The Chestergate pub in Stockport is possibly one of the most colourful boozers in all of Greater Manchester. It doesn’t matter what night of the week it is, there’s always something going on.
Whether it’s going viral for their regular karaoke videos, giving the most perfect little snapshots of UK pubs and British life in general, or changing their name to ‘The Southgate’ every time a major tournament is on, we have the utmost love for the place and its persistence when it comes to going viral.
Perhaps the part we love about it the most is that all of its iconic memories are that they are created entirely by accident; this pub is just full of people having a good time, enjoying a pint and some good company with complete abandon.
And speaking of karaoke, one of The Chestergate‘s most popular videos of late was shared like many of their other hits: on a random weeknight when two lovebirds happened to get engaged — seemingly right in the middle of the usual sing-song on Tuesday evening.
The happy couple in question are yet to have been identified as far as we know, but you can see just how happy the pair of them are to have popped the question in their beloved local boozer — and everyone in there seemed to love it just as much too.
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We dare say this definitely isn’t the first proposal to have happened in The Chestergate and we’re sure it won’t be the last.
The comments were full of well-wishers leaving their congratulations and remarking things like, “how cute” and “romance is in the air”, not to mention tagging others by way of a hint.
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It might not be as iconic as their last viral video back in October, but we’ll take love and pints flowing freely, smiling faces and plenty of music any day.
Obviously, public proposals and displays of affection aren’t for everyone, and perhaps not everyone would pick The Chestergate as the place they’d want to get engaged, but we think is simply lovely.
Congrats again to the happy couple and we hope to catch another memorable scene in there for ourselves sometime soon.
Featured Image — The Chestergate (via Facebook)/Blind Tiger Inns
Stockport
Entire Blossoms band rock up to independent takeaway for ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’
Daisy Jackson
Blossoms have hailed a Manchester takeaway as having the ‘best sandwiches’ in town.
The Stockport band popped in – all five of them – to Ad Maiora in the Northern Quarter, to sample one of their authentic Italian sandwiches.
Ad Maiora shared a picture of the five-piece outside their Tib Street sandwich shop, saying it was a ‘special’ moment to have the band visit.
The humble sandwich business started life in the apartment of Sardinian couple Daniela Steri and Enrico Pinna, who quit their jobs to dedicate their lives to sandwiches.
It then expanded to open its first proper site in February last year, where they create beautiful butties with freshly-baked schiacciata – a Tuscan flatbread – and top-quality Italian ingredients.
It’s not just Blossoms who have fallen for Ad Maiora’s incredible food.
The sandwich business is also a firm favourite with several Manchester City stars, including Erling Haaland, who even has a sandwich on the menu named after him.
Blossoms hailed Ad Maiora as having the ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve had several visits from Pep Guardiola, too, while he was manager of Man City.
Sharing the picture of Blossoms, Ad Maiora wrote: “A special visit from Stockport’s finest.
“It was an absolute pleasure welcoming @blossomsband to Ad Maiora for some proper Italian schiacciata!”
Blossoms commented to say: “I migliori panini di Manchester!! Grazie mille ragazzi” – which translates as: “Best sandwiches in Manchester!! Thank you so much guys.”
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Danny Jones -
28th April 2023 
