Stockport residents have been left gutted by the news that a beloved and long-standing pub, The Golden Hind, will soon be closing — so much so that locals are now rallying to keep it open.
The Golden Hind, located in Offerton, has been open since the late 1960s and has been part of the Greene King family since 1996, having previously held the brewery and pub chain’s in-house Hungry Horse moniker above its doors for many years.
Although the pub itself was closed for a period in 2017 following a major refurbishment, it has been a go-to boozer for punters all over SK for decades, so naturally people quickly became concerned once rumours began circulating on social media last week that it might be closing its doors this month.
Unfortunately for fans of the pub, those fears were confirmed when a makeshift sign made out of a dust sheet and black paint by a passionate resident appeared on the main road just outside the building’s frontage asking people to help “Save The Golden Hind from closure”.
Stockport locals urge the town to help ‘Save the Golden Hind’Credit: The Manc Group
As you can see, the sign goes on to read, “It’s not just a pub, it’s our community hub”, adding, “Contact Greene King web page ‘Contact Us‘. Thank you, Offerton.”
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The reaction to the news online has been one of shock and upset, with many on social media urging others to take heed of the sign and help keep it open. Some residents are said to have already reached out to local councillors to petition against it and register the pub as a ‘Community Asset‘.
Writing on a community Facebook page called ‘What’s On Offerton‘, local Helen Judge said: “Just wondering which idiot at Stockport Council would let a great pub in Offerton like The Golden Hind to be bulldozed and sell the land. [It is the] worst idea ever and we don’t need any more houses in Offerton”.
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While the closure is strictly an owner issue and many believe the pub is “losing money” or simply not performing in line with other Greene King locations in the Greater Manchester area, others are claiming that the valuable piece of land situation on busy Lisburne Lane has already been sold.
The pub is situated right in the middle of the Offerton areaThe ‘Save the Golden Hind’ was hung outside last week.
Addressing their plans to shut the pub, Greene King did confirm the closure notice on 26 November to the MEN, adding that “formal consultation” with current landlord Danny and his staff has already begun, but did not offer any details as to the status of the land nor any potential plans for it in the near future.
Posting on social media, one person said: “I go regularly and the new manager was doing really well, great chef too and they were always full on the tribute meal events. Virtually the only affordable pub that does proper meals around here.”
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Many have also expressed their worry for the elderly and vulnerable people who regularly visit the Hind not only for food and drink but also to socialise and enjoy a sense of community. The place is also regularly packed on matchday and hosts live entertainment throughout the week.
Another wrote, “Feel really sad about this… It’s like the end of an era… all the traditional pubs going and just wine bars, bistro pubs and takeaways everywhere”, while a third added: “That’s so sad, many beautiful memories.” The pub famously had to take down an Elvis sign above the entrance merely placed as a bit of fun to promote their ever-busy karaoke nights.
Credit: Norman BroomCredit: The Golden Hind (via Facebook)The Golden Hind and its iconic Elvis signage in the early 2000s and the local Stopfordians who still consider it a pillar in the area.
Speaking to The Manc, regular patron Sue Harrop said: “The Golden Hind is an asset to the community. It is the only pub in the area since the social club on the nearby estate closed.
“It has a great atmosphere where people of all ages come together, offers good affordable food, fantastic live entertainment which always sells out and live sports. All the other regulars are devastated and friendship groups that have been formed in the Hind will be no more if it closes on 26 November.
“To say everyone is gutted is an understatement and it feels as though Greene King is only interested in making quick money with no thought for the community they are destroying”.
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It is thought that over 400 people have already signed a petition filed to the council and many more are expected to rally behind the cause as they look to save the Golden Hind before the end of the month.
You can get FREE food and more at Tesco Christmas Markets across Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
Tesco Christmas Markets are back and heading to even more Greater Manchester locations where you can try lots of festive items all for FREE.
If you missed it last year, then don’t worry, as Tesco has brought back its much-loved Christmas Markets and the stalls are visiting more locations across the UK than ever before.
We’ve got you covered with all the dates and locations these freebie-filled Christmas Markets are visiting to make sure you don’t catch a case of festive FOMO.
Tesco Christmas Markets will be filled with all your favourite brands you usually fill up your trolley with from the likes of Costa, McCain, Celebrations and more.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Tesco-led celebration without its own Finest range making an appearance across select Greater Manchester locations.
Expect to sample Tesco Finest Scallop and King Prawn Toast, Tesco Finest Stratford Blue with Fig Conserve and sweet treat staple, Tesco Finest Brandy Butter Mince Pies.
The best-loved brands mentioned before will be offering samples like smooth and creamy cups of Chocomel, or caramel-infused Nutcracker Spectacular drinks thanks to coffee shop chain Costa too.
In terms of food, McCain are letting you crunch down on its latest crisp range Vibes, Celebrations is treating you to its chocolate collection and biscuit varities from Bahlsen.
Tesco Christmas Markets are visiting major Greater Manchester locations giving out lots of FREE food / Credit: Press Shots (via Supplied)
Feeling merry and bright? Alcoholic drink brands 1664 is bringing out its blue bottles, Three Barrels for its XO and VSOP brandies as well as the coffee-infused liquer Drambuie.
If you’re after something to warm up your winter’s day, Costa is also letting you try some of its Home-made Barista style coffees and coffee pod masterminds Tassimo are offering samples of its Cadbury, L’Or, Kenco ranges and more.
Finally, if that wasn’t enough for you, why not clear your palette with a Christmas creation courtesy of teapigs and its caffeine-free peppermint leaves, yum.
Here’s all the important dates and locations for Tesco Christmas Markets 2025 schedule for Greater Manchester and wider regions:
Fri 14 November – Glossop Superstore, SK13 8HB
Sat 15 November – Hattersley Extra in Hyde, SK14 3AU
Sun 16 November – Failsworth Extra in Manchester, M35 0EJ
Mon 17 November – Manchester Gorton Extra, M18 8LD
Tue 18 November – Stockport Extra, SK1 2BT
Wed 19 November – Burnage Superstore in Manchester, M19 1TF
Thu 20 November – Prestwich Superstore in Manchester, M25 3TG
Fri 21 November – Bolton Horwich Extra, BL6 6JS
Sun 23 November – Chorley Extra, PR7 1NW
Mon 24 November – Leyland Extra, PR25 2FN
Sun 30 November – Prescot Extra, L34 5NQ
Mon 1 December – St Helens Extra, WA9 3AL
Tue 2 December – Widnes Extra, WA8 7YT
Wed 3 December – Warrington Extra, WA2 7NE
Mon 8 December – Accrington Extra, BB5 1LN
Fri 12 December – Macclesfield Hibel Road Superstore, SK10 2AB
To view a full list of all the Tesco Christmas Markets locations across the UK and browse all the brands that are taking part you can find everything HERE.
£50k reward for information about Baby Ava, whose remains were found in a Salford field
Daisy Jackson
Police are offering a £50,000 reward in a bid for information about Baby Ava, the newborn whose remains were found in a field in Salford one year ago.
One year on from the discovery of the baby girl’s remains in Little Hulton, police are still desperately trying to find out the baby girl’s identity and how she came to be in Ashtons Field.
A reward of £50,000 has now been secured from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with an appeal for her parents to come forward, or anyone with information that helps identify Ava or her parents.
New developments since the discovery of the baby’s remains on 20 November 2024 have included recovering a piece of fabric that was a distinctive pair of ladies’ underwear.
The size large underwear are patterned with what police believe are cartoon donkeys – but this has given no viable lead.
GMP’s lead investigator, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Since Ava was discovered a year ago today, we have worked tirelessly to understand how she came to be in Ashtons Field deceased and get justice for her.
“Last month, we were able to share that a piece of fabric recovered with Ava was a distinctive pair of ladies’ size large underwear with what believe are cartoon donkeys on. Unfortunately, despite the unique nature of this piece of clothing, we have had no new viable leads.
A ‘distinctive’ pair of ladies’ underwear discovered with Baby Ava. Credit: GMP
“We have had around 20 experts across various fields supporting our enquiries, followed up on over 200 pieces of information and distributed 1000 leaflets to local communities.
“Those residing in the surrounding area of where Ava was located should expect to see a greater police presence in the area around this anniversary, and may receive a knock on the door, as we continue to relentlessly pursue all possible avenues which could lead us to finding out what happened to her.”
DI Kelly continued yesterday, the one-year anniversary of the discovery of Baby Ava: “Today’s date will be a significant one for Ava’s parents and those who may have known her, and we have not lost hope in understanding the full circumstances of Ava’s death.
“To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case.
“We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.
“This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist with the police with their investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
