A once popular pub in Stockport looks set to be brought back by a big regional brewery, more than two and a half years on from its closure.
The boozer in question is The Golden Hind in Offerton, with the most recent landlords having to bid goodbye to the Lisburne Lane location back in November 2023.
Since then, the sad sight has simply stood derelict on the corner of Marple Road, a main thoroughfare which connects the SK neighbourhood to the neighbouring town of the same name.
However, now it appears as though Manchester-born brewers and pub operators, Joseph Holt, are set to resurrect the local institution as part of a major redevelopment programme estimated to be worth North of £1 million.
CEO Richard Kershaw, along with directors Jane and Andrew Kershaw. (Credit: Joseph Holt Brewery)
Native pub chain and beer-makers ‘Joey Holts’, as they’re sometimes colloquially known, announced their purchase of the building last week.
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With Jane and Andrew representing the sixth generation of the Holts to work for the well-established Manc publicans, the family-run business knows all about the importance of maintaining the important community aspect of suburban cornerstones like this.
Over 176 years old themselves, Joseph Holt has plenty of experience reviving venues like this – it was only back in October that they helped reboot the Horse and Jockey in Chorlton – and have stated their intention of helping fight the growing trend of pubs, bars and restaurants closing across the country.
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The Golden Hind (which was formerly a Hungry Horse pub before its Greene King era) ceased trading after being open for well over half a century, and was heavily mourned at the time.
With regulars and Offertonians at large campaigning at the time to try and save the site, this will no doubt come as great news and some much-needed relief to many in and around the area, who spent some of their most important time socialising and building connections in their much-loved local hub.
We are yet to be given a clear timeline for the comeback, but you can already tell how motivated the new owners are to make this a success, not just for themselves, but for those who live nearby.
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Aforementioned CEO, Richard Kershaw, said in a statement: “Joseph Holt is a brewery committed to putting pubs back into the heart of local communities. It is at the core of our ethos.
“Since we know they play such an important role not just as places to enjoy a drink, but as welcoming spaces to meet others, take part in social groups, and enjoy live events. All of which will be happening once again once we complete our redevelopment of The Golden Hind.
“That’s why we are investing over £1 million in a comprehensive and carefully considered redevelopment, creating a pub in the truest traditional sense — complete with open fireplaces, generous outdoor spaces, and comfortable, characterful furnishings.”
The Joey Holt boss went on to add: “We are a family business, and we really understand how people feel a deep social connection with their local pub. We hope our revival of the Golden Hind will once again make it a local magnet.
“This investment will also bring real benefits to the area – creating jobs and new opportunities, while giving the wider community a meaningful boost. We’re looking forward to getting started on this exciting new chapter for both the pub and the area.”
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With another long-standing Stopfordian pub, which was also previously run by the same ownership group, having confirmed its closure late last month, could Joseph Holt be about to do something similar with another well-known watering hole?…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Joseph Holt Brewery/Supplied
Stockport
12 new openings to still look forward to this year in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
We may be halfway through the year already, but the second half of 2026 is shaping up nicely with some huge new openings still to come.
There are reborn pubs, glitzy new restaurants, giant street food venues, and even a bookshop/wine bar hybrid.
On the list of new openings coming to Greater Manchester this year, you’ll spot a fair few familiar names from the region, some total newcomers, and some big businesses from elsewhere in the UK.
And these new openings span everywhere from Stockport to the city centre, and from the Etihad Campus to… well, a secret location we actually don’t know yet.
Here are a dozen things to look forward to this year.
12 new openings coming to Manchester in 2026
1. Prologue, Stockport – opening this summer
A huge new bookshop, cafe and wine bar is opening in Stockport
Could you imagine a better afternoon than buying a new book and then reading the first few chapters with a glass of wine? Me neither, which is why you’re going to LOVE this Stockport newcomer.
Prologue will be a bookshop, cafe, and wine bar, from the same team behind Bramhall’s award-winning independent bookshop Simply Books.
It’s set right in amongst the new Weir Mill development from Capital&Centric, and will be hosting all sorts of writing workshops, book clubs, live music and other events.
2. Zadie’s, Etihad Campus – opening this autumn
Manchester City’s £300m Medlock Square development is shaping up to be something impressive, with a new Man City museum experience in the works along with The Medlock Hotel.
And now there’s major restaurant news to look forward to at the new entertainment complex too, with the arrival of Zadie’s.
Zadie’s will be an intimate and glamorous pan-Asian restaurant, offering high-end dining, cocktails which ‘border on the chaotic’, and late-night entertainment.
3. Manchester Street Food, Piccadilly – opening this summer
Inside the new Manchester food hall opening in a Grade II-listed building
It’s all gone a bit suspiciously quiet over at Ducie Street Warehouse, where the Grade II-listed building is being transformed into an enormous food hall concept.
It’s tipped to open this summer still, and will be home to 11 kitchens plus an outdoor terrace, mini cinema, tequila bar, and game rooms.
Manchester Street Food will also have a self-service beer tap wall and two stages, with space for 450 people inside plus another 180 on the south-facing terrace outside.
The Shamrock, an iconic old pub in Ancoats, is set to reopen under a new name this year after a major £2m refurbishment.
Set to relaunch as The Spinner’s Rest, the 200-year-old pub will be operated by the family-run Joseph Holt Brewery.
There’ll be space for a truck or cart to run an independent food operation for the pub, plus one of the few beer gardens in the neighbourhood.
They promise that while the refurb will be ‘extensive’, the historic charm of the pub will be preserved.
5. Gardens Lounge, Salford – open now
Gardens Lounge in Salford is open now
This one caught a lot of eyes for the wrong reason at first – it decided to house a live Macaw, beautiful Rio, in the middle of the restaurant in a glass box.
But now Rio is gone, and it’s time for us all to pay attention to what’s going on beyond the birdcage.
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Gardens Lounge is a new Mediterranean restaurant and shisha lounge, right on the banks of the River Irwell.
With beautiful interiors, and huge windows overlooking the water, it’s a stunning new addition to the Salford/Manchester border.
Beloved Manchester street food OGs GRUB are bringing their signature events programme and award-winning chefs to a new location this summer – a car park.
Plans are in place for GRUB to take over a space in the heart of Stretford, filling it with independent street food traders, family-friendly experiences, and more.
It’s set to be an 18 month residency that will host everything from neighbourhood socials and town fairs to match day warm ups and beer festivals – including the World Cup this summer.
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By day the 300 capacity venue will be home to a bakery, coffee shop and popup bottle store before transforming into a larger-scale evening destination.
7. Locker, NOMA – opening this autumn
New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester
Following the whispers of New Century’s ‘new chapter’ earlier this year, the venue is now introducing a 450-capacity, intimate live music space called ‘Locker,’.
Opening this autumn, the venue is set to host a wide range of genres from rock, jazz and hip-hop to electronic music, alongside one central food concept.
This new gig venue has vowed to showcase some quality emerging talent from Manchester and further afield, creating opportunities for artists and providing amazing live performances at an affordable price.
And their existing bar is there to stay, alongside the spectacular outdoor seating area which will remain capturing the sunlight just right in these summer months, as well as there being plenty of exciting plans in place for us over summer, including screenings for the World Cup and much more.
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8. Ad Maiora – very secretive
Everyone’s favourite homemade focaccia sandwich spot Ad Maiora is expanding to a new location here in Manchester. Aren’t we lucky!
In case you’ve been living under a rock – Ad Maiora serves up huge traditional Tuscan schiacciata bread, packed out with premium Italian ingredients to create beloved butties like the Nonna, the Colosseo alongside crisp Sardinian beers to quench your thirst.
This shop has well and truly won the heart of Manchester. So much so, we’re getting another – Daniela and Enrico have teased a second location is on the way soon.
While we haven’t been told much more just yet, it’s fair to say 2026 is looking up, and we’re so happy to see a (quite literally) homegrown business like this doing so well. Make sure you pay them a visit.
9. Forbici, Trafford Centre – opening this summer
Forbici is opening at the Trafford Centre
One of the North’s fastest rising foodie names is set to expand yet again.
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Rooted in Naples, formed in Manchester, then making its debut in Sheffield earlier this year, Forbici have just announced yet another location, this time at the Trafford Centre.
After being dubbed some of the ‘best pizza I’ve ever had’ by Marco Pierre White, these stone-baked showstoppers will soon be available to all of you shopaholics.
Whether you’re in desperate need of some energy mid-way through a spending spree, you need a pick-me-up after breaking the bank or you make the trip for the food alone, you won’t be disappointed.
10. Bruncho, Northern Quarter – opening June
A glimpse inside Bruncho Northern Quarter
One of the city’s favourite brunch spots, Bruncho, is getting closer to opening its second site in the Northern Quarter this June.
Since launching in Deansgate, Bruncho has soared in popularity with people queuing down the road to secure a table. Like many, we’re hoping that this new location will alleviate some of the waiting and allow everyone to get their hands on some of the best breakfast food in town.
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The team have now confirmed that their new venue will have a salad bar, vegetarian buffet and even coffee raves with DJs at select hours.
We just can’t wait to see it.
11. The Nest and Sister Moon, Deansgate – opening this summer
A glimpse at Sister Moon, the new sky-high restaurant opening in Manchester
When one rooftop restaurant closes, another opens. Only a day after Climat announced its closure, we were treated with news of a brand-new sky-high spot opening this summer.
Sister Moon will be the latest project from acclaimed chef Sam Grainger, who’ll be opening a Southeast Asian BBQ concept, boasting bold sharing dishes made with the freshest produce in a relaxed setting way up above the city on the 14th floor – now that’s what we call food with a view.
Not only that, there will also be a brand new bar – The Nest – which is set to be a private rooftop lounge on the uppermost floors of the Treehouse Hotel Manchester.
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12. The Abbey – open now
One of Manchester’s beloved historic pubs, The Abbey, is opening its very own 100-capacity live music venue, facilitating a brand new space for grassroots artists and emerging talent, right in the heart of Hulme.
This iconic pub has forever been a cornerstone here since the 1890s, with a stunning 19th-century bar that is set to remain at the heart of the venue, alongside lots of exciting changes and not just one, but two beer gardens to choose from.
On the taps, you’ll find their own house pilsner, alongside beers from Manchester’s Blackjack Brewery and with Pieminister as their in-house kitchen, you can now grab an unreal pie and a pint for £9.99.
A traditional pub, new music, outdoor seating and top notch pies whilst you’re there – what more can you ask for?
Blossoms announce new album and HUGE Manchester arena gig on UK tour
Emily Sergeant
Blossoms are back with a new album and UK arena tour later this year.
Tom, Joe, Josh, Charlie, and Myles – also known as Stockport’s finest, Blossoms – have today announced their sixth studio album, Songs From The Wedding Cake, alongside an upcoming UK arena tour this autumn to celebrate.
The new album and tour comes fresh off-the-back of the success of their previous studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot fiberglass gorilla.
Songs From The Wedding Cake takes its title from a Stockport nickname for the town’s iconic Victorian town hall, which is where Tom got married. It’s an apt frame for a record built around one guiding idea – taking the ordinary moments of life and putting them through an extraordinary lens.
The result is said to be Blossoms at their ‘most expansive’ and ‘most personal’, providing an irresistible cocktail of 80s-flecked funk, heart-on-your-sleeve anthems, and dance-floor indie bangers.
Blossoms have announced a new album and a huge Manchester arena gig on UK tour / Credit: Supplied
In their own words, as taken directly from their Instagram announcement this morning, Songs From The Wedding Cake is: “What an absolute joy this record was to make. Written and recorded over the last year, it’s a collection of songs about what might seem like ordinary moments, viewed through an extraordinary lens.
“Joking about divorce, hire cars, crying at the Kardashians, Wikipedia rabbit holes, trips to The Range, falling asleep in a taxi, your arm going numb because someone’s asleep on it, the 192, being an additional driver on your wife’s insurance and losing her 20 years’ no-claims bonus (ffs), dancing in the kitchen to Grease, crying at videos of dogs on Instagram, picking up parquet flooring, saying the wrong thing, growing older together… you get the idea.”
Alongside the album, the indie rockers have also announced an accompanying UK arena tour for the autumn, and of course they’ll be stopping off in Manchester.
The lads will be taking to the Co-op Live stage on Saturday 28 November.
They’ll also be playing in other major UK cities London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Birmingham along the way, with tickets for the tour set to go on presale next Wednesday (24 June) at 9:30am, before general sale commences on Friday, also at 9:30am.
Danny Jones -
12th May 2026 
