Stretford is set to get another new place to eat, with popular independent pizzeria Wood Fire Smoke confirming it will open a new restaurant in the town centre this winter.

The family-run business, which already has restaurants in Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Congleton and Sale, is bringing its Neapolitan-style pizzas to Stretford as its fifth restaurant.

The new opening will be part of the continuing transformation of Stretford town centre, which has seen a growing number of independent food and drink businesses arrive in recent years.

Wood Fire Smoke is coming to Stretford

Wood Fire Smoke is known for its traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, with dough made fresh every day and slow-proved for between 24 and 48 hours before being cooked in a wood-fired oven.

The result is the restaurant’s signature light, soft and airy crust, with the characteristic charred edges you would expect from a proper Neapolitan pizza.

The Stretford menu will feature some of the Wood Fire Smoke favourites, including its classic Margherita, alongside more contemporary pizzas and regularly changing seasonal specials.

And it’s not just about pizza. The restaurant’s pillowy dough balls have become another popular choice at its existing restaurants.

The company says the new Stretford restaurant will be designed to have the feel of an authentic Naples pizzeria, while still being a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant.

That means it should work just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a family meal, date night or a catch-up with friends.

A fifth Wood Fire Smoke restaurant

Wood Fire Smoke began in Wilmslow in 2017 before expanding into Macclesfield, Congleton and Sale.

The Sale restaurant opened at Stanley Square in September 2024, giving the business its first Trafford location.

The Stretford opening will now become the fifth restaurant in the Wood Fire Smoke group.

The brand uses ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte mozzarella, with the pizzas prepared using traditional Neapolitan methods.

When will Wood Fire Smoke Stretford open?

The restaurant is currently scheduled to open this winter, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.

Wood Fire Smoke founder Sam said Stretford felt like the right neighbourhood for the business, pointing to the momentum currently building around the town centre.

The new restaurant will add another independent food business to an increasingly busy Stretford dining scene, alongside the likes of Misu Tiramisu and the forthcoming Fosforo Lounge.

For anyone who enjoys proper Neapolitan pizza, this looks like a particularly tasty addition to Stretford.

We’ll bring you more details, including the exact location and opening date, as they are announced.