Restaurant review: Greens Sale, Stanley Square

When word got out that Greens was coming to Sale, the town went wild. Many locals have been regulars at the original Greens in Didsbury for years and now one was opening practically on our doorstep? Bonzer. 

We booked for the restaurant’s first ‘proper’ opening night with expectations high – would the new restaurant manage to maintain the quality of its original counterpart? 

Opting for a booking on Monday night was a bit of a risk – Monday nights in Stanley Square are pretty quiet affairs generally, with the majority of Greens’ neighbours closed in an attempt to recover from their busy weekends. However, once we ventured inside Greens, it didn’t lack any atmosphere. The front-of-house staff were accommodating and welcoming and we were quickly seated. 

Greens Sale was running a reduced menu when we visited, presumably to keep the kitchen working smoothly and to ensure better service as the team finds its feet in the new place. Nevertheless, there were still plenty of options to choose from; the serving staff – friendly and attentive, but not too intense – recommended we (as a table of two) choose four small plates or three small and one large between us. 

In the end, we opted for two small and two large – the larger plates are definitely more substantial, so if you arrive with a big appetite, they might be a solid option to ensure you leave satisfied.  

We were told by staff that dishes would arrive as and when they were ready, which is pretty standard in any of Stanley Square’s new restaurants. There was some waiting for dishes but when they did arrive, everything was delicious – dish after dish of colourful, well-plated cuisine. 

Our choices in order of preference: 

• Black lime and cumin tofu (£8) 
• Herb gnocchi and summer veg (£14.50)
• Butternut squash curry (£14.00)
• Hummus and muhammara (£6.50) 

As for drinks, with it being Monday and thoughts of a busy working week looming over us, we were strictly non-alcoholic. The mocktails we opted for – Ginger Nojito (£4.50) and No-Gin and Tonic (£8) – were not far off their boozy counterparts in terms of taste and sense of occasion, but price-wise are certainly not cheap. 

The verdict 

It should go without saying that given Greens’ history and quality of food, you do not have to be a full-fledged vegetarian or vegan to enjoy its dishes. As the team gains further confidence and opens up the menu fully, there will be even more options for all dietary requirements – yes, even those carnivores who raise their eyebrows at the prospect of eating at a vegetarian place!   

With the founding team’s experience in innovative veggie food and clever business, we have no doubt that Greens Sale is set to become a well-loved neighbourhood restaurant in Stanley Square. It’ll be considered one of Sale’s best restaurants in no time at all. 

What’s the damage? 

Total: £60.40 (plus tip)

Greens Sale, 14-16 Stanley Square, Sale M33 7WZ

Kitchen opening times: 

Monday – 5pm-9.30pm | Tuesday-Saturday 12pm – 9.30pm | Sunday 12pm-8pm