Not so long ago Monton was being touted as the ‘New Didsbury’, thanks to its bustling high street complete with independent retailers and buzzing restaurants and bars. And while the village, which forms part of Eccles in Salford, certainly shares some similarities - especially with West Didsbury’s Burton Road - it’s also paving its own way with an eclectic mix of new openings.
While the buzz around the Salford suburb remains, it has often received less attention than some of its counterparts like Stockport, Sale and Chorlton. But despite no longer being a hidden gem, its lower profile may in fact be its calling card - especially if you’re after somewhere that’s still on the up.
Furthermore, its thriving food and drink scene has pretty much all bases covered. So, whether you’re after cosy brunch spots, butcher's shops inspired by the delis of Rome, or just a really good pint, Monton continues to quietly tick all the boxes. Even better, it takes less than 15 minutes to walk from one end to another - making it a great place to explore this weekend.
Read more: I tried the £25 Sunday roast with enormous Yorkshire puddings and it’s one of the best in Manchester
Wandering Palate
Purveyors of wine and fine indulgences, this hybrid, multifunctional deli is one of the most hyped spots on the Monton strip. Also encompassing a wine shop and trendy speakeasy-style bar, the venture was launched in 2021 by local couple Will and Emma Evans. Bringing their favourite food and drink products from the British Isles to the table, this neighbourhood deli specialises in wine, craft beer, UK cheese and charcuterie, and regularly hosts tastings sessions for locals and visitors alike.
191 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PN
Vintage Ambience
This pastel-hued tea room, bar and kitchen is a great venue throughout the day, whether you have a hankering for breakfast, late lunch or some delicious afternoon tea specials. Here, you can tuck into Vintage Ambiance ‘Bennies’ and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, tempura prawns and crushed avocado, or book in for high tea (£15pp) - a foodie experience encompassing scones, eclairs and mille-feuilles.
Meanwhile, their extensive cocktail selection spans classics like pornstar martinis, old fashioned and mimosas, while VA specialties like Candy Girl with vodka, crème de cacao, cranberry juice and candy floss, and Chocolate & Hazelnut Manhattan, show off the spot’s creative flair. There's also barista-style coffees, homemade cakes and specialty teas on offer.
188 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PY
The Waterside
Having moved to the vibrant village of Monton in 2006, following a successful six year stint in Swinton, The Waterside lives by the motto ‘perfect for parties, cosy for couples and ideal for individuals’ making it quite the all-rounder. Despite its original period features, inside there’s more than a splash of neon, making this an ideal Friday night spot.
Looking out onto the Bridgewater Canal, and opposite Monton lighthouse, this modern pub and restaurant - with four guestrooms to boot - not only serves up some great grub - from breakfast bloomers to Sunday roasts - but is also a great place for a pint, whether that’s outside in the Lighthouse Lounge or inside as the nights roll in.
1 Parrin Ln, Eccles, Manchester M30 8AN
Blacksticks
Sitting at the heart of Monton, this European-styled restaurant serves up a selection of small plates, tapas and brunch items. Minimal and contemporary in aesthetic, on warmer days it’s worth soaking up the sun and enjoying light bites like mini chorizo, Moroccan lamb pinchos and Catalan tomato bread al fresco. From the a la carte menu, choose from Goats cheese bon bons, homemade chicken liver parfait and a variety of mains including pan-fried sea bass and chargrilled halloumi with patatas bravas.
221 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PN
The Blind Pig
Every decent village food and drink scene needs a trusty steed, and the Blind Pig ticks all the boxes. This friendly local now has a range of food and drink offers - from 2-1 cocktails all day every day, burger, chips and a drink for less than a tenner, and two shots for £6. There’s a lot to go at here, plus, they've recently launched a new menu, with a wide enough selection to keep everyone watered and fed.
204-206 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9LJ
Bread Club
Put simply, if it’s proper butties, and sweet treats you’re after, the recently opened Bread Club is a must visit. Launched by Louise and Jack, their aim was to bring a family friendly sandwich shop to Monton using local and daily made products - that cater to everyone. Inside, a counter full of toppings awaits, ready to be piled high into a range of baguettes and rolls - crisps can also be added. Sundays, as they say, are for Reuben Pastrami sandwiches, as are Oreo milkshakes and Worker Bee coffees, plus vegan and lotus biscuit brownies if you still have space.
253 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PS
Farm & Fish
Inspired by the butcher's shops and delis on the back streets of Rome, Farm and Fish is the result of a collaboration between the aforementioned Wandering Palate and Tib Street's Butcher's Quarter. Boating a fresh seafood counter, a menu of seasonal dishes and a fantastic seating area - a recurring theme for Monton - this artisan butcher, fishmonger, and tasting room is quite the place.
Sourcing produce from the finest artisan suppliers, many of which are local to Monton, as well as speciality products, nationally and internationally, you'll want to make a list before you go, just to make sure you don't miss out. Whether its a tasty looking Barnsley chop and lamb leg steaks in Greek marinade, or Loch Fyne oysters at the bargain price of a quid, this is certainly the place to go if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie.
190 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PY
Malt Dog
This buzzy craft beer emporium has quite the inventory. We're talking ten fresh line pours of some of the best craft beer around, as well as three rotating cask beers, plus more than 30 craft beers tucked away in fridge, which changes weekly with a variety of local beer on offer. If that wasn't enough, they also stock 30 hand-selected whiskies for those who love a dram - and host tasting nights for those who fancy a tipple or two. And to top it all off, they're dog friendly. What more could you ask for?
169 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GS
Oats & Honey
With this Monton gem it's a little hard to pin down exactly what it is - and that definitely not a bad thing. It's one of those, a little from column A, a little from column B situations, and it's all the better for it.
Housing a bar, coffee shop, event space, refill and gift store all under one roof sounds like a lot but it really works here, and makes for a homely yet contemporary hive of activity - it also means you can pick up your essentials, sort your plastic-free refills, and grab a pint all at the same time. It's also home to eco-conscious candle makers Booze and Burn, who regularly host candle-making workshops - a great activity to line-up as we head into autumn.
Homeboys Pizza
Monton certainly isn’t short of places to grab a slice, and Homeboys is the ideal stop off whether you’re up for a sit down occasion or a pizza to go. Established last year, the independent pizzeria proudly makes everything from scratch and sources only the freshest ingredients.
Their 14’’ pizzas are a mashup of New York and Neapolitan style, with dough that takes 48 hours to prove using a method that took over 300 months to nail. Since August last year, the team have hosted patrons in their restaurant and bar space on the first floor, where as well as pizza you’ll find an evolving selection of natural wines.
171 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GS
Playfoots
Upscale and intimate, Playfoots is the sort of space you might go on a date night, especially if you’re looking to impress with some fancier cocktails and decent pints. While the drink selection is superb, the food offering here definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. As well as hearty fry-ups there are some very appetising dishes like the Korean-style fried chicken bagel doing the rounds, well worth a pit-stop on your whistle stop tour of Monton. They also host a number of events including supper clubs hosted by some pretty impressive chefs. Later this month, they'll welcome chef Ness Cohen, who will take to the pass with her delicious Middle Eastern-inspired creations.
175 Monton Rd, Monton, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GS
La Turka
This down-to-earth bistro and bar started its life in 2011 in Stockton Heath, Warrington, before setting up shop in the village of Monton in 2015 - representing a new beginning and chance to wow the patrons of the Eccles suburb. With a modern twist on Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, chefs at La Turka serve up a variety of grilled meats, seasonal seafood and tasty mezzes, as well as pizzas and pastas. They have pretty much every base covered, and you can ever shimmy with a belly dancer if you so wish.
168 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GA
The CoffeeHouse & Kitchen
Founded in 2020 by two brothers, it was the owners ambition to serve great food and coffee to the local community - and that they certainly do. Purveyors of speciality coffee and brunch, as well as boozier tipples come nightfall, there's a healthy mix to choose from here, from Huevos Rancheros and Chorizo Chilli Scramble, to House Katsu and the Coffee House Club. The cocktail menu is small and perfectly formed, as is their selection of lager, ale and ciders.
212 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9LJ
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