Food & Drink

Beloved Stockport bar Bask is rebranding as Greater Manchester’s latest Irish bar

The Irish bar boom continues.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 2nd June 2025

Yes, one of the names synonymous with Stockport’s resurgent hospitality scene, Bask, is set to rebrand into yet another Irish bar following a flurry of openings across Greater Manchester.

The lively bar, breakfast and pub grub spot, also known for live music nights, matchday pints for Stockport County and various other events, has had a bit of a turbulent period over the past few months or so, but remains a much-loved local venue.

Bask were forced to issue a statement following an arrest back in February, and one of the founding members behind the venture also stepped away in August 2024.

Looking to close that door firmly behind them, the team – now headed up by native DJ and producer Jon Fitz (John Fitzpatricks) – are set to launch the all-new Fitzpatricks “very soon.”

Fitz (a Stopfordian by birth) announced the latest iteration of the unit located just next to Stockport train station on social media late last month, writing: “It’s been a long time coming, and we’ve poured our hearts into this one — we’re aiming to open very very soon…”

As detailed in his most recent post, also shared on Bask’s existing accounts, this is tipped to be the start of “a bold new chapter.”

Detailing a distinct Irish-American theme, influenced by the “friendly bars of Boston to the lively streets of New York City, Fizpatricks brings that gritty charm and warm hospitality across the pond, fusing Irish roots with American spirit.

Fans of Bask’s roots in entertainment will also be glad to hear that lineups of live music will remain “every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — with the best of Irish, American and Country music.”

With co-creator Benji Taylor, who ultimately stepped away last year, having brought his music industry background to the business model, live entertainment has also been a big selling point of the bar and, thankfully, will remain so.

In terms of food, Fitzpatricks will be delivering everything from classic American comfort food to “healthy gym options” as part of their new bar and grill approach, along with a proper Sunday roast menu.

Perhaps most notably, much like Taylor’s influence over the course of his tenure, the new-look venue is set to further immerse itself in the local sports experience, promising plenty of cold pints for the punters heading to the match at Edgeley Park, as well as an exciting brand new ‘360 multi-screen experience’ and more.

Fitzpatricks even looks set to embark on an official partnership with Stockport County ahead of the 2025/26 League One season – a big coup, indeed.

Bask may be over, but there’ll always be the memories. In fact, we wagered it was the best night in Stockport, so here’s hoping Fitzpatricks can follow in its footsteps. We can’t wait to see what comes next and can’t wait to split another G or two.

Bask is not so quietly becoming the best night out in Stockport
Bask is no longer, but there’s a new kid on the ever-growing Irish bar block, although an opening date is yet to be confirmed.

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Featured Images — The Manc Eats/Jon Fitz (via Facebook)

Food & Drink

A new coffee shop by a familiar Manc influencer with an ‘Oasis-inspired’ name is opening in town

Danny Jones Danny Jones

We’re never short of cafés here in Manchester, especially in the city centre, and there are a fair few great ones in the Northern Quarter alone, but this new coffee shop from a famous local influencer is one to keep an eye on – especially as it’s a bit of an Oasis pun.

‘What’s the story?’, we hear you ask: Morning Glory, that’s what.

That’s right, NQ’s latest coffee spot is not only a fun little nod to the Britpop classic but a little bit of innuendo by an equally cheeky chappy and familiar content creator, Zack Hipps.

With the Oasis puns and double-entendre boxes ticked off, it already ticks a couple of boxes, but there are still plenty more reasons to think this will be a success.

morning glory coffee shop manchester
Morning Glory is opening in the Northern Quarter at the end of the month. (Credit: Morning Glory)

To start with, the jokes don’t stop as sandwich lovers will be glad to hear that there will be ‘Glory Holes’ on the menu…

Calm down, it’s not that kind of gaff. These are bagels that are sliced, stuffed with whipped cream, brushed with garlic butter, before being rebaked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey thyme. That admittedly does sound rather naughty.

Bagels are the main foodstuff on the menu, with a lineup of stacked fillings such as grilled peach with goat’s cheese and chilli jam; roast chicken thigh with smoked garlic mayo, iceberg lettuce and red onion and a ‘next-level’ ham and cheese stack.

Oh yeah, and it’s not only a coffee shop but promises to be a great and affordable spot for grab-and-go joe, specifically, too.

Morning Glory will be helping kickstart Manc mornings in the best way: with a banging coffee and bagel brekkie deal for just £5, making it perfect for those early risers and rushes to the commuter trams – OR, indeed, the ideal hangover cure after a night out in the city.

zack hipps coffee shop manchester
Apart from the obvious Manchester music reference, the coffee bar is a fitting honey-yellow.
morning glory nq
The bagels are looking big and beautiful.
The diagonal floor stripes are a nod to The Hacienda nightclub. (Credit: Supplied)

Now, with the space itself spanning just 50sqm and featuring just 12 seats, not to mention fast, value-for-money food and drink, everyone can admit this isn’t necessarily the spot to sit for hours chatting with your mates over a brew.

Although Zack describes the room as “casual, cosy and full of personality” and “proper good vibes”, assuring quality at all times, they also state it is about “no faff” and the menu is made for being on the move, which is absolutely fine with us.

For instance, indie suppliers Kyoto Matcha will be chipping in with drinks and local bakery Vainllis over in Ancoats will be delivering a fresh twist on the Manchester tart, both of which are easy to order takeout and enjoy on the go.

Best of all, to mark the launch, the first 100 people through the doors on from 8am on opening Saturday, 30 August. August will not only bag a free drink, but three lucky customers will be randomly chosen to win a golden ticket, entitling them to free coffee every single day for A WHOLE YEAR.

Dreamy caffeine scenes.

Speaking on the impending opening just weeks after Oasis left the city, Hipps says, “Morning Glory Coffee is my love letter to Manchester. We’ve grafted for months building the space, and it’s mad to think we’re finally opening the doors.

“It’s a warm, welcoming spot with proper Manc charm, and I’m buzzing to be working alongside some of my favourite local makers. Manchester’s got one of the best food scenes in the country, and we can’t wait to shine a light on all the incredible talent out there, whilst fuelling up Manc’s one brew at a time.”

See you in the queue on Oldham Street come launch day for great coffee, Oasis in the headphones and hopefully some rare but glorious Manchester morning sun.

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Featured Images — Supplied

Food & Drink

Manchester tapas spot Maricarmen is opening a second site

Danny Jones Danny Jones Maricarmen opening second site in Manchester

Affordable Manchester tapas spot Maricarmen has announced they are opening a second site in town, doubling their centre presence.

Maricarmen launched on Great Ancoats Street back in June 2023 and quickly became a firm Manc favourite, famous for their £3.50 dishes

When it comes to their small plate approach, they serve up some of the best tapas in Manchester, and even the shopfront seats at their popular roadside location are regularly full regardless of passing traffic.

However, if there’s ever been one gripe we’ve had with the place, it’s that the outdoor area isn’t the most peaceful, even if it is a stunning suntrap on a warm day – that’s where the new restaurant comes in.

Maricarmen is launching its second site very soon.(Credit: Supplied/The Manc Eats)

We’ve been semi-regular visitors of Maricarmen ever since it started out life as a pop-up spot just around from Cutting Room Square, and they’ve gained speed and reputation ever since.

Known not only for authentic, value-for-money tapas, but welcoming plenty of punters for a simple drink as one of the best places for a sangria in central Manchester, they’ve managed to stay relatively just not just when the weather is bright but throughout most seasons.

Set to take over the ex-63 Degrees on High Street in the Northern Quarter, they’ll be opening the next branch of Maricarmen as early as next month.

The former French dining bistro sadly had to shut its doors back in February, but we’re glad to see that the building is now preparing to be reborn.

While the Ancoats restaurant is known for the aforementioned roving ‘El Tableo’ style of service inspired by southern Spain, the newest location will be slightly different; they are remaining tight-lipped on details, however, only revealing lighter colours and Alicante beach influences with alfresco eating.

All we’ll say for now is bring on the pintxos, pints, patatas bravas and pretty much anything we had for their first birthday celebrations.

Created by Marian Diaz and Jose Nunez, who previously owned a tapas restaurant in Madrid, La Porcineria, which was sadly curtailed by Covid.

On the bright side, Manchester has been the greatest beneficiary of their fresh start, and we can’t wait to see what venue number two delivers.

Co-founder, Diaz, said of the new opening: “Maricarmen is about compassion, hard work, strength, reinvention, opening our minds & hearts and connecting with people. It’s more than just food, for us, it is the beautiful moment when we see our customers and our coworkers smile because they are here.” 

She went on to add, “To us, Manchester signifies the ability to reinvent and grow. The people here support you without expecting anything in return. It’s really beautiful. I have never felt this before in my life. […] We’ve built up such a loyal customer base of locals – many have become dear friends. 

“And to be in a position to open a second site within two years and share our love of good food and great times with Manchester’s Northern Quarter is quite unbelievable.”

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Maricarmen NQ is scheduled to open its doors in the very first week of September, so you really don’t have that long wait and/try to snatch a table.

Be sure to follow them on socials too, not only for more announcements and updates but because it’ll give you an even better flavour of the vibes over there.

For now, best get building your appetite.

21 of the best tapas places in Manchester city centre and beyond
Yes, of course, they featured on the tapas round-up, and we’re sure the second Maricarmen site will too.

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

Featured Images — Maricarmen (supplied)/The Manc Group

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