Raise A Glass: Sale and Stretford Foodhall
A couple of corner shops with a stark difference, Sale and Stretford's Foodhalls offer their customers much more than just bread, milk and all the other daily necessities you’d expect to find in your average convenience store. Locally endorsed social hubs, community spaces, craft beer bars, coffee shops, street food destinations and even florists - They're the all-in-one bazaars that have become something of a hangout for the city’s artsy, in-the-know crowd.
Devised and launched back in 2019 by Mital Morar, the creative mind behind another chain of hip, inner-city bodegas dotted around the northern capital, General Stores, both food halls amass a vast range of fantastic products and services, courtesy of independent makers and experts from around the North West.
From our very own Manchester Union brewed lagers to lovingly crafted commodities from brands like Ancoats Coffee Co, Robinson’s Bakery, and resourceful cider producers, Moss Cider, the aisles and shelves are always stocked full with niche and sought-after goods. And, just in case you do actually need to acquire those kitchen staples, there’s also an adequate offering of fresh groceries to be found, along with an environmentally-friendly, packaging-free dry food station, fitted with forty dispensers full of nuts, seeds, grains and more.
It’s when the stores aren't shops at all, however, that it becomes apparent just how special the venues actually are. As the evenings draw in and the working masses escape the disorderly chaos of rush hour, the pair of souped-up corner shops turn into places of refuge, persuading weary blue and white-collar workers alike through their doors to sample some of the best street food around. Food stations showcasing an ever-rotating selection of vendors deliver superb portable cuisine, taking in flavours from across the world - be it Oriental, Korean, Indian, Mexican or even traditional.
When the weekends eventually come around and the city's bars and eateries begin to hum with activity, busy with out-of-towners seeking a prolonged day of over-indulgence, Sale and Stretford Foodhall change their hats once more, supplying entertainment, usually in the form of live DJs, throughout the course of its opening hours.
Visit both locations to enjoy the laid-back vibes and informed record selections, the pints of cold, golden lager and decadent cocktails, and whilst you’re there, grab the essentials to cure the following morning's hangover, should you linger around the bar too long.
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