A POPULAR pop-up restaurant of more than five years is set to open a first permanent premises at Stretford Mall.

Stretford Canteen, the idea of Dean Taylor and Josephine Sandwith, is set to open on Chester Road late this spring.

Inspired by Beaujolais, the iconic city centre restaurant run by Jo's parents in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Stretford Canteen offers British and European fare from local and sustainable sources.

There will also be a wine list with a focus on France, although with highlights from across Europe.

All of this in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which will be led by Dean and Jo themselves, as well as by daughter Eve.

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Dean said the restaurant was a dream come true after a spell as a pop-up a lot longer than intended.

He said: "We've always dreamed of opening a restaurant. We thought we might've put our roots down in Stretford sooner, but the pandemic slowed things down.

"Now we're so excited to be joining a brilliant community in Stretford and we can’t wait to welcome the neighbourhood to our new, permanent Stretford Canteen."

Also on the agenda at Stretford Canteen are supper clubs, the special, evening dining experiences on which the restaurant based its earliest success.

Jo said: "We're really excited about bringing our own home-grown version of fine dining to Stretford.

"Brilliant food doesn’t need to be stuffy. Stretford Canteen was built around the warm, welcoming, relaxed dining experience that I grew up with.

"It's about sharing great food and wine with family and friends in a home-style, neighbourhood eatery."

James Tootle, head of retail for town centres at Bruntwood, which owns Stretford Mall in partnership with Trafford Council, added: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Stretford Canteen to Stretford Mall.

"Dean and Jo have built something really special. They're at the heart of a strong and passionate food community in Stretford and we're delighted to be able to support them in bringing their vision to life.

"As a talented, local independent with something unique to offer, Stretford Canteen embody exactly what we want to bring to the town centre as part of our vision to create a thriving, community focused high street and an exciting future for Stretford."