The Stretford bar open again after the shortest pre-lockdown opening ever!

In what was quite possibly one of the shortest ever launches, The Hive in Stretford was open for just two days before it had to close again due to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March.

The new neighbourhood restaurant and bar is brought to Stretford by long-time business partners and entrepreneurs Chris Herbert and Jamie Hoare, who have teamed up with local bar operator Andy Seale of the nearby Gorse Hill Pub to bring the venue to Stretford Mall.

After much planning and consultation, they have now re-launched The Hive, a key part of the area’s huge regeneration plans.

They’ll be kicking off their re-opening with a limited food menu from Sid Talha, a Parisian chef with over 25 years’ experience under his belt. Nine of those were working under Michelin maestro Raymond Blanc at his Manchester restaurant Le Petit Blanc, as well as a few years working at Le Manoir in Oxford.

From its relaunch they’ve been following a list of social distancing features for customers and staff safety including a limited capacity to maintain 1m + distancing, surface sanitising, table service and contactless payments only.

They’ll be kicking off with a limited food menu with their Roast Dinners available from Sunday 12th July.

Owner Jamie says: “It’s been an incredibly tough time for everyone across the country, not just the hospitality industry but every part of life. We have had to change all of our original plans, and after being open for just a couple of days back in March we are really thrilled to be able to open again.

“This will of course be different to how we first imagined. We believe we have got everything in place to restore at least some normality for anyone in the area wanting to venture out, and can’t wait to welcome everyone back to The Hive for some fabulous food and drink.”