Eats

Founder of beloved Stockport bar and gig venue Bask steps away from business on sick leave

'Truth be told I’m struggling right now... It’s time to look after myself.'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 28th August 2024

The founder of Bask, the much-loved bar and music venue in Stockport town centre, has sadly had to step away from the business after being “signed off sick”, letting fans know that he needs to focus on looking after himself.

Music promoter turned bar owner and entrepreneur, Benji Taylor from Heaton Moor, set up Bask back in 2022; the pub, live music space and food spot is now a go-to spot for Stopfordians, becoming a favourite on the local hospitality scene and a cornerstone of the wider community.

Unfortunately, however, Taylor has informed his followers and regular punters that he will no longer be working with Bask – at least not for the foreseeable future, anyway – explaining that the current team will be taking control of the reins from here on out.

Although he didn’t give too many details, the expectant father has always been a huge champion for mental health awareness and recently lost three family dogs in just the last five weeks. Speaking in a lengthy statement on social media, he said this is “the end of an incredible couple of years.”

Benji’s post continues: “What a ride the last few years have been at Bask. Who’d have thought it, a bar in SK doing all those ace things it has?

“Truth be told I’m struggling right now. For a bunch of different reasons. Signed off sick currently, and I’ll be leaving all Bask projects.” Ben recently opened a second entertainment-focused site in Wigan, Bask. Live, with firm friend and business partner Simon Silcock, who was born and bred in the area.

The former Night and Day, Sound Control and Jimmy’s promoter, who spent more than two decades working in the music industry, went on to add: “Big love to all bar staff past and present, couldn’t have done what we do without you. Warriors.

“Everyone of you that supported me and the bar from day one to now, coming to an event, popping in for a drink, or just to say hello. Of course, all the artists that have played. Just done a little recap and that’s some memories right there. Very proud to have been able to bring that quality of act to Stockport.

Proper dream come true to have that relationship with [Stockport] County, fans, staff and players. One that will continue. Thank you to Simon who brought me this opportunity, and of course to Gareth.

The outpouring of love for the highly-valued SK figure and director of the You Are Not Alone music festival in aid of Mind (set to return in 2025) was immediate, with countless people replying with equally emotional and touching messages of support.

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Tameside funny man Justin Moorhouse was one of several big comedians and artists who have already graced the Bask to respond in the comments, writing: “Take care of yourself my mate. You have always been there for everyone. Let people be there for you now.”

Even prior to his post, Ate Days Week founder and long-time collaborator Andy James (whose pies are served up to diners and the County faithful every week) recently hailed his impact: “Nobody does it better than Benji Taylor, I’ll tell ya that much. Changed Stockport forever he has.

He signed off by assuring that he knows Bask will continue to “grow from strength to strength”, adding: Thank you to Simon who brought me this opportunity, and of course to Gareth […] Big love to Lewis [James], [the] first-ever time I’ve had someone work alongside me, shame it was so short. One day we’ll go at it again I’m sure.

“It’s time to look after myself tho, as that’s very much overdue. You have to be happy, because without that, what really is the point? And I’m not right now. I’ll be back doing what I do best at some point no doubt. See you all soon.”

As a Stockport-born lad myself, I can personally attest to the transformative influence Bask has had on the late-night and local scene in general. Like everyone else, we’re big fans of what he’s built from what used to be little more than an empty cafe opposite the train station. All the best, Ben.

Bask is not so quietly becoming the best night out in Stockport
It’s come on leaps and bounds since it debuted to the public just a couple of years back.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Bask/Benji Taylor (via Instagram)

Eats

Albert’s Schloss is set for its ‘biggest party ever’ with three whole weeks of Oktoberfest

Danny Jones Danny Jones Oktoberfest tickets Albert's Schloss 2025 Manchester

Beloved Manchester bar, beer hall, restaurant and home of all things involving dancing on benches, Albert’s Schloss is upping their game for Oktoberfest 2025, confirming three whole weeks of the annual event.

Tipping this year’s edition as their “biggest party ever”, this one IS the big one.

Located on Peter Street – just off the main Deansgate strip – the city centre boozer is one of the busiest spots around, day or night, and they definitely know how to lean into the festivities whenever it comes to big dates on the calendar.

That being said, given their German heritage, it doesn’t get much bigger than Oktoberfest, especially now that they’re spending nearly a full month celebrating the global favourite.

beer hall mancester
pretzels manchester
Credit: The Manc Eats

Kicking off from Saturday, 20 September onwards, the Albert’s Schloss will be observing Oktoberfest for 21 days to coincide with the original festivities in Munich, hoping to nail a slice of that authentic experience here in Britain.

Culminating in one final Bavarian blowout on Sunday, 12 October, ‘The Bier Palace’ will be offering three weeks of unique brews native to the region, a range of delicious new dishes themed around the festival, as well as the usual non-stop live entertainment that will have you dancing on the tables all night long.

What’s more? Albert’s Schloss‘ Oktoberfest party is open to all; there are absolutely no tickets required – just turn up, get in the queue and prepare for a proper knees-up.

2024 saw nearly 5,000 steins of the beer served to punters (not even just pints, STEINS), plus you can expect the same keg-tapping ceremonies, oompah bands, the ‘Baby Grand Slam’ and the equally unmissable ‘Disko Wunderbar’ to return this autumn.

Of course, there is more than just beer, pretzels and dancing; if you’re not into you ale or salty snacks, then you can always grab an alpine cocktail like their ‘Oktoberfest Spritz’, a blood orange/ginger version, or perhaps a ‘Munchen Long Island’ – all of which are mixed with Monkey 47 gin.

As for the food menu, how does Oktoberfest Paprika Roasted Half Chicken, a towering traditional Schweinshaxe (Bavarian pork knuckle), Currywurst, as well as sweet treats like the München Mess and Klassic Apple Strudel sound? Töp scran, that’s what it sounds like.

oktoberfest events in manchester city centre
albert's schloss manchester
Credit: Supplied

James Plant, Head of Innovation at Albert’s Schloss, said ahead of 2025’s festivities: “We are so happy to be extending Oktoberfest to three full weeks this year.

“Every year, the energy and enthusiasm from our guests grow, and 2024 completely exceeded expectations. This year we are going even bigger – with more bier, more showtime and more Bavarian feasting. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back through the doors.”

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on their socials for more info closer to the time on what might just be the biggest beer and boogie-filled bash of the year, and yes, you will most likely see us there, clad in lederhosen and silly hats.

Prost!

@the.manc Did you know there’s a disco toilet at @Albert’s Schloss in Manchester that blasts Abba at you while you wee? You could say… it’s a Super Pooper… 🚽 #themanc #manchester #manchesterbars #abba #mcr #placestovisitinmanchester ♬ original sound – The Manc

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Albert’s Schloss (supplied)/The Manc Group

Eats

Mother and daughter-run bakery selling nostalgic cakes issues plea for support

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Little Blonde Bakes has shared a plea for support

A Bury bakery run by a mother and daughter has shared a heartfelt message asking for support as running costs continue to skyrocket.

Little Blonde Bakes in Unsworth has enjoyed great success with its colourful occasion cakes and its nostalgic puddings and desserts.

We’re talking old-school cake with sprinkles and custard, thick slabs of banana bread, and pancake stacks with Nutella and strawberries.

They’re also all over the latest sweet trends, like pistachio kunafa strawberries and even a Dubai chocolate-inspired cookie pie.

But despite putting in such graft and creating such beautiful bakes, Little Blonde Bakes has said it’s falling on tough times.

The family-operated bakery, fronted by mother and daughter Jayne and Fran Harrison, said that it’s struggling to balance the rising costs of ingredients, national insurance, rates, and taxes, as well as a fickle Instagram algorithm that sometimes leaves them with only a few likes on a photo.

In their heartfelt statement, they added that events like the huge concerts that have come to Greater Manchester this summer, the hot weather, and the school holidays are having a negative effect on the small local business.

They wrote: “It feels like we our putting ourselves out there by sharing this & feels a little scary. but we need your help and support to keep going.

Little Blonde Bakes sells treats like old school cake and custard
Little Blonde Bakes sells treats like old school cake and custard

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years now, and although it may seem like we are doing well, behind the scenes we are now trading and working to pay the bills. This goes for lots of small, local & independent businesses. They need us!”

The post from Little Blonde Bakes continued: “So if your local, or want to visit us, please do, we strive to always use the best ingredients and put so much love into our baking.

“If your not local, we have a full postal menu each week online which delivers anywhere in the uk.

“If you can’t do any of that (i know the cost of living crisis is also affecting a lot of people and families) then please, turn on our notifications, like & share & comment on our posts where you can, or even leave a review. Any support means the world.

“We really want to be able to continue doing what we love, with our amazing team, but the future looks a little scary without the amazing support of our customers. We love you all.”

You can pay Little Blonde Bakes a visit at 62 Sunny Bank Road, Unsworth, BL9 8HJ and follow them on Instagram @littleblondebakes.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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