The Stretford Canteen has been named as one of the best French restaurants in the whole of the UK.
The neighbourhood spot was name-checked in the Daily Telegraph among five restaurants serving up authentic ‘Gallic gastronomy’.
“Linked to the much-missed Beaujolais in central Manchester, Stretford Canteen is an unfussy bistro offering a convivial atmosphere, plenty of wine and classic dishes,” the piece reads.
It also recommended ordering the dauphinoise potatoes with beef short rib.
The restaurant opened in summer 2022, as part of the redevelopment of Stretford mall by Bruntwood, after six years of running supper clubs at venues across the city.
Behind the project is Josephine Sandwith and partner Dean Taylor. Josephine’s parents ran the famous French restaurant Beaujolais in Portland Street in the 1980s and 90s.
“We’re really chuffed to be included,” Dean told Manchester’s Finest.
“To think that French food is in vogue again is quite funny for us as we were certainly not chasing fashion! It was quite straightforward to take influence from the Beaujolais where Josephine spent so much of her childhood.
“It makes sense though that people are interested in the classics again as they’re classics for a reason.
“It’s hard to beat simply cooked French food. It’s been a great year for us, including [an entry in] the Good Food Guide, being nominated for two awards at the MCR food and drink awards and now this.
“It’s the cherry on the top.”
