A few weeks back we went to check out Blanchflower in Altrincham, South Manchester. Here is what we found…
Opening a few months ago, Blanchflower is the latest restaurant in Altrincham. Situated just across from Market Hall, Blanchflower offers a fine dining experience without the fuss. Focusing on simple ingredients, great flavours and an ‘ingredients list you can count on one hand’, absolute freshness shines through everything they offer.
Originally focused on the Breakfast and Lunch market, Blanchflower has expanded to offer both an Evening and Sunday Lunch menu. The team at Blanchflower invited us down to try the new Sunday Lunch menu.
As well as the restaurant, Blanchflower operates as a bakery. Inside you’ll find a selection of baked bread, cakes and pastries to eat in and takeaway. I can personally recommend the sourdough bread, baked on-site over 3 days by head baker Clair Howells. It may take some time to bake but it’s more than worth it.
The Sunday Lunch Menu at Blanch Flower
For starters, we both opted for the Cheshire Asparagus with Poached Hen’s egg and Hollandaise sauce. Whilst it’s not a dish I would usually choose (I’m not a fan of Hollandaise) this starter was particularly great, simply cooked whilst packing a real punch.
After the success of the starters, I couldn’t wait for the main to arrive. A change from what was on the menu, we both ordered the butternut squash medley, served with cooked aubergine, tomato and asparagus.
It was, put simply, one of the best tasting, deliciously good meals I’ve had for quite some time. The pictures do not do it justice.
As much as I loved the food at BlanchFlower we did have a few problems that would stop me from recommending it wholeheartedly.
Firstly, the menu is very limited with only four starters and four mains – and only one of them is vegetarian. If you are vegan you are simply out of luck. Whilst I’m sure the team would be able to cater for vegans if you asked it’s much better for everyone if you can order straight off the menu.
Also, at times the service felt both disjointed and slow. It took around 20 minutes for our first drinks order to arrive and our second round was forgotten about completely.
Hopefully, as the team at BlanchFlower will improve on these things over time.
Overall, Blanchflower is at it’s best when the food does the talking. With the rebirth of Altrincham Market and the surrounding areas, Blanchflower is another great addition to the town.
Be sure to check it out next time you are in the area.
Three other places to visit in Altrincham
Planning on a day trip to Altrincham? Here are three places we would recommend:
Market Hall – 12 Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1SA
Winner of both BBC Market of the Year and the Observer Food Monthly Market of the year, Market Hall has been a hit since it’s opening in 2015. Inside you’ll find an array of food and drink vendors. Be warned though, at weekend’s finding an empty seat can be rare as hen’s teeth.
Sugo Pasta Kitchen – 22 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU
Focusing on freshly cooked authentic pasta, Sugo is great for both lunch and dinner. Relaxed dining at it’s best. A new Sugo is opening in Manchester City Centre too!
Tre Cicco – 4a Moss Ln, Altrincham WA14 1BA
A recent addition, Tre Cicco aims to bring a taste of Italy to Altrincham. Don’t let first impressions fool you – once inside the sun terrace offers one of the best places to dine in Alty.
Blanchflower – 12-14 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU
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