All the restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Stockport’s brand-new neighbourhood, Weir Mill

Weir Mill is quickly shaping up to be one of Stockport’s hottest new hangouts.

Capital & Centric’s £60m transformation of the historic riverside mill isn’t just bringing 253 new homes to the town centre – the developers are planning to pack the new neighbourhood with independent places to eat, drink, and spend time.

Set beneath the iconic viaduct and overlooking the River Mersey, the development is swapping spinning mules for Sunday roasts, cocktails, books and buzzing bars.

With a string of exciting independents now confirmed, here’s a list of the restaurants and bars coming to Stockport’s Weir Mill.

1. Social Osteria

If your ideal evening involves a plate of fresh pasta, a crisp glass of wine, and nattering over dessert with friends, Social Osteria might be your new favourite spot.

The team behind Poynton’s award-winning Social Trattoria are opening a brand-new Italian concept inside Weir Mill, serving fresh pizzas, homemade pasta, small plates and plenty of aperitivos.

Inspired by the traditional Italian osteria, the focus is on simple food done really well in a relaxed setting where nobody’s rushing you out of the door.

The restaurant itself sounds just as appealing as the menu. It’ll make the most of Weir Mill’s industrial heritage with exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even an original kiln still in place, while outside there’s riverside seating that’s practically made for sunny afternoons with a spritz in hand.

2. The Jane Eyre

Already a favourite in Manchester, The Jane Eyre is making the move to Stockport with a neighbourhood bar and restaurant that promises to be as cosy as it is stylish.

Think candlelit tables, warm lighting, mid-century interiors and a soundtrack that carries you from an after-work drink into a full evening out. On the menu will be simple cocktails, local beers, carefully chosen wines and sharing plates, alongside what the team hopes will become one of Stockport’s must-try Sunday roasts.

The team say creating atmosphere is just as important as creating great food, making this the sort of place you’ll pop into for one drink… and somehow still be there three hours later.

3. Bodega Wine Bar

Wine bars have had a bit of a glow-up in recent years, and Bodega is bringing that laid-back European vibe to Stockport.

Expect natural wines, low-intervention bottles, cold lager on tap, generous sharing boards and shelves stocked with bottles you won’t find in your local supermarket. It’s designed to feel relaxed rather than intimidating, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just fancy a decent glass after work.

The real talking point, though, is the Cellar Club. Members can store their own wine collection inside Weir Mill’s restored Engine Room and have bottles served whenever they visit for a small corkage fee.

Whether you’re squirrelling away supermarket bargains or something a bit more special, it’s a clever twist that’s set to make Bodega unlike anywhere else in the UK.

4. Prologue

Bookshops are having a moment, and Prologue wants to prove they’re about far more than simply buying books.

Created by the team behind Bramhall favourite Simply Books, the new space combines bookshelves with a café, wine bar and packed events programme. Pop in for your morning coffee and pastry, browse the latest releases over lunch or settle in with a glass of wine later in the evening.

Author talks, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, writing workshops and language classes are all planned, making Prologue feel more like a community living room than your average bookshop.

5. Rita Ray’s

Perhaps the most unique arrival at Weir Mill is Rita Ray’s, set to become the North’s first women’s-led sports bar.

Created by founder Becky Brown, the venue will champion women’s sport while keeping everything people love about a great sports bar: big screens, lively crowds, good drinks and plenty of atmosphere.

Importantly, it’s designed for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply looking for somewhere friendly to meet up.

Away from matchdays, Rita Ray’s will keep the calendar busy with run clubs, fitness classes, quiz nights, book clubs and community events. By day it’ll be family-friendly, before transforming into a lively social spot once the evening rolls around.

Weir Mill is officially set to open later this month.

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Featured image: The Manc Group