Stockport: An Area Guide

Welcome to the vibrant community of Stockport.

Stockport has seen a surge of popularity over the last number of years, and with its unique blend of industrial heritage, thriving creative scene, and being home to some of Greater Manchester's best restaurants and bars, it’s no wonder why. While the Old Town has been the heart of Stockport’s market and trading history for centuries, today it is as alive as ever, with monthly food markets, natural wine bars, and design-led independent shops.

From the bustle of Foodie Fridays in the Market Hall, to the calm of its surrounding parks and green spaces, Stockport offers a unique blend of energy and serenity. Whether you’re just visiting and looking for recommendations, or considering making Stockport home, this guide highlights what makes Stockport such a distinctive and desirable town. 

Stockport’s industrial heritage can be traced back to the 16th century, where the town was known for the cultivation of hemp and the manufacturing of rope and, later in the 18th century, one of the first mechanised silk factories in the British Isles. From the 19th century onwards, the predominant industry was cotton, and Stockport was also at the forefront of the country's hatting industry, exporting more than six million hats a year by 1884. Although the last hat works closed in Stockport in 1997, the history of this industry lives on through Stockport County’s nickname - The Hatters - as well as the Stockport Hat Museum documenting the town’s heritage. Today, Stockport has a thriving scene of restaurants and bars, as well as a strong sense of community, and continues to grow in popularity with many people choosing to make this town their home. Having recently been named one of Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the North West, this guide outlines recommendations for where to eat, drink, shop and visit, to highlight some of the reasons for Stockport’s resurgence.

Restaurants

There are many fantastic restaurants in Stockport, with options for everyone from quick-eats to fine dining. One of the restaurants leading the food scene is Where The Light Gets In, a restaurant that is deeply rooted in sustainable cooking practices, landing it on the Michelin Guide, and being awarded a Green Michelin Star. They describe themselves as “rooted in the seasons”, and working “in a way of cooking that respects the ingredients and the people that grow them”. Another of Stockport's restaurants has recently joined the Michelin Guide: Cantaloupe. Their beautifully considered menu changes daily, responding to the seasons and available produce, with a consistent Mediterranean inspiration and fantastic selection of wines.

Our next recommendation also has a home in Manchester’s Arndale Food Market, as well as in Sale, but opened their first shop in Stockport in 2021. Rack serves a fantastic selection of sandwiches, aiming “not to reinvent the wheel, just inject some creativity and fun back into the much-loved British staple.” Some favourites are the Beef Birria toasted sourdough sandwich, and the range of mini hash browns.   

At the centre of the food scene in Stockport and a must-visit is the award winning “Foodie Friday”. On the last Friday of each month, the Market Hall and surrounding area transforms into a bustling, award-winning food market, with a huge selection of vendors serving options such as dumplings, pizza, and fantastic dishes from global cuisines including Malaysian, Thai, Korean, and Spanish. Foodie Friday event has been running over 10 years, and has been described as “the catalyst that led to people from around Stockport and the wider region start to see Stockport in a different light”. A £100,000 grant was awarded to Stockport in 2012 as one of a number of Mary Portas’ pilot towns, an investment aiming to revitalise town centres. The money was partially used to launch the event, and has been an absolute staple of the community in the years since. 

Cafes and Bakeries

As well as a thriving restaurant scene, the range of cafes and bakeries is also a growing strength of the town. From the owners of Where The Light Gets In, Yellowhammer is a local favourite, describing themselves as a “pottery studio, bakery and restaurant”, uniquely combining the passions of the three founders. Yellowhammer goes from day to night, serving a fantastic range of baked goods and coffee, before turning into a small-plates restaurant and wine bar in the evening. They also run pottery sessions weekly in the studio, making this a great addition to both Stockport’s cafe scene, and creative community. 

A new addition to The Underbanks, but consistent with the range of design-led spaces which continue to arrive, is Yón Orangé. This specialty coffee and matcha house serves a wonderful range of baked goods. The tastefully designed terracotta exterior draws you into a minimalist yet cosy interior, with a truly welcoming team serving a beautiful range of drinks

About to open in Stockport’s centre is a much-anticipated addition: Sticky Fingers. Selling artisan pastries and breads, as well as fantastic coffee, the team have been trading from the Market Hall prior to opening their first permanent space nearby. The bright yellow exterior is a beautiful addition to the area, and their range of pastries, doughnuts and breads make this a must-visit spot.

Pubs and Bars  

Stockport offers a fantastic range of pubs and bars throughout the town centre and further afield: from classic pubs to elegant wine bars, there is something for every taste. Stockport’s tudor architecture offers the perfect cosy setting for a classic pub, as is the case with the Angel Inn, which is located next to the Market Hall. This Grade II listed 16th century pub hosts live music, and has a great range of beers and spirits. The Magnet is also a local favourite, serving a range of microbrewery ales and artisan ciders.  

In terms of bars, Stockport has a number of fantastic options. Bruk, located in The Underbanks, has a great selection of natural wines, as well as live music and arts events. Another great option is The Good Rebel, a cocktail bar located in the Old Town, which is nestled down one of Stockport’s cobbled streets, hiding a beer garden beyond its small facade.  

Arts

For lovers of the arts and culture, Stockport’s offerings go beyond its fantastic independent stores. The independent culture of creativity, as well as its more formal institutions, offer a fulfilling creative community, and adds to the strength of the Stockport community. 

As featured in a previous Böhm Journal editorial, PINK, an independently-led gallery and studio, is located centrally in Stockport. Hosting events ranging from exhibitions to wine tastings, this space is an asset to the community for both creatives, and those who enjoy the arts. If you’d like to learn more about PINK’s story, and about the renovation of the space from abandoned office building to gallery, click here. 

Another independent creative hub is Merseyway Workshop, a space located in Merseyway Shopping Centre which is a unique and community focused space which offers open use of creative workshops, drop-in activity sessions, and skill exchanges, offering a valuable resource for the community, from young people looking to explore the arts, or more experienced practitioners. 

Finally, the town is also home to the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, an impressive building built in 1925. The gallery is a vibrant art space which hosts regular exhibitions in all four of its galleries. The gallery was originally opened a century ago as a place of reflection and healing, honoring those who were lost in the First World War. Today, the space provides a similarly reflective enjoyment, with beautiful architectural features and a range of changing exhibitions. 

Notable Architecture

Stockport’s rich history lives on today through the town’s architectural landmarks, many of which are still instrumental in Stockport’s identity. Notably, the Grade II* listed Stockport Viaduct frames the western approach to Stockport, and has been a staple of the town’s architectural identity since its construction in 1840. The 27 brick arches carry the mainline railway passing over the River Mersey, and remains one of the largest brick structures in the UK. 

Looking even further back in time, Stockport’s history can also be explored through some of the town’s fantastically preserved Tudor structures throughout the town and its surrounding area. Underbank Hall is a 16th century Grade II* listed Town House, the main hall of which dates back even further, to the 15th century. Another important Tudor landmark in Stockport is Bramall Hall, which has origins dating back to the Middle Ages. This manor house is open to the public, and has a cafe on site for visitors, making it a unique and interesting day out. 

More centrally in Stockport town centre is The Plaza, a Grade II* listed Art Deco cinema and theatre. It opened in 1932, and today is host to film screenings, theater productions, and pantomimes. Also Grade II* listed, Stockport Town Hall is another piece of Stockport’s history that while being used for government and administrative purposes still today, has been used for a number of functions since its construction in 1908. The ballroom in the Town Hall was used as a hospital during the First World War, and as a home for refugees from the Channel Islands during World War Two. Today, its baroque influences and impressive facade can be enjoyed by all coming into Stockport. 

For those interested in history, or looking for a unique family day out, Staircase House is a beautifully restored 15th century townhouse in central Stockport. Another Grade II* listed building, it comprises part of Stockport Museum, and offers visitors a glimpse into how the house might have been occupied and decorated from the 15th to the 20th century.

Green Spaces

Having access to green spaces is an important factor for many when selecting where to live, so whether you’re pondering a move to Stockport, or are simply looking for a day out, Stockport and the nearby areas have a variety of options to explore.

Vernon Park is the oldest country park in Stockport, and also contains the Vernon Park Museum. It opened in 1959, and has both Victorian and Edwardian features which have been given a second lease of life due to a £1.6 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant. With crown green bowls, a mature woodland and river, and sprawling parkland, this park is a valuable asset to Stockport. And, finally, Etherow County Park is one of Stockport’s most widely visited parks, with 240 acres of green space to explore. It is a Local Nature Reserve, and was one of Britain’s first country parks. The park is home to over 200 species of plants and 100 species of birds, as well as having facilities for sailing, boating and fishing.

With Stockport’s mix of historical architecture, strong sense of community identity, and ever-growing restaurant scene, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to make this beloved town their home. With fantastic direct transport links to both Manchester and London, residents are able to enjoy all of the benefits of living in Stockport’s characterful town centre, while having access to city life with ease. Stockport’s Old Town continues to offer a truly special market and food culture, with the Upper and Lower Underbanks specifically offering an ever growing number of independent and creative boutiques, cafes and studios. With something for everyone, it’s no wonder Stockport has been listed by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the North West.

If you're looking to move to Stockport, or have a home that you’re looking to sell, get in touch here to learn more about Böhm’s approach.