It’s another great week for eating and drinking out in Manchester, with a host of new pop-ups, one-off events and new dishes to be getting stuck into.
Dare we say it – but there seems to be a general feeling of optimism in hospitality right now.
Launch parties are finally being thrown, residencies are being announced, and nature – as the meme goes – is finally healing.
Keep reading to discover our top food and drink picks for the week.
A hidden bar takeover with natty wine and french fries
Wine and fires have long been a perfect pairing, then add in the reopening of one of Manchester’s secret bars and you’re on to a guaranteed winner / Image: Vin De Bodega
Natural wine hustlers Vin De Bodega team up with Amsterdam-inspired Fry By this week – taking over the small cocktail bar hidden underneath The Corner Boy, formerly known as Double Down, for a night of top-tier natty wine and loaded fries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wines, all handpicked favourites of the Vin De Bodega team, will be available by the glass or the bottle – as well as fries from upstairs, loaded with your choice of over 50 different flavour combinations. There will also be a special portion of fries available on the night to enjoy with a paired wine.
Find them underneath The Corner Boy, Stevenson Square this Thursday 12 August from 5 pm.
ADVERTISEMENT
“A gift from the pasta Gods” at Sugo
Sugo’s new Paccheri all’ Amatriciana is a simple classic based on guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino romano cheese, white wine and datterini tomatoes / Image: Sugo Pasta Kitchen
Such is the excitement around Sugo, a single new dish is more than enough to have us shouting from the rooftops.
Described by the team as “a gift from the pasta Gods,’ the new Paccheri all’ Amatriciana is a simple classic based on guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino romano cheese, white wine and datterini tomatoes. To be enjoyed with “at least” half a litre ofBarbera on the side, it looks and sounds absolutely divine.
Find Sugo at 46 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF.
ADVERTISEMENT
A new pop-up restaurant in the KAMPUS bungalow
Caramelised walnut cream with green strawberries, covered in frozen & shaved buttery Eccles cake / Image: Tine.
Fine dining fans, this one is for you.
Tine, the restaurant project by chefs Josh Shanahan and James Lord, is popping up in the KAMPUS bungalow with some gorgeous seasonally-inspired dishes until the end of September starting this Friday.
Calling on experience at Mana, Where The Light Gets In and Manchester House, the pair plan on serving a 5-course set menu of British flavours with their signature umami twist. Find them cooking up a storm on Thursday to Sunday evenings right through to the end of next month.
The lads are also working with Le Social Wine (KAMPUS’s other residents right now) to curate a wine list in tandem with bottles from their own cellar, so expect some really special pairings on the side.
Reservations are live now. Find Tine at KAMPUS, Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3DA from Friday 13 August.
ADVERTISEMENT
Indian chippy teas from a hidden Chorlton gem
The Indian-Scottish take on fish on chips: fresh Panga fried in Roti gram flour batter, fluffy masala potatoes and curried chickpea ‘mushy peas / Image: Roti
If you’d like to try a chippy tea with a twist, Roti in Chorlton has to be the spot. It opened just before the pandemic so hasn’t been given the shine it should – but we’re here to fix that.
Here you’ll find some great Indian Scottish fusions. Think a ‘chip butty’ roti, filled with curried aloo and chickpeas marinated in an aromatic pickle, or ‘mince and tatties’ Roti spiced pork with house chole potatoes.
That said, it’s the take on fish and chips that’s got us really excited. Made with fresh Panga fried in Roti gram flour batter, it’s then served with fluffy masala potatoes and curried chickpea ‘mushy peas.’ Enjoy with an Irn-Bru cocktail and for the ultimate naughty treat finish with a deep-fried Mars bar.
Find Roti at 559 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AN.
Focaccia sandwiches from Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria
Pulled beef with sage mustard, taleggio, rocket and balsamic served on Batard bakery focaccia / Image: Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria
Not busy enough with two kitchens on the go and the launch of a new packaged meal service in South Manchester, Lazy Tony’s has just added two new focaccia sandwiches to the menu to coincide with the fact that they’re now open for lunch as well as dinner at Radium Street.
ADVERTISEMENT
This weekend just gone, the Ancoats kitchen premiered two new butties using focaccia from Batard: one with pulled beef, sage mustard, taleggio, rocket and balsamic; another with buttermilk fried chicken, chilli marinara, garlic, mozzarella and parmesan.
They’re currently taking classic requests for this weekend – we see someone’s put ‘lasagne sandwich’ in the comments already, which we’re completely here for.
Find Lazy Tony’s new sandwiches at 23 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AY this weekend from midday.
A guide to an SK in the sunshine – 15 of the best beer gardens and bars with outdoor seating in Stockport
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Whether you’re a Stockport resident, local to spend some time back home, or even just want to escape the bustle of Manchester when the sun is shining, the town located just seven minutes away by train is perfect for a day out in the pubs – and it’s got some great beer gardens to boot.
So, if you’re hoping to soak up some rays with a pint but are new to the area, or you simply can’t keep up with all of those new spots popping up in the Underbank recently – look no further.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a simple boozer or one of those more stylish suburban bars that continue to pop up in the borough (it’s the ‘New Berlin’, we’ve heard), we’ve got you covered.
Here’s hoping the sun sticks around so we can try and test more sun traps for you; it’s very important and gruelling research, promise, but somebody’s got to do it!
The best beer gardens and top outdoor drinking spots in Stockport
1. The Good Rebel – Underbank
Since popping up in Little Underbank in 2019, The Good Rebel, just down on Mealhouse Brow, has become a solid option for some class beers in the warm weather.
With their courtyard tucked away at the side of the building (shhh), this one is easily missed if you’re not in the know, but lucky for you, we can’t gatekeep our favourites forever
Fear not: they also have plenty of parasols/umbrellas to hide from the sun if you burn easily.
— @thegoodrebelstockport (@thegoodrebelsk1) March 24, 2024
2. The Underbank – guess?…
This new beer hall and margarita bar is hard to miss, with the tables at the front of the building positioned in the prime spot at the end/start of Underbank, depending on who you ask, capturing all of the sunshine.
While they specialise in Margaritas, they have a wide selection of drinks including some classic beers, not to mention they serve slices of Gatto sourdough pizzaat £4 a slice, which is arguably some of the best pizza in Greater Manchester.
@the.manc Ran (and cooked) by the lovely Dan, @Gatto is all about proper fermentation and quality toppings, we’re talking vodka cream and sausage, crispy pepperoni, and a simple but stunning marg, finished with a fresh dusting of grade A parm. 🧀 If you’re into sourdough pizzas with a bit of personality, this one’s well worth checking out. 📍 27 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LN #themanc#stockportpizza#stockportfoodie#wheretoeatinstockport#underbank♬ original sound – The Manc
3. The Runaway Brewery and Tap Room – Astley Street
This independent micro-brewery in the heart of Stockport prides itself on quality modern beer and local charm; plus, being only a few minutes away from the bus and train stations, it’s easily accessible from all over the region, so nobody has to miss out.
It is a fantastic indoor and outdoor space, with Honest Crust supplying some seriously good seasonal sourdough pizza – what’s not to like? We’ve been going here since way back when and we don’t intend on stopping any time soon.
4. The Angel Inn – Stockport Marketplace
This historic listed pub, one of Stockport’s oldest buildings built in the 16th century, has forever been a cornerstone of the community and continues to maintain this title among the locals.
Following its reopening in 2018, The Angel Inn has been restored as a modern town pub focused on cask beer, with a quaint little patio out back which often hosts live music and is very popular in summer.
With such a longstanding reputation as a top boozer and even a Grade II-listing now, you’d be crazy not to come and check it out for yourself.
Just a short walk away from Stockport’s Underbank, you can find this secret sun trap. Hidden away at the back of the pub is a stylish courtyard, perfect for summer.
The Red Bull also hosts monthly live music events of varying genres, darts, and if you’re feeling lucky, there’s a quiz every Wednesday from 7:30pm. Why not come on down early and soak up some rays in the courtyard for extra luck; after all, everyone feels more confident with a fresh tan.
Being so close to native ale experts Robinson’s Brewery, they’ve got a steady supply of local favourites coming regularly from nearby.
At the centre of Stockport’s ‘Old Town’ and Market district is Bakers Vaults – a great pub with plenty of character and a decent-sized outdoor seating area perfect for people watching, looking out onto the historic marketplace where there’s always plenty going on.
With an award-winning drinks range, including more Robbie’s brews, amazing food all day and live music in the evenings, this isn’t one to miss.
Not to mention there are plenty of other pubs and bars nearby, which makes for a class pub crawl.
Right next door, you can find the Produce Hall, with an unreal spot on Market Place to soak up the sun and some sensational food options to go with your drinks.
This building has always hosted a variety of stalls supplying delicious foods and drinks for the last 160+ years. Today is no different, with a whole host of different kitchens wrapping around the interior of the building, whether you want soul food, pizza or asian fried chicken – there’s something for everyone.
With so much to choose from, the real dilemma is picking what to eat with your pints; here’s just one suggestion for you:
Another one with a cracking history, this multi-award-winning, self-proclaimed ‘ale shrine’ simply has to make it onto your list for this summer.
The building itself has held importance since the early 19th century, and the pub continues to be a local favourite boasting live entertainment and a sought-after quiz, with many also commenting on its tasteful decor and delicious home-cooked meals. We can see why it’s so popular.
ADVERTISEMENT
As one of CAMRA’s regularly listed pubs and having been awarded both regional and national pub of the year, serving some top-quality cask beers, it’s a no-brainer.
Only a stone’s throw from Stockport train and bus stations is the historic Magnet Freehouse – a family-run pub that boasts a selection of 14 continually changing ales from micro-breweries, as well as a permanent selection of quality beers and cider.
They also have locally sourced pork pies on offer, along with other classic pub snacks and stonebaked pizzas from their onsite pizzeria available from Thursday to Saturday.
Magnet Freehouse also boasts a fully equipped games room with a pool table, darts boards, jukebox, board games and colouring books for both adults and children, as well as an extensive beer garden and two terraces serving as perfect elevated sun traps in the summer.
A traditional pub with home-cooked food, a pool table and a large grassy beer garden to the rear that often hosts events in the summer. What more can you ask for?
ADVERTISEMENT
Strawberry Gardens is known for its hearty Sunday lunch, entertainment and live sports, which all attract a range of ages from the local community.
We’re not going to argue whether it’s classed as ‘Offy’ or Little Moor these days; all we’ll say is that we’ve made plenty of good memories in here.
Another stylish Stockport pub with a fabulous beer garden, serving Manchester-made beers, cocktails and seasonal pub food, is located in Heaton Moor.
‘The Liz’ offers a blend of small plates and pub classics, including a raved-about Sunday roast with bottomless gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
They also have some fantastic deals such as: a free drink to be had when you buy a pie every Monday, or on Wednesday buy two large glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free.
The Puss in Boots is an unreal family-friendly spot for a carvery, with locally sourced and high-quality produce near Heavily and Great Moor, equipped with a magnificent selection of drinks and a beer garden fit for the summer weather.
They also have some exciting events, including live music on the last Saturday of each month and a free pub quiz every Thursday at 8pm.
Just imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing with one (or more – who’s counting?) of the five different spritzes on offer or a jug of Pimm’s in the sunshine, while the kids explore the play area attached to the beer garden. Need we say more?
From bull to big cat, another tastefully decorated Robinson’s pub waiting for you to try is The Red Lion in High Lane, just a short drive from Stockport town centre.
This pub is dog-friendly with a great outdoor seating area and only a short distance from Lyme Park, making it the perfect stop for a post-walk crisp pint this summer.
ADVERTISEMENT
They also have a cracking menu with an amazing Sunday roast and wine deal, which seals the deal, putting it up there as one of our favourite pubs for a Sunday afternoon pub trip.
One of our all-time favourites is the Jolly Sailor, a short walk from Davenport train station, and right near Woodsmoor and Bramhall a bit further down the road.
The Jolly is especially popular with the locals due to its extensive drinks menu, live music and large beer garden to the rear, perfect for soaking up some sunshine by day and heaters for staying cosy during summer evenings.
While known for their carvery, they also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free/NGI menus, making the kind of traditional family-friendly pub accessible to all.
They’ve got a bit of everything. (Credit: Jolly Sailor via Facebook)
15. The Midway – Portwood
One of the most highly regarded pubs in Stockport, having won multiple awards including ‘Pub of the Year’ and ‘Stockport’s Best Sunday Lunch’, is The Midway with a fantastic beer garden.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Midway isn’t that far from Vernon Park, Red Rock or The Plaza Theatre and cinema, making it the perfect place to factor in a lovely meal and some drinks before and/or after some entertainment or a stroll in some local greenery.
We hope reading this list got you as excited for summer as it did for us; the question is, did we miss anywhere that you consider among the best beer gardens in Stockport?
Let us know down in the comments.
Regardless, we’ve done the bulk of the hard work for you – now go forth, eat, drink, be merry and enjoy!
Featured Images — Kiana The Artist (via Instagram)/The Manc Group
Food & Drink
The woodland coffee shop with amazing sausage rolls you can only reach on foot
Daisy Jackson
Hidden away among the trees on the banks of the River Mersey is a coffee spot you won’t stumble across while driving past. In fact, you can’t drive there at all.
The only way to reach the woodland hideaway that is Riverbank Coffee is by following a riverside footpath, from Urmston, Stretford or Sale.
The walk itself is absolutely beautiful, following the meanders of the River Mersey along footpaths that are always teeming with dog walkers, cyclists, and people out for a weekend stroll.
What began as a small coffee pod has grown into a charming outdoor café built from converted shipping containers, tucked neatly into the woodland beside the Trans Pennine Trail.
The owners have gradually added more and more picnic benches, pagodas, wooden booths and flower beds since launching in 2020, just as the nation emerged blinking from lockdown.
Now, you can pull up a seat beneath the trees, or tuck into the sheltered wooden booths with windows overlooking the river.
As idyllic as the location is, plenty of people make the journey for one thing above all else – the sausage rolls.
Packed filling of the homemade sausage rollHuge cookiesIced coffees and Biscoff blondies by the riverA selection of treats at Riverbank CoffeeWeather-proof wooden boothsIt’s set in woodland beside the River MerseyThe view from Riverbank CoffeeRiverbank Coffee can be reached through a 20 minute walk from Urmston
Riverbank Coffee has built quite a reputation for its generously filled homemade sausage rolls, which have become something of a local legend. They’re made by the team, which is also behind Riverbank Deli in Urmston, and I promise they’re worth every step of the walk.
If sausage rolls aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more on offer. The menu includes locally roasted coffees, thick milkshakes, hearty pies and pasties, warm toasted wraps and breakfast barms, alongside homemade cakes and sweet treats for anyone with room to spare.
Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, looking for a scenic pit stop on a bike ride or simply fancy discovering one of Greater Manchester’s more unusual cafés, Riverbank Coffee proves that sometimes the best places really are the ones you have to seek out.
Georgina Pellant -
9th August 2021 
