I’ve lamented alittle that Stretford is a little lacking when compared to other towns when it comes to eating out.
Thanks to the football club down the road, we have so many takeaways, Chester Road is all but swimming in them. We’ve got a couple of pubs for straightforward pub food, and a little family run Italian opened late last year. And that’s it.
We’ve even sadly lost Stretford Canteen to Chorlton. (Please come back, we miss you).
Of course, we have my favourite bar next door – Stretford Sip Club. And the team behind it decided to do something about our distinct lack of restaurants. So, say hello to the Stretford Trading Company.
The Stretford Trading Company is in the old Cupboard Love shop on Chester Road, just up from the Public Hall. Gone are the fitted kitchen units, instead there’s a casual dining venue, that is themed on a month to month basis. Different pop ups, different chefs, different food.
For the first?
We were welcomed by a large shark projected on the wall, a list of shipmate dos and don’ts on the wall, and a menu in a bottle.
Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum.
Welcoming sip of grog in our glass, we eyed the menu. It was small but well formed. As you’d expect with a seafaring theme, fish featured heavily, plenty of seasonal vegetables, and a very tasty looking veggie special. I certainly can’t see our piratical ancestors eating so well. (NB I don’t have piratical ancestors to be honest, mine are split between farmers and romany gypsies. So…)
Mr GFB’s choice, Cullen Skink, was perfect for the cold, wet dank weather outside. Piping hot, hearty, and tasty. My own, was a much more summery affair. Crisp tomato and courgette tart with creamy goats’ cheese. The sweet tomato chutney base cut through the rich earthy flavours of the goats’ cheese.
But the best was yet to come.
My own, the Cambodian fish stew, served in a banana leaf, with cashew rice, and a pineapple and chilli salsa, was very moreish. The fish was cooked well, but not too much, it hadn’t lost it’s texture or firmness, was well spiced but not pungently so, and the salsa was sweet, sharp with just a tickle of chilli. Delish.
Mr GFB had selected the Greek octopus stew, with squid ink soda bread and nori butter. I was a little envious. My own was fabulous, but the tender octopus with a spice that grew with every mouthful, and bread and butter for dunking…
Hmm.
For dessert, there was only one choice for me. Orange, honey and thyme sorbet with banana pancakes. And believe me when I say the presentation doesn’t do them justice.
Sharp sweet sorbet, with thickly sliced banana and custard filled pancakes. Oh yes.
Whilst Mr GFB went for something far more sophisticated. Salted chocolate mousse with ginger jelly and chocolate chip meringues. Sharp jelly cutting through the dark chocolate mousse, with light crisp meringue for, er dunking. OK, maybe not quite so sophisticated.
This particular theme is on til 8 April, when it will be all change. Bookings are taken via email and Facebook message and Billetto, for a menu that sits comfortably under £25 for three courses, grog and a post dinner tot of rum.
Stretfordians? Get on with it, and give it a go.
All food and drink was paid for by ourselves.