Plans have been revealed for a beautiful new bookshop which will double up as a wine bar and cafe.
Set to open in Stockport this summer, Prologue will come from the team behind Bramhall’s award-winning independent bookshop Simply Books.
Early images released of the new space show a huge wall of books before a modern bar space, where guests will be able to grab everything from a new novel to a negroni.
Prologue is taking shape at Weir Mill, the new Capital&Centric development by the River Mersey and iconic viaduct, which is bringing 253 homes inside Grade II-listed cotton mills and industrial-style new builds.
When it opens, Prologue will double up as a community hangout for readers, writers and creatives, with loads of different literary events, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, language classes and writing workshops in the plans.
As for the shelves, they’ll be stocked with everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s titles.
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The built-in coffee shop and bar will be serving coffees and pastries during the day, then wine and cocktails into the evening.
Ben Johns, co-founder of Simply Books and Prologue, said: “We’ve always believed that bookshops are a place of connection. With Prologue, we wanted to create something special for Stockport – somewhere everyone can feel right at home. We can’t wait to get to know a whole new community of readers.”
Early artist impressions of Prologue in Stockport
Richard Spackman Development Director at Capital&Centric said: “Prologue is the kind of operator we want at Weir Mill, something that goes beyond its core offer to create a space people genuinely want to spend time in.
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“It’s about more than the books; it’s the events, the flexible use of space and the day-to-evening offer that will bring a different kind of energy to the neighbourhood.”
Lord Gavin Barwell, Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), said: “This imaginative and experience-led bookshop is a brilliant addition to the growing neighbourhood at Weir Mill.
“As a Stockport grown business that has gone from strength to strength, attracting both authors and visitors from across the UK, it’s fantastic to see them opening another site here. It will create a space not just for enjoying books but for slowing down, connecting with others, and taking part in events, all within a really special waterside setting.
“This is exactly what regeneration should deliver: new jobs, strong independents and more reasons for people to spend time in the town centre, while keeping the character that makes Stockport what it is.
“Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading and the momentum we’re building, ensuring Stockport remains a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Tiny Stockport restaurant shares plea after 36 people fail to turn up for reservation
Daisy Jackson
Another local business has had to issue a plea to customers, after an enormous group booking failed to turn up for their reservation.
Casa De Casa in Heaton Moor has shared that a reservation for a whopping 36 guests no-showed over the August bank holiday weekend.
For this tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurant, that’s pretty much the capacity of the entire venue, left empty on what should be one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Casa De Casa said that they had spent time preparing food, sorting staffing, and making sure the restaurant was ready for the large group of 36.
But when ‘nobody showed up’, it left them with a ‘significant loss’.
They said: “We understand that plans can change, but please let us know if you can’t make your booking.
“A simple message can make a big difference.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support us.”
Casa De Casa took to their Facebook page to share the tale of the ‘difficult night’, and have been flooded with messages of support since.
One person wrote: “That’s actually disgusting. You have a brilliant restaurant – fabulous food every time & top service. I’d happily pay a deposit & not be offended if asked for one.”
Another said: “Absolutely diabolical – I hope they’re reading comments on here and contact you to not only apologise but to pay you at least for the cost of the food. Shocking!”
And someone else posted: “Absolutely awful !!!! …. At least if there is a legit reason they ring and tell you !!!! Awful that you will have to ask now for a deposit on a big booking !!! Why are people so nasty ???? We love it here so keep on being fab xxx”
Tribute paid to man ‘loved by so many’ stabbed to death in Levenshulme
Daisy Jackson
The brother of a man stabbed to death in Levenshulme has paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.
Zherko Rasul Osman was just 24 years old when he was fatally wounded in an incident on Chapel Street on Saturday evening.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services personnel, Zherko sadly died at the scene.
Now, his brother has paid tribute to him, saying he was ‘someone who was loved by so many’.
The touching tribute reads: “My brother was a kind, friendly and loving person who never looked for trouble or wanted to harm anyone.
“He was loved and respected by his friends, his mates and the neighbours in the community where he lived. He had a good heart and would always be remembered for the warmth and happiness he brought to those around him.
“His life was taken so suddenly and for no reason, leaving a pain and emptiness that words cannot describe. We are heartbroken that someone who was loved by so many is no longer here. He deserved to live his life and make memories with the people he loved.
“He will never be forgotten. His smile, his kindness and the memories we shared with him will stay in our hearts forever. We love you, and we will miss you every single day.”
Zherko Rasul Osman suffered serious stab wounds on Chapel Street in Levenshulme at around 7.06pm on Saturday 15 August.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning. A 27-year-old man who had also been arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers continue to make progress as the investigation continues. It is believed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
Police are urging anyone who may have information to please report it through the dedicated online portal HERE.
Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
11th June 2026 
