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.
The Didsbury Dozen loses one of its best as The Dockyard confirms closure
Danny Jones
The Didsbury Dozen has lost one of its strongest stops as the much-loved Dockyard sadly closed for good this past weekend.
A favourite among those taking on the popular Greater Manchester pub crawl and a busy bar in its own right along the main Didsbury Village strip, The Dockyard has been a staple of South Manchester boozing for some time.
However, it’s time as part of the Dozen and in the heart of the community has come to an end, with the staff having completed their final service on Sunday, 19 January.
Sharing a short but heartfelt goodbye on social media, they welcomed customers to join them one last time “to raise a glass and say cheers!”.
An unreal beer garden too. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The post begins: “Right Didsbury… Thank you so much for your welcome and custom when we arrived here in the village, but the time has now come to say goodbye. We have had a blast over the last four years and we hope you have too!”
Although many relatively new to the area or at least its drinking scene will only know it as The Dockyard, the venue has actually been under a lot of names over the years.
Originally known as Times Square, it was then refurbished into a branch of O’Neills in 1996 before going on to re-open as The Stokers Arms in 2014.
Nevertheless, it maintained a regular and loyal following as The Dockyard and many will be “sorry to see it go”; one person commented: “Oh no! We had a fab time in here over Christmas and [were] hoping to return soon. Sorry to see you go and I will be visiting your other sites.
Thankfully, they did go on to confirm that the remaining pubs in Salford Quays and Northwich will remain open – as is the Left Bank location in Spinningfields overlooking the River Irwell. Better still, the building itself will still remain a pub and we already know what’s taking its place:
Although there is still no news on when we can expect to see The Salmon’s second venture launch, if it’s anything like the success the Northern Quarter one has seen then we’re in for a treat.
So don’t worry, The Didsbury Dozen may have taken a hit but it’s still intact and there are plenty of other pubs you can work into the crawl in the meantime.
For now, though, all we can say is rest in peace to The Dockyard Didsbury, you were a real one – we’ll always have the memories.
Michelin guide Prestwich restaurant Osma announces heartbreaking closure
Daisy Jackson
Osma, a beautiful, Michelin-recommended restaurant in Prestwich, has announced its closure next month.
The Scandi-esque restaurant has been a front-runner of Prestwich’s ever-growing food and drink scene since it opened in 2020.
Fronted by Manchester born Danielle Heron, who you might recognise from the Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, alongside Sofie Stoermann-Naess.
Osma has been a favourite among Prestwich locals over the last five years, famed for its inventive small plates and delicious Sunday roasts – but now its time in the suburb has come to an end.
In a statement shared online, Osma said that they have ‘struggled to find experience staff, leaving us with little to no personal life’.
The restaurant has teased a move into the city centre, where it’s hoped the business will be more sustainable and ready to grow.
“This is by no means the end of Osma,” they wrote.
Their kitchen at Exhibition in the city centre will remain open even after Osma in Prestwich closes on Sunday 9 February.
Osma in Prestwich has announced its closure. Credit: Instagram, @osmakitchenbar
Other food and drink businesses in the village have all been sharing farewell messages, with The Pearl commenting: “Prestwich’s foodie foundations will be very wobbly without the OG cornerstone that welcomed the ‘foodie neighbourhood’ accolades. Good luck in town both, we’ll definitely come and visit the new place.”
Whole Bunch Wines, formerly known as Grape to Grain, said: “Absolutely devastating news for Prestwich. A HUGE loss but a sign of their quality that they’re forced to move.”
Osma’s full statement reads: “Neighbours & Friends. We’ve spoken with some of you already, but it’s time to make it official. It’s with a heavy heart, but excitement for the future, that we have decided to close our Prestwich restaurant ahead of a move to the city centre.
“Being fully transparent – we’ve struggled to find experienced staff, leaving us with little to no personal life. We have made the decision to move on to what we hope will be a more sustainable business that can grow, and allow us more time to follow our dreams. This is by no means the end of OSMA.
“We’re optimistic, but it’s bittersweet. After (almost!) five years we have met so many amazing and incredible people, who we’re proud to call our friends and OSMA family. So many of you have kept coming back week after week – we feel honoured and so grateful for your company. There have been hard days over the years and your kindness, patience and good moods have made such an impact on us to keep pushing forward. Thank you! 🙏🏼
“Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our one-of-a-kind staff. Your efforts make OSMA what it is. Even when so understaffed, you all keep moving and help each other get through the day as a team. There’s not many of you, but what you guys can achieve is incredible!
“Lastly, we want to thank our landlord, Tony Freeman, for taking a risk on two 26-year-old girls wanting to open a restaurant. OSMA wouldn’t be here today without him believing in us. You will live on in our memory forever.
“Our last day of service will be Sunday, 9th February. Bookings are open now and we’d love to see as many of you as possible before we go. Stay tuned on our socials as we’ll be throwing a leaving party, too.
“A little housekeeping… gift cards bought after the 9th of Feb 2024 may be refunded to the original payment method, or extended to use at our new site (to be valid for one year after the opening date). Our Kitchen at Exhibition on Peter Street will also remain open as usual, so please don’t be a stranger.
“We appreciate every single one of you… and we’ll be back before you know it! Love Dani & Fie x”
Danny Jones -
28th August 2024 
