While Manchester city centre has long struggled for green spaces, which is partly why the opening of Mayfield Park was such a major news event, things look a lot different just a few miles into the suburbs. Heading south nature quickly forms a bigger part of the equation, and Stretford is particularly blessed thanks to its direct access to the vast, biodiversity rich expanse of the various meadows, wildernesses and water parks running alongside the M60 motorway. This Trafford district is also home to a number of great parks, including Longford, which boasts beautiful formal gardens, huge fields, disc golf, athletics and more.
Those heading to the petting zoo and children’s play areas will also find one of our hometown’s most picturesque and beloved cafes here, Caffeine & Co. Run by the same people behind both Blanchflower eateries, and the sister Little Blanchflower, this small but perfectly formed institution is known for excellent coffee and a great range of teas, alongside freshly prepared sandwiches. Having said that, the baked treats are the real star of the show.
“Great food, plain and simple” is how the team describe the approach here, although it’s also crucial to recognise that only the best quality ingredients are used for a menu predominantly made from scratch.
Daily breakfast options include traditional staples — like one of the best bacon butties in town — while lunchtime sees things move to the likes of cheese & caremelised onion toasties, seasonal soups, and curries, to mention but a few. As the name suggests, Caffeine & Co is also all about warm drinks, and offers a huge selection of caffeinated and decaf delights, whether you’re looking for a flat white, milky cortado, or flavour filled macchiato. A number of herbal and non-herbal teas are also sold, as is a range of speciality and household name soft drinks.