A thriving food scene, independent shops, bars and feeling very distinct whilst only being 30 minutes on the tram from Deansgate makes Altrincham well worth a visit. Here are Union’s picks of places to visit if you find yourself down that way.
Altrincham market is a great example of regeneration. After the Trafford Centre opened, the town struggled for trade and by 2010 a survey found that it had one of the highest shop vacancy rates in the UK. Three years later, the council opened a bidding process for the market and the pitch that won focused on the town’s sense of purpose, based on independent food outlets.
Very quickly the market became incredibly popular, bagging awards. It is home to 10 independent food operators that include Honest Crust wood fired pizza, Reserve Wines (BBC Food journalist Kate Goodman’s wine bar) and Great North Pie Co to name a few. There are no reservations so get there early.
You never know who you might spot there with footballers and local celebrities often having business meetings or brunches there.
Kings Court
Located right in the town centre, this intimate courtyard is home to several different bars and restaurants. Cheshire Tap claims to have a “selection that is meticulously curated to include the best the region has to offer,” Gin Can offers a wide variety of unique gin, cocktails, spirits, wine and beer, whilst I Call Myself Sanchez is an American influenced street food stall featuring locally and responsibly sourced ingredients. It’s all cooked to order which makes it taste so fresh.
For football fans there is also Libero, a football-themed craft ale bar which prides itself on being a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and women to watch football.
Yara
A Syrian and Lebanese restaurant that is a modern take on traditional cuisine. Mains include Chicken Basha, Sharhat and Tawook. Traditional Lebanese beer is also on the menu as is wine. The restaurant is so popular that it has expanded to Stockton Heath, Chorlton, Cheadle and Alderley Edge.
Toast Altrincham
Located on the site of an old Barclays bank, Toast has an exciting menu that includes Chorizo and Potato Hash and Vegan Chilli Con Carne. Punters have said that it’s restaurant food at cafe prices and they pride themselves on having the cheapest latte in town.
Dunham Massey
A National Trust Park that’s easily accessible and has a 300-acre deer park, historic house and buildings. Perfect for a peaceful day out, the grounds are stunning and there are some great walking routes. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll with a pleasant atmosphere and great for some mindful wellbeing. There’s also a cafe and a stables restaurant.
There you have it, don’t let the house prices put you off, you can have a pretty cheap yet fun day out in Altrincham and get some unbeatable grub.
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