BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues is set to return for its third and final series.
Daddy Issues follows Gemma, played by Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood – most-known for her role on Netflix’s Sex Education – who lives for the weekend when she can ‘get blasted and party hard’ in Stockport, but after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal, she finds out she’s pregnant.
The pregnancy couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gemma, as the only person she has left in her life is her dad Malcolm – played by David Morrissey – who is ‘kind hearted but useless’.
Gemma and her dad end up living together in Gemma’s flat, as she needs support at a critical time in a woman’s life… and he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding.
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are set to return for the third series of Daddy Issues / Credit: BBC
The second series followed Gemma coming to terms with motherhood and caring for baby daughter Sadie, and the third – and sadly, final – series sees Gemma 18-months on from where we left her in series two, and life has settled into a familiar rhythm.
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Sadie is now in nursery, Gemma’s been promoted at the salon, and Malcolm has just ordered a fancy new washing machine to optimise the laundry. Things might finally be on an even keel… but it doesn’t take long for chaotic ‘old Gemma’ to rear her head.
Star Aimee Lou Wood says she’s ‘so happy to be back’ for series three.
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🎬 Daddy Issues is returning for a third and final series!
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are back as Gemma and Malcolm
“Gemma and Malcolm are one of the funniest and sweetest comedy double acts on TV, and I’ve loved being a part of it,” Aimee said.
David Morrissey added: “I love doing Daddy Issues so much, such a great cast and crew! So I’m delighted to be coming back to have more adventures with Gemma, Malcolm, and the gang.”
Ahead of the show’s return, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of BBC Comedy, commented: “As Daddy Issues becomes a threenager, it’s been great seeing audiences take Gemma and Malcolm to their hearts. Danielle has created a brilliantly sharp, fearless comedy, and we can’t wait to see the Moscrips take the next, slightly wobbly steps in life with a toddler.”
Daddy Issues returns for its third and final series on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with air dates set to be confirmed later down the line.
Featured Image – BBC
Stockport
Robinson’s Brewery among latest to join the crucial ‘VAT’s the Problem campaign’
Danny Jones
In case you missed the news, local Greater Manchester business Robinson’s Brewery are among several big names to join the growing ‘VAT’s the Problem’ hospitality campaign.
The Stockport beer makers are just one of the latest recognisable brands to rally behind the initiative set up by well-known British chef Tom Kerridge.
As well as appearing on the likes of Great British Menu, MasterChef, and Saturday Kitchen, the restaurateur also sadly had to close his Manc restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel back in 2022 amid the ever-lingering cost of living crisis, as well as rising energy bills and business rates.
Spearheading this mass petition since the start of June, Kerridge is now being backed up by the likes of Robinson’s and many more who believe the change could prove vital for countless operators within the industry to survive.
Sharing a lengthy statement in the caption of a post on their social media profile, ‘Robbie’s’ wrote: “Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, creates lifelong careers, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together.
“But the sector is under enormous pressure. Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Huge employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that – a 20% VAT rate that is among the highest in Europe.
“Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and Germany know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That’s why they already support hospitality with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.”
Proposing – along with their fellow campaigners across the country – for the VAT to be cut in half, they believe that 10% would not only help keep struggling bars, restaurants and more alive, but help further invest in job creation, aid customers when it comes to overall costs, and therefore “strengthen high streets and local communities.”
It isn’t just a case of reducing obstacles for those working within the sector, but an effort to help bring prices down across the board across Great Britain. Those who passionately serve the population are falling short, while those who want to patronise their favourite places can’t make ends meet.
“Because when hospitality businesses close, communities lose far more than places to eat and drink; they lose connection, opportunity and local identity. Help us, help our industry.”
Besides soon-to-be Prime Minister and outgoing Mayor Andy Burnham having been vocal in championing the campaign, others getting behind the movement range from native names like the Third Floor Rising cafe in Afflecks to fellow famous chefs like Scotland’s Tom Kitchin.
Issuing a statement to The Manc, the brewery’s MD for their pubs, William Robinson, went on to add: William Robinson, Managing Director of Pubs, went on to say: “The compounding impact of taxes on pubs and hospitality is really beginning to bite the sector; the changes to National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases affect hospitality businesses especially hard.
“To be able to invest in our teams and future growth, hospitality needs to be given the same support it receives in other European countries. This will also allow us to employ and invest in younger team members and through that help them to develop skills which they can use throughout their careers.”
You can support the VAT’s the Problem campaign by signing the petition right HERE.
A guide to SK in the sunshine – 15 of the best beer gardens and bars with outdoor seating in Stockport
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Whether you’re a Stockport resident, local to spend some time back home, or even just want to escape the bustle of Manchester when the sun is shining, the town located just seven minutes away by train is perfect for a day out in the pubs – and it’s got some great beer gardens to boot.
So, if you’re hoping to soak up some rays with a pint but are new to the area, or you simply can’t keep up with all of those new spots popping up in the Underbank recently – look no further.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a simple boozer or one of those more stylish suburban bars that continue to pop up in the borough (it’s the ‘New Berlin’, we’ve heard), we’ve got you covered.
Here’s hoping the sun sticks around so we can try and test more sun traps for you; it’s very important and gruelling research, promise, but somebody’s got to do it!
The best beer gardens and top outdoor drinking spots in Stockport
1. The Good Rebel – Underbank
Since popping up in Little Underbank in 2019, The Good Rebel, just down on Mealhouse Brow, has become a solid option for some class beers in the warm weather.
With their courtyard tucked away at the side of the building (shhh), this one is easily missed if you’re not in the know, but lucky for you, we can’t gatekeep our favourites forever
Fear not: they also have plenty of parasols/umbrellas to hide from the sun if you burn easily.
— @thegoodrebelstockport (@thegoodrebelsk1) March 24, 2024
2. The Underbank – guess?…
This new beer hall and margarita bar is hard to miss, with the tables at the front of the building positioned in the prime spot at the end/start of Underbank, depending on who you ask, capturing all of the sunshine.
While they specialise in Margaritas, they have a wide selection of drinks including some classic beers, not to mention they serve slices of Gatto sourdough pizzaat £4 a slice, which is arguably some of the best pizza in Greater Manchester.
@the.manc Ran (and cooked) by the lovely Dan, @Gatto is all about proper fermentation and quality toppings, we’re talking vodka cream and sausage, crispy pepperoni, and a simple but stunning marg, finished with a fresh dusting of grade A parm. 🧀 If you’re into sourdough pizzas with a bit of personality, this one’s well worth checking out. 📍 27 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LN #themanc#stockportpizza#stockportfoodie#wheretoeatinstockport#underbank♬ original sound – The Manc
3. The Runaway Brewery and Tap Room – Astley Street
This independent micro-brewery in the heart of Stockport prides itself on quality modern beer and local charm; plus, being only a few minutes away from the bus and train stations, it’s easily accessible from all over the region, so nobody has to miss out.
It is a fantastic indoor and outdoor space, with Honest Crust supplying some seriously good seasonal sourdough pizza – what’s not to like? We’ve been going here since way back when and we don’t intend on stopping any time soon.
4. The Angel Inn – Stockport Marketplace
This historic listed pub, one of Stockport’s oldest buildings built in the 16th century, has forever been a cornerstone of the community and continues to maintain this title among the locals.
Following its reopening in 2018, The Angel Inn has been restored as a modern town pub focused on cask beer, with a quaint little patio out back which often hosts live music and is very popular in summer.
With such a longstanding reputation as a top boozer and even a Grade II-listing now, you’d be crazy not to come and check it out for yourself.
Just a short walk away from Stockport’s Underbank, you can find this secret sun trap. Hidden away at the back of the pub is a stylish courtyard, perfect for summer.
The Red Bull also hosts monthly live music events of varying genres, darts, and if you’re feeling lucky, there’s a quiz every Wednesday from 7:30pm. Why not come on down early and soak up some rays in the courtyard for extra luck; after all, everyone feels more confident with a fresh tan.
Being so close to native ale experts Robinson’s Brewery, they’ve got a steady supply of local favourites coming regularly from nearby.
At the centre of Stockport’s ‘Old Town’ and Market district is Bakers Vaults – a great pub with plenty of character and a decent-sized outdoor seating area perfect for people watching, looking out onto the historic marketplace where there’s always plenty going on.
With an award-winning drinks range, including more Robbie’s brews, amazing food all day and live music in the evenings, this isn’t one to miss.
Not to mention there are plenty of other pubs and bars nearby, which makes for a class pub crawl.
Right next door, you can find the Produce Hall, with an unreal spot on Market Place to soak up the sun and some sensational food options to go with your drinks.
This building has always hosted a variety of stalls supplying delicious foods and drinks for the last 160+ years. Today is no different, with a whole host of different kitchens wrapping around the interior of the building, whether you want soul food, pizza or asian fried chicken – there’s something for everyone.
With so much to choose from, the real dilemma is picking what to eat with your pints; here’s just one suggestion for you:
Another one with a cracking history, this multi-award-winning, self-proclaimed ‘ale shrine’ simply has to make it onto your list for this summer.
The building itself has held importance since the early 19th century, and the pub continues to be a local favourite boasting live entertainment and a sought-after quiz, with many also commenting on its tasteful decor and delicious home-cooked meals. We can see why it’s so popular.
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As one of CAMRA’s regularly listed pubs and having been awarded both regional and national pub of the year, serving some top-quality cask beers, it’s a no-brainer.
Only a stone’s throw from Stockport train and bus stations is the historic Magnet Freehouse – a family-run pub that boasts a selection of 14 continually changing ales from micro-breweries, as well as a permanent selection of quality beers and cider.
They also have locally sourced pork pies on offer, along with other classic pub snacks and stonebaked pizzas from their onsite pizzeria available from Thursday to Saturday.
Magnet Freehouse also boasts a fully equipped games room with a pool table, darts boards, jukebox, board games and colouring books for both adults and children, as well as an extensive beer garden and two terraces serving as perfect elevated sun traps in the summer.
A traditional pub with home-cooked food, a pool table and a large grassy beer garden to the rear that often hosts events in the summer. What more can you ask for?
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Strawberry Gardens is known for its hearty Sunday lunch, entertainment and live sports, which all attract a range of ages from the local community.
We’re not going to argue whether it’s classed as ‘Offy’ or Little Moor these days; all we’ll say is that we’ve made plenty of good memories in here.
Another stylish Stockport pub with a fabulous beer garden, serving Manchester-made beers, cocktails and seasonal pub food, is located in Heaton Moor.
‘The Liz’ offers a blend of small plates and pub classics, including a raved-about Sunday roast with bottomless gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
They also have some fantastic deals such as: a free drink to be had when you buy a pie every Monday, or on Wednesday buy two large glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free.
The Puss in Boots is an unreal family-friendly spot for a carvery, with locally sourced and high-quality produce near Heavily and Great Moor, equipped with a magnificent selection of drinks and a beer garden fit for the summer weather.
They also have some exciting events, including live music on the last Saturday of each month and a free pub quiz every Thursday at 8pm.
Just imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing with one (or more – who’s counting?) of the five different spritzes on offer or a jug of Pimm’s in the sunshine, while the kids explore the play area attached to the beer garden. Need we say more?
From bull to big cat, another tastefully decorated Robinson’s pub waiting for you to try is The Red Lion in High Lane, just a short drive from Stockport town centre.
This pub is dog-friendly with a great outdoor seating area and only a short distance from Lyme Park, making it the perfect stop for a post-walk crisp pint this summer.
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They also have a cracking menu with an amazing Sunday roast and wine deal, which seals the deal, putting it up there as one of our favourite pubs for a Sunday afternoon pub trip.
One of our all-time favourites is the Jolly Sailor, a short walk from Davenport train station, and right near Woodsmoor and Bramhall a bit further down the road.
The Jolly is especially popular with the locals due to its extensive drinks menu, live music and large beer garden to the rear, perfect for soaking up some sunshine by day and heaters for staying cosy during summer evenings.
While known for their carvery, they also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free/NGI menus, making the kind of traditional family-friendly pub accessible to all.
They’ve got a bit of everything. (Credit: Jolly Sailor via Facebook)
15. The Midway – Portwood
One of the most highly regarded pubs in Stockport, having won multiple awards including ‘Pub of the Year’ and ‘Stockport’s Best Sunday Lunch’, is The Midway with a fantastic beer garden.
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The Midway isn’t that far from Vernon Park, Red Rock or The Plaza Theatre and cinema, making it the perfect place to factor in a lovely meal and some drinks before and/or after some entertainment or a stroll in some local greenery.
We hope reading this list got you as excited for summer as it did for us; the question is, did we miss anywhere that you consider among the best beer gardens in Stockport?
Let us know down in the comments.
Regardless, we’ve done the bulk of the hard work for you – now go forth, eat, drink, be merry and enjoy!
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2026 
