Up and coming hotspot, Stanley Square, Sale, is humming with festive cheer as the newly opened alpine lodge themed bar, Folie, takes its place as the final jewel in the crown of the revitalised town centre. All 27 units in Stanley Square are now fully let, creating a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike to revel in the festive spirit and experience the magic of the season.
The ski lodge inspired setting, complete with wood accents and plush booths, opened its door on Thursday December 14th, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Owned by Dominic Clancy, the bar is set to become a key player in Sale’s hospitality scene, contributing to the vibrant hub of local businesses that have made Stanley Square a sought-after destination in Greater Manchester.
Dominic Clancy, owner of Folie, expressed “I am very excited to have a spot in Stanley Square and look forward to getting involved in the buzzing hospitality scene. The community in the square perfectly aligns with the warming spirit which I want the Alpine Lodge to generate. The other tenants and local residents have welcomed me with open arms and I look forward to spending the festive season and beyond in such a vibrant spot.”
The festive spirit doesn’t end at Folie’s doorstep; fellow tenant Greens is adding to the celebration with a bottomless Christmas brunch experience. For £35 per person, customers can indulge in a delectable array of seasonal delights, including crispy roast potatoes, dipping gravy, cheese fondue, mince pie doughnuts, mulled wine, and winter berry mules.
Blanchflower is also embracing the holiday season with a Christmas twist to its menu, featuring a Christmas French toast with cranberry compote, port-poached pears, and orange whipped mascarpone. The menu also includes festive drinks such as gingerbread hot chocolate and an Irish coffee with Jameson whiskey.
For a family-friendly winter activity, the frosty winter trail is running from 10 AM to 4 PM right up until December 24th. Participants can warm up and take a wintery tour around the town’s shops while helping the snow fairy and winter bear find their forest friends. Maps can be collected from Bean and Brush Art Cafe.
Altered Space has reshaped Stanley Square by adjusting unit sizes and actively supporting the establishment of local independent businesses. Adopting a community-led approach, Altered Space deliberately opted for smaller units in the town centre with affordable rents, fostering accessibility for budding local enterprises. This strategic decision, coupled with a genuine commitment to engaging with residents and prioritising their needs, has proven to be a winning formula for the regeneration of Sale.
The success story of Stanley Square continues to unfold, with the centre achieving full occupancy by the end of the year and earning prestigious recognition as a two-time winner at the Revo Awards in the categories of place-making and repurposing. Sale’s ascent to prominence is further underscored by its acknowledgment by The Sunday Times Best Places To Live 2023 judges, solidifying its status as a highly coveted location in Greater Manchester.
Directors of Altered Space, Michael Brown and Mark Rebbeck explained: “We want Stanley Square to be the heart of the community in Sale for generations to come. We will be continuing to develop this area in the new year. There’s lots to come in 2024.”
