bistro or The Bridge Pub and Dining for modern British cuisine, Bianco for pizza and coffee, or Bean and Brush café for locally sourced food and family friendly arts and crafts. Also worth a mention is Taylor’s of Sale, ranked as one of the best butchers in the country.
The Trafford Centre
Last but not least is the Trafford Centre: which boasts a food court that’s among the largest in Europe, as well as being one of the best places for shopping in the area. Try the surprising bursts of flavour in a bubble tea, warm cookies with melting middles, peri-peri chicken or Thai street food; it’s all here, under one roof. Alternatively, sports fans may well be drawn to the nearby Hotel Football, where the menu at the Café Football embodies the spirit of the game. Where else could you order up a Giggsy with sausage, mash, onion and gravy, or a Scholsey steak suet pudding with mushy peas and gravy?
