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?
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“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.
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“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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Sending love Ben mate! Should be very proud on what you have built x
Setting lots of love mate ❤️ You’ve gotta prioritise yourself above all else so take it easy. What you’ve built at @thisisbask has been great for the town, hopefully speak soon x
You should be unbelievably proud of everything you've achieved pal, including choosing the right time to step away. Look after yourself and you'll be back stronger than ever 💙
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.
A groundbreaking new multi-use entertainment and leisure venue is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
A new multi-purpose food, drink, entertainment and leisure destination is coming to Manchester city centre and the Salford border this autumn, and you won’t find many places that roll so much into one spot.
Mancs, get ready to welcome ‘Tangerine’.
Conceived by an impressive collective of local creatives, indies and those with plenty of experience catering to the Northern masses, Tangerine is promising everything from multiple resident kitchens, a live music hall, an arthouse stage, a specialist martini bar and more.
Better yet, after a year in the making and quietly chipping away at the striking space, it opens later this month, so you don’t have to wait long to try it for yourselves.
Located on New Bailey Street, just on the edge of Spinningfields and Salford Central, this groundbreaking new venue features two main platforms (utilising the integrated charm of the historic railway arches), each boasting its own selection of attractions.
While platform one will offer a bakery, coffee roastery, wine store and bottle ship, the ‘Canteen Club’ and even a florist, number two will contain the music hall, arthouse stage and the stylish ‘Grand Departures’ bar – serving seven espresso martini alone – Tangerine will deliver a seamless day to night transition.
Arguably, however, the centrepiece is the ‘Cantina Collective’. The food and drink hall promises seven in-house kitchens, showcasing a variety of cuisines.
The opening line-up already confirmed includes Vanda: a family-run Parisian-inspired Ukrainian bakery; Mexican taqueria, PANTERA, burger joint Juicy, as well as Yo Dutchie (a unique fusion of Dutch-Japanese food) and a new Korean/ramen concept from local sushi favourites, Unagi.
Our stomachs are already grumbling just thinking about it.
CGI renders of the completed space. (Credit: Supplied)
Designed not only by the brains behind Northern Quarter’s beloved Mala hidden garden but WANT STUDIOS, who will be ensuring local artists, independents, and traders will be regularly spotlighted, the site will boast a capacity of well over 300 people.
Artyom Dmitrijev, owner of Tangerine and Mala, said in a statement: “Over a year in the making, we’ve used all our experience in design, interiors, architecture and hospitality to create our dream project. A place for all the independents to come together and thrive.”
Andy Windsor, Director of WANT STUDIOS, added: “Tangerine unites the city’s independent kitchens, bar tenders, bakeries and entertainment specialists. It is a unique showcase of what we do in the city. This is a new space for creativity, food, and culture, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Debuting to the public with a big Halloween weekender on the evening of Friday, 31 October, with another launch event the following Saturday, you can sign up for exclusive early access for free, which could see you score a few freebies to boot.
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)/Tangerine MCR (via Instagram)
Eats
Bottomless curry deal returns to popular Manchester Indian restaurant Zouk
Danny Jones
One of the best-loved Indians in Manchester has relaunched its bottomless curry offering and is chucking in free rice and naans to boot.
Zouk over on Chester Street has brought back its endless curry, rice and naan deal to ease the last of those January blues.
Every night this week, you’ll be able to tuck into a full buffet of the tea bar and grill’s award-winning, authentic curries, showcasing dishes from all over the Indian subcontinent.
Costing just £20 a head, you can feast until your heart’s content on some of the very best curries in the city – no exaggeration.
What does ‘bottomless curry’ night at Zouk look like?
The bottomless curry deal at Zouk first ran this year back in January, but it’s now back for National Curry Week (6-12 October 2025), and we can’t wait to stuff ourselves silly yet again.
Every single day, there’ll be four different curries to choose from, always including two meat options, a vegetarian curry and a vegan dish.
What exactly can you get on Zouk’s bottomless offer?
As mentioned, each booking also includes unlimited rice and naan to go with your curry of choice.
Tables are for 90 minutes per booking, giving guests plenty of time to take on the increasingly popular bottomless curry challenge.
Question is, do you have the stomach for it?
With an ever-rotating selection of curries inspired by various distinct regions and speciality cuisines, you’re not short on variety either. You can see Zouk‘s current bottomless curry menu in full below:
Monday
Chicken Karahi – A speciality from the Northwest region of Pakistan. Tender pieces of chicken cooking in a sizzling wok over hot flames with tomatoes, crushed peppercorns, cumin, ginger and garlic.
Lamb and Potatoes – Tender chunks of lamb cooked with new potatoes, yoghurt, tomatoes and garlic.
Mutter Paneer (V) – Indian Paneer cheese with new potatoes, yoghurt, tomatoes and garlic.
Chole Masala (VG) – From Delhi to Punjab, this authentic channa masala is a tasty street food classic.
Tuesday
Tamater Kadei Murgh – A delicious chicken and tomato curry cooked with mild spices. Perfect with rice or bread
Lamb Do Pyaaza – Medium-spiced North Indian speciality: tender pieces of lamb slowly cooked with lavish amounts of caramelised onions in a spicy masala
Tarka Dall (V) – Channa and mung lentils cooked in a spicy sauce
Gobi Mutter (VG) – Spicy cauliflower sautéed in a rich tomato masala with peas
Wednesday
Chicken Do Payaza – Spiced North Indian chicken dish with tomatoes and caramelised onions
Lamb & Bindi – Tender pieces of lamb cooked in a spicy masala with ‘lady fingers’ (okra)
Chole Masala (V) – Authentic channa masala is a tasty street food classic
Mili Juli Sabzi (VG) – Fresh vegetables fused together with herbs and spices
Over the halfway hump, room for more? (Credit: The Manc Eats)
Thursday
Chicken Tikka Masala – A simple classic chicken tikka masala. Chicken pieces marinated in yoghurt tossed inside a balti of garlic and ginger.
Lamb Rogan Josh – A speciality from Jammu and Kashmir, with chillies and juicy tomatoes.
Dall Makhani (V) – Black lentils in a smooth and creamy sauce.
Palak Aloo (VG) – Spinach leaf and fenugreek cooked with new potatoes and coriander.
Friday
Chicken Handi – Punjabi-style chicken curry slowly cooked over burning flames with tomatoes, onions, garlic and Zouk’s special garam masala.
Lamb Jalfrezi – Lamb pieces cooked with capsicum, onions and tomatoes in a thick spicy sauce.
Bengan do Pyaza (V) – A medium-spiced North Indian dish of aubergine cooked with tomatoes, spices and lavish amounts of onions.
Bindi Do Pyaza (VG) – A medium-spiced North Indian dish of Okra cooked with tomatoes, spices and lavish amounts of onions.
And now we’re stuffed…
If you’re looking for somewhere to get bottomless curry in Manchester, this is the place for you. (Credit: The Manc)
Zouk has become one of Manchester’s leading restaurants since it opened in 2009, even drawing in famous fans like Rihanna, Drake, Manchester United stars and, of course, many a Mancs each and every day – because there’s never a bad time for a curry.
Available all throughout this week, you can make the most of this incredible bottomless curry deal like we do every year and trust us, Manchester: it genuinely NEVER disappoints.
You can find more information – including all terms and conditions – on the website and book your visit HERE, or over the phone on 0161 2331 090.
Danny Jones -
28th August 2024 
