It’s been a long time coming, but Stockport is finally getting its moment in the spotlight. Home of the Hat Works, Strawberry Studios and Robinson’s Brewery, its rich and storied history is a major source of pride for many Stopfordians, but for a long time it has played second fiddle to the Manchester metropolis.
In recent years though, the market town south of the city has really upped its game. Increased investment in the town centre has brought with it a flurry of new and exciting independent businesses, and its burgeoning foodie scene has even caught the attention of national critics.
Whether its Michelin-star dining, vegan sweet treats or locally brewed beers you’re after, Stockport is gaining traction as a foodie neighbourhood to watch. Here’s some of the best places to eat and drink in Stockport when you’re next in town.
Baekdu
Only a few short minutes from Stockport train station on Lord Street you’ll find Baekdu, the family run Korean restaurant centred around charcoal fire pits. Each table here is fitted with its own pit that the chefs use to grill, BBQ and cook the food on, making it very much a hands-on dining experience.
Dishes here are broken down into BBQ items, rice in earthen bowls - with variations such as stir-fried kimchi - noodles and soup with rice. Try the grilled mackerel or spicy marinated chicken with lettuce and spring onion salad, and wash it down with either a thirst-quenching Korean lager or somaek - a mixture of soju and beer.
28-30 Lord St, Stockport SK1 3NA
Where the light gets in
Arguably the town’s most celebrated dining establishment, this sustainability focused restaurant housed in a former coffee house just off Lower Hillgate boasts some serious culinary chops. Founded by Sam Buckley, here, locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, landing a green Michelin star for their efforts.
The intimate, New York loft style dining room, positioned theatre style towards the open kitchen, sets the scene for what is truly a unique dining experience. Each plate is accompanied by a well rehearsed spiel about the dish’s provenance and preparation, whether it's the freshest fish from Cornwall or seasonal vegetables grown atop The Landing - the restaurant’s community space on top of the Merseyway precinct. Oh, and Dua Lipa recently visited.
7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY
Sticky Fingers
It might have only opened a few months ago, but already Sticky Fingers, a Polish bakery specialising in authentic Polish treats and freshly baked bread, has made a strong impression on the town. Located in the historic market hall and run by husband-and-wife duo Adrian and Klaudyna, originally from Poland, the pair often sell out to the last crumb.
Paired with freshly brewed coffee, sweet treats include huge cream cakes, tiramisu, babka, croissants and apple pies, at just a few pounds each.
Indoor Market, Stockport SK1 1UN
Tyros
Some of the very best Lebanese cuisine can be sampled at Tyros, an unassuming takeaway on Tiviot Dale, just by the Cash Converters and mobility scooter shop. Named in honour of owner Adnan Dehaini’s hometown - the port city of Tyre in Lebanon - dishes here follow recipes passed down through the generations, and are all the better for it.
Here, mezze-style boxes can be piled high with Tyros staples like chicken stew with cashew nuts, marinated shawarma, green beans with minced beef, fried chicken cutlets and grilled lamb skewers with cold yoghurt. Accompanied by salads, homemade hummus and deliciously oily carrots and potatoes, spicy or mild rice, there’s nothing else quite like it.
7 Tiviot Dl, Stockport SK1 1TA
Bakers Vaults
With an award-winning selection of drinks, it’s worth grabbing a pint at traditional boozer Bakers Vaults if you’re up near the marketplace. This Stockport institution, previously known as the George and Dragon, was built on the foundations of the old Stockport castle in 1755, and was later rebuilt in the 19th century in the gin palace style.
Refreshed back in 2014, the shrine to beer makes for a great drinking pitstop and is also a well-established venue on the local live music circuit. In the town of Robinson’s it’s expected that a few of their brews will be on offer, including Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde, but there’s also a large selection of gins and wines.
Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1ES
Hillgate Cakery
For all your vegan sweet treats and essential items, Hillgate Cakery is the place. Located on Lower Hillgate, opposite Rare Mags and Yellowhammer, the shop offers everything from lunch bites and hot drinks to freshly made vegan cakes.
Flavours change regularly but their cakes are delicious every time, whether it's a Biscoff layer cake or pumpkin spiced choc-chip slice. Savoury options, meanwhile, are perfect for a lunch time pitstop and include pies and wellingtons or Lily’s deli snacks.
22 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JE
Cafe Sanjuan
The brainchild of Luis Felipe Sanjuan, this hidden gem on St Petersgate serves up the perfect marriage of Caribbean and Colombian food. It's best to head straight for the breakfast burritos here, which truly are the star of the show and go down well with home-made salsas and fritos.
If you're after a personal recommendation from the owner, make sure to order the patacon sandwhich and arepas con huevo - crunchy and fluffy, and stuffed with an egg or any topping you like. Other traditional dishes worth a try include the red snapper with coconut rice, crispy green plantain and mango salad.
22 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JE
Cherry Jam
Just off from the market place you’ll find Cherry Jam, the creation of the former Britain’s Got Talent performer, Neil Garner. Big on feel-good vibes and with an Insta-ready interior spanning several decades, this is a great spot to kick off some post-work drinks.
Open Thursday to Sunday, cocktails here take inspiration from celebrities and local landmarks including Town Called Malice, The Jam signature serve; Blossoms, a gin tipple made with elderflower, craft aperitif and lime and apple juice; and the 192 - an ode to the infamous bus route, which is a mixture of three rums, which are theatrically lit before serving.
2, 4 Mealhouse Brow, Stockport SK1 1JP
Mekong Cat
Perched at the top of Lower Hillgate, and owned by the same people behind Kambuja in the Produce Hall, is The Mekong Cat, which, as the name suggests, is inspired by the countries that the river runs through. Y Sok, owner, head chef, and the star of the show, was born in Southeast Asia and has spent most of her life perfecting the dishes passed down to her by family and friends.
This authentic noodle house, right next to Double Four Records on Lower Hillgate, cherry-picks some of the best cuisine from the region with dishes spanning summer rolls, wings, stews, sandwiches, and of course, noodles - with or without broth. Try the Cambodian beef stew if you're in need of something homely and comforting.
47 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ
The Good Rebel
With its own sizable beer garden, there’s nowhere better to enjoy Costa del Stockport than The Good Rebel. Launched in 2020 by hospitality professional Martin Healy, the 80-cover venue is a great spot to drop in on your way up the market for Foodie Friday.
With a number of specialty and signature cocktails, as well as a wide selection of European lagers and beers, it’s a great spot to catch some rays.
6 Mealhouse Brow, Stockport SK1 1JP
The Spinn Off
The second Spinn bar from Emmerdale and Waterloo star Adam Thomas and his best friend Scott Graham, shares the same ethos as the flagship in Gatley, but is more tailored to the Stockport crowd and is described as a neighbourhood bar. Located on Little Underbank, they specialise in craft beers, natural, organic wines and cocktails.
Local beer brands are represented well here with the likes of Thirst Class Ale from Stockport and Runaway Brewery from Manchester. The pair have also hosted successful pop-ups of the original Spinn concept at Box on the Docks at MediaCity and Oh My Glaze at the Trafford Centre.
19 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LA
Foodie Friday
Every last Friday of the month, thousands of people descend on Stockport’s Old Town for a celebration of great food, drink and music. Taking over the market and surrounding area, a group of top notch food traders, including I knead Pizza, Oh Mei Dumpling and Somtam Street Thai offer up delicious grub, while the surrounding bars take a lead on the drinks.
In the past, a hundred or so people would attend, but now the event sees between 3,000 to 5,000 each time. Local favourites Blossoms even launched their second album - Cool Like You - from an ice cream van at the event in 2018. In June, Strawberry Studio legends 10cc were celebrated as part of the festival’s ‘Life is A Minestrone Foodie Friday’, while July will celebrate Pride.
Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EU
The Cracked Actor
One of Joseph Patten’s three bars in the town, the former general store and hat shop turned bar offers a glimpse back in time with its old loom tables, chandeliers and Victorian pharmacy-style counter. As well as the bar’s own speciality brew, The Cracked Actor Lager, there’s a variety of craft ales on offer.
Spirits wise, the local link here is strong. As well as Manchester Zymurgorium, Stockport Gin, which is just up the road, is also behind the bar.
28 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1JT
Rack
If you’re sick of meal deals, might we suggest Rack on Lawrence Street? Giving sandwiches the respect they deserve with delicacies like ‘The Italian’ - prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, pesto, sun dried tomatoes, rocket and balsamic glaze - and ‘Chicken - roast chicken, streaky bacon, roast chicken crisps, lettuce, tomato, lemon and herb mayo - this place needs to the top of your list on your next visit to Stockport.
24 Lawrence St, Stockport SK1 1DL
Yellowhammer
A fairly new addition to Stockport’s Lower Hillgate, Yellowhammer - a bakery, pottery studio and community space - is the end result of a collaboration between Samuel Buckley of Where the light gets in, potter Joe Hartley and Baker Rosie Wilkes.
Named for the brightly-coloured woodland songbird's call - said to go 'a little bit of bread and no cheese' - the venue has already impressed visitors with its no-nonsense baked goods and spot-on sourdough. Drop in if you fancy a leek and butter bun or even just a nice glass of biodynamic wine.
15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ
Bask
While the majority of new openings can be found in the Old Town, particularly on Lower Hillgate, within the picturesque Underbanks area, there's a new Stockport bar that's striking out on its own.
Cue Bask, a new speakeasy-style bar and music venue launched by former music promoter Benji Taylor. Located on Exchange Square, overlooking Stockport train station, the bar, which opened its doors over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, is set to become the go-to destination for live music, comedy and great drinks.
20 Railway Rd, Stockport SK1 3SW
Produce Hall
You don’t need to be headed to Foodie Friday to visit the Produce Hall - Stockport’s answer to Mackie Mayor. Home to Kambjua - purveyors of some of the best Cambodian cuisine around - Black Market Espresso Co - seriously get an espresso martini - and Mama G’s Caribbean Soul Food, there’s really something for everyone.
The food hall situated in the historic marketplace also serves up a great pint from a variety of local breweries such as First Chop, Track and Shindigger. When it opened in 2019, the beer focused bar was the only one of its kind in the world, designed to replicate the glass fronted produce displays.
24A Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EU
Dr Feelgood
A slightly different vibe from the Cracked Actor, Dr Feelgood is a live music venue, bar and restaurant on Stockport's marketplace. It caused quite the stir last year when it opened thanks to its multi-coloured burgers and ‘Hell on the ring’ hot wing challenge.
This glam rock bar’s burgers are truly a thing of wonder with their bright coloured buns in pink, red, blue, orange and even black, plus there’s the option to pile the meat high with quadruple beef or chicken inside. Wash it down with Tiny Rebel and Red Stripe or one of their experimental cocktails.
11 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EW
Bistro Marc
Marc Molé and Rachel Winter Jones were lucky to snag the famous Winter’s Building on Little Underbank to build their dream restaurant, but the building is lucky to have them too.
Marc, a Parisian to the core, lovingly prepares classic French bistro dishes, from terrines to cassoulets, with an excellent value prix fixe menu at lunch time too. Bentwood chairs, handsome tiles and that fantastic clock upstairs, Bistro Marc is a complete gem.
23-27 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LA
Wine Boy
Natural wine shop Wine Boy has been offering Stockport's wine aficionados with lesser-known, natural and organic wines for a little while now, and is a popular stop off for those visiting Foodie Friday thanks to its spot in the market hall. Nestled amongst grocers, fishmongers, butchers and a delicatessen, Wine Boy's minimal intervention wines - and craft beers- can be sampled or taken home. Pay them a visit between 9.30am and 4.30pm every day.
Indoor Market, Stockport SK1 1UN
Get the latest What's On news - from food and drink to music and nightlife - straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
