A Greater Manchester restaurant has spoken about the ‘pretty catastrophic’ impact after two big cancellations
The owners of a French-inspired bistro in Greater Manchester have spoken out about the ‘pretty catastrophic’ impact of two large cancellations recently(Image: Jody Hartley)
A Greater Manchester restaurant has spoken about how they have been impacted by two last-minute cancellations on what would have typically been ‘one of the busiest days of the year’ for them.
Stretford Canteen, on Chester Road in the Trafford town, first opened its doors in 2022 by owners Josephine Sandwith and Dean Taylor. Josephine and Dean, who had previously hosted their own pop-up kitchens, opened the French-inspired bistro with a focus on local and seasonal produce, with the aim of providing fine dining that ‘isn’t fussy’.
In the three years since opening, Josephine and Dean’s venture has been hailed by the likes of The Daily Telegraph, where it was named one of the UK’s top French restaurants, and the Good Food Guide. It also won the Neighbourhood Venue of the Year prize at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards last year.
Posting on social media over the weekend, the venue’s owners said they had two large bookings set for Friday evening (December 12). However, both parties eventually cancelled their plans at the restaurant, which the owners said led to a ‘massive impact’ on the venue due to staffing and food. They urged customers to book ahead and to commit to their bookings, or give as much notice as possible, to help small businesses respond appropriately in time.
The French bistro specialises in fine dining that isn’t ‘fussy'(Image: Jody Hartley)
Explaining the situation, the owners wrote on Friday evening: “Owning a restaurant can bring you the best and worst of times. Thankfully, mostly it’s a proper high… but there is always a bump in the road incoming. Like today. On what should and usually is one of the busiest days of the year, a Friday in December, we’ve just had 2 large cancellations. For a restaurant of our size, this is pretty catastrophic. From being full to a quarter empty makes a massive impact. The staffing for a busy night, the prepping of food for the amount of customers we expected, all turned in on its head.”
Regular customers and fans of the restaurant rallied behind the venue, sharing love for the service and food they offer. One person said: “That’s shocking, some people don’t realise that something like this can make or break a small business.” Another said: “Shameful – so sorry guys, you are still and always will be the best restaurant in Manchester.”
Others also queried whether the cancellations may lead the venue owners to consider new policies in the future, including a deposit scheme. Someone asked: “Can you take deposits for large bookings to disincentivise cancellations? Or do you already do this? Sorry to hear this. It must be so frustrating!” One person also suggested: “You need to start taking deposits. Plenty of businesses do. I wouldn’t mind paying a deposit if I was booking somewhere.”
Stretford Canteen owners Josephine Sandwith and Dean Taylor opened their restaurant three years ago(Image: Supplied)
Another wrote: “That’s terrible but all too common nowadays unfortunately!! Maybe take a deposit per head that usually kerbs no shows!” One other commented: “A deposit for a “party” should be both obligatory and non refundable. Small and large businesses rely on fairness. I hope you are able to attract more than you have lost, you deserve better!”
Earlier this month, another Manchester restaurant spoke out about how no-shows were affecting trade. Jamie Collins, who runs Delve in Saddleworth, said he was left ‘extremely frustrated’ when 50 customers did not turn up for their Sunday dinner service last week. He said it had led to ’empty tables’ and ‘wasted food’ and had a detrimental impact on the business.
After sharing details of the failure for so many customers to turn up for their bookings, Delve owner said he was going to introduce a new deposit policy to offer a bit of sense of security to the venue. He said: “we do hope this doesn’t put you off booking, but it is a necessary change for us to make to look after our business.”
Dining and Cooking