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.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
