Stockport

Stockport named one of the 12 best places in the UK to retire

It's according to a new Which? survey.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 3rd October 2023

The 12 best places in the UK to settle down and spent your retirement have been revealed as part of a new survey by Which?.

And it’s good – and somewhat, surprising? – news for one Greater Manchester borough.

Fresh off-the-back of being chosen for the prestigious honour of Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2023, and also being highlighted as one of two town’s in the region where first time buyers should consider getting their foot on the property ladder, Stockport has now been named one of the best places in the UK to retire.

It’s according to a new survey by consumer group Which?, and it falls in line with the town having been hailed by for its “spectacular transformation” in recent years.

Results from the survey published today have revealed that around a third (36%) of Brits who are ready for, or are approaching retirement, said they had already moved or have considered moving house as part of their “later-life plans”.

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Stockport named one of the 12 best places in the UK to retire / Credit: Stockport Market | Stockport Foodie Friday

More than 1,000 Which? members were surveyed to determine what is most important to them when they retire.

Healthcare access (88%) topped the list of important factors for respondents, followed by green space (75%), and proximity to local leisure activities (31%), while many also said they’d prefer to live somewhere with low crime levels.

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Experts at Which? then analysed these factors and applied them to find the top-scoring local authority for each of the nine regions in England, as well as in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each local authority was given a score out of 10 for healthcare, happiness, green space – specifically parks and playing fields – and house price affordability, which eventually identified the 12 locations as the best areas to retire, and picked out Stockport as the North West‘s worthy representative.

It’s all according to a new survey by Which? / Credit: Geograph

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Kirklees, South Tyneside, and High Peak are some of the other places highlighted as retirement hotspots in Northern England.

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Speaking on the results of the survey that’s spotlighted Stockport, Jenny Ross, who is the Money Editor at Which?, explained: “Whether you’ve always dreamed of escaping to the countryside or the seaside, the decision of where to retire can be just as important as the decision of when to retire.

“Our latest research has uncovered gems across the UK that would be great places for retirees to consider”.

Stockport has been named Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2023

She also urged anyone nearing close to retirement to start thinking seriously about their retirement plans, and advised everyone that “the sooner you can start financially preparing for retirement, the better”.

“Check your state pension forecast and track down any lost pension pots to get a clearer picture of whether you’re on track,” Jenny added.

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“That way you’ll be prepared to make the move if you decide it’s for you.”

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Stockport

You Are Not Alone Festival returns after hiatus and has left the city centre for a new home

Danny Jones Danny Jones You Are Not Alone Festival 2025 tickets

One of our favourite music events in all of Greater Manchester is back after a lengthy hiatus and has found a new place to call home: You Are Not Alone returns for 2025 and is coming to the suburbs.

You Are Not Alone (more casually known as YANA) launched back in 2019 as one of the most affordable live music festivals in years, costing only £10 for a wristband that gave you access to multiple venues and dozens of up-and-coming acts.

Holding a super successful second year post-Covid a few years later, the Manc music festival grew to eight venues in the Northern Quarter and well over 70 artists – again, all for just a tenner and with proceeds going to mental health charity, Mind, whose work is at the core of what the event is all about.

Unfortunately, with founder Benji Taylor having been busy with popular Stockport bar Bask and various other projects, the festival had to take a back seat. But fear not, because after nearly three whole years away, YANA is set to return and now right in the heart of the increasingly buzzing town centre.

Announcing the lineup on Friday, 29 November, while the latest event might by scaled back a bit, now spread across four venues whilst still boasting over 30 different artists, You Are Not Alone Festival will make its comeback next March.

Names already confirmed to be taking part include headliners Denver County Council, who recently featured on our regular Manc bands of the month round-up, as well independent post-punk favourites outfit Dirty Laces, who have grown a passionate cult following since they formed back in 2017.

Other notable names include fellow Manchester natives, Dr Dr – who we’ve also spotlighted plenty in the past – as well as indie rockers, Uno Mas, rising Stopfordians, The Wears and many more.

With AMP bar and Syndikat two of the biggest and most beloved venues set to host the live performances and more acts still yet to come, SK locals are already buzzing to welcome the music festival as early bird tickets have already sold out.

Having been there for the last event, we can only hope for the same energy this time around.

Leaving the familiar surroundings of the city behind for the first time, You Are Not Alone Festival is moving as close to home as it could possibly be for Taylor, who recently stepped away from his role at Bask to look after himself following a difficult period.

Born in Heaton Moor, Benji first set up the event to help raise money for mental health awareness after multiple friends sadly took their own lives. His background in the industry through roles in promotion at the likes of Night and Day, Sound Control and Jimmy’s made starting a festival seem like the perfect fit.

Teaming up with Mind from day one, who have bases not only in Manchester but Stockport too, not only does YANA celebrate music’s ability to bring people together but it also helps raise money for crucial services and awareness campaigns, raising over £4,000 thanks to the sophomore event in 2022.

In an effort to contribute right from the off and get people booking their spot for the comeback, the organisers even offered discount prices for World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Just lovely stuff.

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The only thing we love more than a live music festival is one that helps do their bit in the process and we can’t think of a better cause that mental health – it remains a crisis here in the UK and across the globe, but events like this can go along way to making a real change.

Taking place on Sunday, 2 March from 1pm onwards, the multi-venue all-dayer will still only set you back £13.75 for full access to see all the talent on show.

Should you end up securing a ticket, you’ll find the wrnristband exchange at Blackbird Brewhouse and Kitchen (8 Vernon Street, SK1 1TY), which is another one of provided gig space for You Are Not Alone Festival 2025.

You can grab yours HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

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Stockport

The best Sunday roasts in Greater Manchester according to the Good Food Guide 2024

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The Good Food Guide has named the best Sunday roasts in the UK and there’ve been a few nods for Greater Manchester (naturally).

After 18,000 public nominations, the guide and its team of inspectors have pulled together a list of the very best roasts around the country.

While the overall top spot went to The Abbey Inn in North Yorkshire, there were plenty of shouts for roasts in the North West.

Shrub in Chester took home Best Vegan, with judges saying ‘You miss nothing and gain everything’ with its brilliant trimmings.

And although it’s one of the London branches that was technically listed, Blacklock nabbed the title of having the best Sunday roast for group dining.

Blacklock recently opened its first restaurant here in Manchester, serving traditional chop house food with a modern twist.

The Good Food Guide said: “Unrivalled if you’re with a group of friends, this Canary Wharf chophouse (part of a small London group, with a Manchester outpost), is considered a ‘Sunday wonderland’ by its many fans.

Blacklock has been listed in the Good Food Guide's Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied
Blacklock has been listed in the Good Food Guide’s Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied

“With ‘super-accommodating staff’ and roasts that are ‘almost as good as mum’s’ (their words), it’s a star turn. Order the ‘all in’ sharing feast, which comprises a trio of ‘succulent’ dry-aged beef rump, lamb and pork loin with gigantic yorkies, duck-fat roast potatoes and limitless gravy.”

Another cosy spot in Marple Bridge in Stockport also made the Good Food Guide’s Sunday roast list, hailed for its fire-roasting.

The guide said: “‘Sophisticated yet comforting’ is the verdict on the elevated Sunday deal at this bottle shop and bistro in one of Stockport’s more comely corners.

“Fire-roasting is Fold’s USP, and the flames lick around everything from aged beef bavettes with ‘Yorkie bits’ and smoked salt to porchetta with Manchester ale, fennel and Pink Lady apple. Each plate comes with a wagyu-fat potato slice, but it’s worth ordering some extras (perhaps roast sandy carrots in lamb fat). Great for kids.”

Outside the Pack Horse in Hayfield
Outside the Pack Horse in Hayfield
Inside The Pack Horse Hayfield. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside The Pack Horse Hayfield. Credit: The Manc Group

The Pack Horse in Hayfield – which recently caught our eye with its brilliant breakfasts – has rightly been praised for its post-hike atmosphere and its ‘stylishly rustic and warmly welcoming interior’.

The guide said: “All the Sunday roast trimmings come as standard, whether you’re ordering the melting beef sirloin, the braised lamb shoulder, the venison loin or even the veggie option (carrot, tenderstem broccoli and Tunworth tart, say).

“Everything is thoughtfully prepared, full of flavour and of the highest quality, and the kitchen runs proudly with the seasons.”

Hawksmoor has been listed in the Good Food Guide's Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied
Hawksmoor has been listed in the Good Food Guide's Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied
Hawksmoor has been listed in the Good Food Guide’s Best Sunday Roasts list. Credit: Supplied

And finally, to absolutely no one’s surprise, Hawksmoor also placed comfortably on the top 50 Sunday roasts list.

‘The quality of the meat is unrivalled,’ observed one fan, and there were also rave reviews for the crispy beef-dripping roasties and ‘bottomless’ bone-marrow gravy.

Where’s your favourite roast in Greater Manchester?

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

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