After having undergone significant regeneration and investment in recent years, Altrincham has become a popular destination to live. The town is particularly known for its thriving food and drink scene, as it supports a fantastic range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit all tastes and budgets.
From coffee shops and bakeries to brand names and independent eateries, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Investment in the town’s historic Market has been key to Altrincham’s success, and many other town centres across the country have adopted this model. Traders at the award-winning Altrincham Market and Market House offer a range of items from freshly baked sourdough bread and artisan chocolates to authentic Neapolitan pizza, hand-made pies and rare breed steaks.
Many of the town’s eateries and bars are run by passionate local entrepreneurs who take pride in showcasing the best of what the region has to offer. This not only creates a vibrant and unique atmosphere but also helps to support the local economy.
The Stamford Quarter has also recently been regenerated, incorporating a great mix of independent and international brands, creative workspaces, live events and pop-up stores. While One Central is a new food and beverage hub housed in a refurbished collection of shipping containers.
Altrincham is home to several great bars and pubs. From traditional ale houses to modern cocktail bars, craft beer specialists, independent wine shops and classic pubs, there are a diverse range of drinking spots dotted around the town. You’ll also find a great mix of fashion boutiques, hair salons, gift shops and interior design stores in the town centre.
Altrincham enjoys a vibrant social scene, and the town hosts a range of events throughout the year that not only provide great entertainment for residents and visitors but also help to foster a sense of community. For entertainment and leisure, Altrincham boasts two cinemas, an ice rink and a Leisure Centre – although this has just closed as part of a multi-million-pound development supported by Trafford Council. It will reopen in the summer of 2024 with a larger gym, two swimming pools, a sports hall and studios.
Altrincham is well-connected, making it an ideal location for those who commute for work or leisure. The town is served by two train stations, Altrincham and Navigation Road, which together with the Metrolink tram and regular bus routes, provide easy access to Manchester city centre and other surrounding areas. The M56 motorway is also nearby, connecting the town to other major cities in the North West.
Altrincham has a range of excellent primary and secondary schools, and several highly regarded independent schools in the area, including Altrincham Grammar Schools for Boys and Girls, making the town an attractive option for families who are looking for good quality education for their children.
The town is surrounded by green spaces, including the beautiful Dunham Massey estate, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as dog walking and cycling. The town centre itself is also pedestrian-friendly, with a range of high street names like Marks and Spencer, Waterstones and Wilko within easy walking distance. Altrincham is also served by a huge Tesco Extra and a Sainsbury’s store.
Altrincham is a great place to live for a variety of reasons, with its food and drink scene being a particular highlight. The Cheshire market town has excellent transport links, great schools, and ample green spaces; it is easy to see why it is such a popular choice for those looking to live near such a vibrant town.
Eddie – March 2023.