A French bistro, a Stopfordian gin shop, a devilish drinking den and more
Famous for its industrial roots, Robinson’s Brewery, and dedicated football following, Stockport also has a lot to brag about when it comes to eating out these days.
Hot on central Manchester’s heels, these new openings cover everything from peppercorn infused booze to a very authentic croque monsieur, confirming that this suburban town is more than just a pretty(ish) face when it comes to innovative food and drink.
Read on for a selection of Stockport’s latest hot spots and new openings.
What: The Crown & Conspirator
Where: 26 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AF
When: Open now
Now if the promise of "proper gravy" and a giant scotch egg doesn’t tempt you, then we’re not sure what will? With not a pot of Bisto in sight, this comfy village pub serves a range of classic British dishes that cater to the vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free eaters of Greater Manchester as well as those who love a traditional roast or even a shish kebab.
The fresh seasonal dishes on offer at The Crown & Conspirator can be enjoyed al-fresco in their secret botanical-themed garden, although the fast-approaching Northern winter might mean that you’d prefer to enjoy your dinner in the snug dining room. This hot spot’s "secretive" upstairs space also leaves room for your group of friends to conspire and consume to your heart's content – what happens at The C & C stays at The C & C.
What: Bistro Marc
Where: 23-27 Little Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1LA
When: Autumn 2021
Although dishes like croque monsieur and boeuf bourguignon don’t quite have the same va-va-voom when said in a Manc accent, chef Marc Molé is bringing an exciting touch of French charm to Stockport with new opening Bistro Marc. As if the name Bistro Marc wasn’t Vive La France enough, this family-run spot promises all the French comfort classics from French onion soup to créme brulee.
With Stockport’s coverage of French cuisine currently consisting of a Gregg’s pain au chocolat, this Parisian bistro experience really is welcome. A French chef who trained in America and used to be an architect is pretty unique too. The Bistro Marc team have been getting the word out there with their pop-up market stalls at events such as The Stockport Food and Drinks Festival. Bistro Marc's more permanent spot will be in the Grade II listed Winter's building in the town’s iconic Underbanks. Ongoing restorations include the reviving of the original Winter's Clock and its Old Father Time, soldier and sailor figures. Let’s hope there are some gingham checked tablecloths in the restaurant too.
What: The Moor Restaurant
Where: 27 Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4AG
When: Open now
If you’re hungry for moor, moor, moor from the Stockport area, then The Moor’s ever-changing menu could be for you. Serving up "alternative British" dishes that combine flavours and techniques from across the globe, James Hulme's menu evolves to reflect the quality of Manchester’s seasonal ingredients. Read what our reviewer had to say about The Moor here.
Proving that this haunt is 100% loyal to its Stockport heritage and high-quality supply chain, The Moor cooks its famous cuts of local beef over sustainably sourced charcoal and guarantees to serve fish that’s been caught and delivered on that same day. Nominated for Best Newcomer at this year's Manchester Food and Drink Fest, this Heaton Moor spot is a lush location for a cosy autumnal feast. If you're also a fan of a curated food and wine collab, The Moor work alongside wine whisperer Cork of the North to bring you a five-course a la carte dinner and wine tasting - dates for October to be confirmed.
What: Stockport Gin Shop & Distillery
Where: 19B St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1EB
When: Open now
If gin is your guzzle of choice, then Stockport Gin Shop & Distillery is your one-stop shop for premium quality G&T goodness. Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Cheryl Sharrocks swapped their experimental garage distillery and market-stall trading for this chic town-centre location in July, allowing their gin to go from bath to bottle all under one tipsy roof.
Each bottle is inspired by and made in the industrial hub of Stockport, infused with everything from grapefruit and pink peppercorns to a twist of lime. However, if gin just ain't your thing, this local distillery stocks a range of beers from other local breweries. Also on sale are all manner of gin accompaniments from tonic to chocolate. Let the drunken antics be(gin).
What: This Godless Place
Where: Union Bank of Manchester, 15-17 Bridge Street, Stockport, SK1 1XR
When: Winter 2021
If you’ve secretly always had the urge to eat mac n cheese in a bank vault, then this is the answer to your prayers as the team behind Stockport’s The Good Rebel are promising just that with their new spot This Godless Place. Sticking to that foolproof blueprint of "relaxed dining, good music and good times", the bar and canteen is located in the old Union Bank of Manchester on Bridge Street. Its glow-up looks like it will be Insta-worthy, to say the least, with the team uncovering (and hopefully restoring and preserving) many of the bank's original features.
Along with the mac n cheese, This Godless Place promises the devil's faves: tacos, grilled cheese and burgers. You can bank on it having the best tunes too, we imagine.
What: Yellowhammer Pottery Studio & Bakery
Where: 15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JQ
When: December (Hopefully)
Rekindling the classic love triangle between farmers, millers and bakers, Yellowhammer is a bakery and pottery studio with a sustainable ethos and plenty of sourdough. This collaborative brainchild from Where the Light Gets In founder Sam Buckley, potter Joe Hartley, and baked-goods-goddess Rosie Wilkes, boasts a selection of enticing treats ranging from sourdough rye loaves to tarts, pies, and baguettes. Also striving for a cosy community feel, Yellowhammer is all about self-sufficiency as Hartley’s handmade pottery is used to serve and display the bakery’s sandwiches and pastries.
Feeling left out of the whole process? Yellowhammer’s clay workshops and pizza and natural wine nights will allow the customer to get involved in the designing, making, and most importantly, the eating process – pottery classes not advised after a few glasses of natural wine, unless you prefer your crockery wonky. Our first take on Yellowhammer can be read here.
Read next: ‘Run down towns need places like this’ Gladstone Barber & Bistro, Stalybridge, reviewed
Read again: Where The Light Gets In Sam Buckley is opening a new bakery
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