A New York-inspired pizza joint that started life as the lockdown brainchild of a local Stretfordian living in a fifth generation home, Bakehouse32 was originally in a small unit on Chester Road but has since grown into a larger space right outside Stretford Mall. The result means double the number of tables, daytime openings for coffee from Dark Woods and Red Bank roasters, sourdough breakfast butties using Grandad’s Sausages, focaccia sandwiches for lunch — don’t miss the Ruben — and a number of other upgrades.
One of the best things about Bakehouse32 is the simplicity, whether that’s interior design or the menu itself. “Born in New York, Raised In Manchester” the tagline reads, and for some this establishment ranks among the finest pizzas anywhere in the city because it doesn’t do fuss. Available Wednesday to Sunday, the choice speaks volumes, with a host of unique combinations that work exceptionally well. Highlights include pumpkin & gorgonzola (mozzarella, pumpkin cream, gorgonzola, ‘nduja, smoked pancetta and parmesan), rose (black olive, harissa parmesan, tomato) and aubergine & olive (mozzarella, tomato, aubergine, olives, capers, oregano, garlic oil, and parmesan, with the option to go vegan).
Looking for meat? Find pepperoni hot honey, spicy Napoli (mozzarella, anchovy, green olive, chilli, oregano) and the charcuterie (with pepperoni, coppa ham, ‘nduja, smoked pancetta and parmesan) among other options. Elsewhere, try the sharing platter, and pick from the something else range of homemade garlic breads and dips, olives and more. Then there’s Afters… like burnt Basque cheesecake, affogato, indulgent chocolate cizza — with custard, chocolate sprinkles, and chocolate sauce – and tiramisu. Finally, this spot is licensed and serves great beers from Cloudwater, Track and Deya, an impressive wine list curated by Top Cuvee and Andrew Keeling, including a number of unfiltered natural bottles, and frozen margaritas. Collaborations with doughy institutions like Holy Grain, DGHNT, and Flour & Soul Bakery add to the mix, as do co-working facilities for £15 per day with free coffee, Tuesday evening yoga with Earthy Urshy, and Monday events, for example a kimchi making workshop.