After a long afternoon of trudging through the countryside in whatever weather conditions the north throws at you, there’s nothing quite like the reward of a crisp pint.
And on a particularly beautiful walk right on the outskirts of Greater Manchester, we stumbled upon a taproom that might just provide the best drinking background in the region.
Let’s start with the walk details.
If you haven’t yet been exploring the trails and paths around Rivington, you’re missing out on a real stunner of a hike.
There are countless loops you can do around the area, providing the best bits of all countryside settings.
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You want woods? They’ve got em. A nice flat walk beside a body of water? Rivington’s got it. A decent uphill trudge ending in absolutely stunning views? Yep, that’s here too.
A highlight of this corner of the North West is the Rivington Terraced Gardens, which will try to transport you to Italy and Japan all while only just stepping outside Bolton.
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These 100-year-old gardens were created by the Lord of Leverhulme and inspired by his travels, and have been carefully restored in recent years by teams of volunteers.
Views from the water’s edge at Rivington reservoirAnd approaching Rivington Brewing Co’s taproom at the end of the walk
Walking around the footpaths and flights of steps you’ll stumble upon a hidden Japanese Garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves, ending up at the top of Rivington Pike with panoramic views.
From here, you can keep going along to Winter Hill for arguably even more impressive views, or start to loop back down the hill to the water’s edge, passing Liverpool Castle as you go.
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And here is where the beer comes in.
If you pass through the village of Rivington itself and walk along Horrobin Lane which crosses the two reservoirs, you’ll find yourself at the Rivington Brewing Co taproom.
The most scenic pint in the north westInsdie Rivington Brewing Co’s taproom
This is huge taproom is a haven for modern craft beer, with absolutely loads of brews to choose from and a can fridge if the 18-odd taps don’t have what you fancy.
There’s plenty of cosy spaces inside the fairylight-strewn converted barn building, but the beer garden is the star of the show.
There are views from here right across the water and all the way to Pigeon Tower and Winter Hill, with plenty of space for big groups.
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And dotted all around the outdoor area are a rotating selection of street food traders, serving everything from pizza to burgers to cakes.
If you’re looking for a belting Saturday afternoon activity, this is absolutely the one.
You can look a walk in the area that suits your ability here.
The incredible Asian food market held every month at an 800-year-old church in Stockport
Daisy Jackson
One of Greater Manchester’s most unique food events is taking place monthly in and around the grounds of an 800-year-old church.
Held on the second Friday of every month at St Mary’s Church in Stockport, the Asian Food Market brings together some of the region’s best independent Asian street food traders under one historic roof.
Organised by Eat Good West, the event brings together 16 traders every month, serving up dishes from across Asia.
Visitors can tuck into everything from crispy Taiwanese fried chicken and Korean corn dogs to homemade strawberry mochi.
A real highlight is the Japanese yakitori skewers, grilled fresh to order on a traditional charcoal grill while you wait, served in a cloud of smoke and delicious charred edges.
The market originally launched in Edgeley, but after growing in popularity it moved to St Mary’s around a year ago, giving organisers more space to accommodate the increasing crowds.
For the team behind the event, it’s about more than just great food. They see the market as a way of bringing together Stockport’s diverse communities, creating a space where people can connect over shared meals and discover new cultures through food.
Strawberry mochiA round of drinks for £10Sticky fried chicken
There’s a lively atmosphere throughout the evening, with live music performances adding to the experience. And if Manchester’s unpredictable weather makes an appearance, there’s plenty of additional seating inside the church.
The bar also serves a selection of Asian beers and soft drinks at surprisingly affordable prices. We picked up an Asahi, a Singha and a plum beer for just £10 – one of the best-value rounds we’ve seen in a while.
If you’re looking for an excuse to spend your Friday evening eating your way across Asia without leaving Stockport, this is one event worth putting in the diary.
The former pub in Hulme that’s now a haven for salvaged mid-century treasures
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve ever wondered where old stained-glass windows, vintage toilets, and dazzling chandeliers go when they’re rescued from demolition, the answer is probably Insitu Manchester.
Standing on Chester Road in Hulme, Insitu occupies the former Turville pub, a Grade II listed Victorian building dating back to around 1870.
What was once a neighbourhood boozer is now one of Manchester’s most fascinating places to browse, packed to the rafters with architectural salvage, antiques, and quirky design pieces.
Spread across three floors, every room feels like a treasure hunt. One minute you’re admiring an elegant fireplace, the next you’re standing in front of a huge stained-glass church window wondering if it would fit in your downstairs loo.
The real showstopper is upstairs. The former billiards room has been transformed into a bright, sunlit showroom that feels more like an art gallery than a salvage yard.
Founded in 1984 as a business specialising in reclaimed doors and fireplaces, Insitu has spent more than four decades saving beautiful objects from being lost forever.
Today, its stock ranges from reclaimed timber flooring and cast-iron radiators to stained glass, doors and other architectural features.
The former billiards room is now a beautiful showroomA beautiful mid-century tiled tableVintage sinks and toiletsIncredible stained glass windows at InsituA room packed with mid-century treasure at Insitu in ManchesterPaintings, stained glass, and ornate furnitureThe outside of Insitu in Hulme, ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in Manchester
During our visit, we spotted a mid-century tiled coffee table, ornate chandeliers, vintage glass lampshades, paintings and fireplaces.
But perhaps the most unexpected room was downstairs, where an entire collection of antique sinks and vintage toilets is displayed. Who knew a loo could be so beautiful?
Part of the fun is that you never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner. Every item has a story, and many have been carefully rescued from buildings that no longer exist.
Come for the fireplaces, stay for the vintage toilets. Trust us.
Daisy Jackson -
14th June 2024 
