THERE is set to be a real buzz around the new neighbourhood ‘Hive’ restaurant and bar, which is opening on March 18 in Stretford.

The new hub on Chester Road in Stretford Mall is brought to Stretford by long-time business partners and entrepreneurs Chris Herbert and Jamie Hoare.

The pair, who own a successful table football business, have teamed up with local bar operator Andy Seale, of the nearby Gorse Hill pub, to bring this new concept to Stretford Mall.

The Hive is the latest part of the area’s huge regeneration drive, as Stretford continues its own revolution as part of the city’s thriving food and drink, cultural and arts landscape.

The venue is promising to bring an all-day food and drink experience to the neighbourhood, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner complemented by a solid selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Jamie, 25, said: “Things are going really well. We are launching this weekend and have got all the builders and are on track this week.

“It has been a bit crazy as we are in the old RBS bank and we drove past it a few years ago and thought we could do something there.

“Stretford is doing really well and is a regeneration area of Manchester and the Hive will give more choice to eat and drink.”

The company is going to be employing 30 people, which is a positive step.

The laid-back destination will be a first of its kind for the area, providing a place for every day dining and drinking occasions – from coffees and cake or a lazy brunch, to a family dinner or cocktails with pals.

There’ll be a healthy children’s menu, homemade biscuits, cakes and fresh bread baked on site daily too, whilst a fine Sunday roast offering will add to the thriving local weekend food scene too.

The man behind the menu is Sid Talha – a Parisian chef with over 25 years’ experience under his belt, and nine of those working under Michelin maestro Raymond Blanc. As well as working at Le Manoir in Oxford, Sid worked at Blanc’s Manchester restaurant Le Petit Blanc.

The menu has been designed to create a laid-back experience for a range of occasions and tastes – the focus is on quality and accessibility with some dishes inspired by Chef’s Parisian heritage too.

Jamie added: “It is great to have someone with Sid’s wealth of experience at various award winning restaurants and we are really excited to have him on board.”

The Hive will join the exciting community of independent businesses that are thriving at Stretford mall including Stretford Food Hall, Head Bar and The Longford Tap.

Jamie added: “We are currently sorting out the DJs for Friday and Saturday nights and there is a first floor mezzanine for people to meet up and the private bar can be hired for functions and parties.”