Nearly 80 bridge players take over Sale cafés – and now you can learn to play too

Almost 80 bridge players descended on Sale as a special Café Bridge event brought cards, conversation and friendly competition to venues across Stanley Square.

The event, held in September, saw players move between Canteena, Jenny’s Place, Wood Fire Smoke and The Bubble Room for games throughout the day.

As well as offering a rather different way to play bridge, the event was organised in support of Francis House Children’s Hospice, with the four Sale venues providing the backdrop for the competition.

Louise Trehearn, one of the organisers of Café Bridge, said: “It was a real joy to see almost 80 bridge players arrive in Sale from across the North West and watch the town come alive with cards, conversation and laughter.

“The idea was simple: take bridge out of the traditional club setting and bring it into the heart of the community.

“Seeing tables of people playing bridge in four different local venues was fantastic. There was a lovely atmosphere throughout the day, with plenty of friendly competition, good humour and, of course, some delicious food along the way.”

The event also gave visitors from outside the area an opportunity to discover some of Sale’s independent food and drink businesses.

Louise added: “For us, one of the best things about Café Bridge was being able to showcase some of the wonderful businesses in Sale.

“These independent cafés and restaurants are such an important part of what makes our town special, and it was lovely to see them busy, welcoming new people and being part of something happening in the centre of Sale.”

Fancy learning to play bridge?

If seeing the Café Bridge players around Stanley Square has sparked your curiosity, Trafford Bridge Club is now taking bookings for a new beginners’ course starting on Thursday 07 January 2027.

The club, based at Cadman House on Wharf Road in Sale, runs regular bridge sessions and lessons, with Thursday lessons taking place from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

Louise said the Café Bridge event showed just how social the game can be: “Bridge is competitive and challenging, but it is also incredibly social – it brings people together, creates friendships and gives everyone a reason to get around the table.

“And if you watched us playing and thought, ‘I’d love to learn,’ now is your chance.”