Best Restaurants & Bars in Stockport 2026
Traditional pub town meets foodie revival - historic pubs, craft beer, and a thriving restaurant scene
Updated weekly
About Stockport
Stockport is one of Greater Manchester's most historic towns, with roots stretching back to medieval times. The town's dramatic topography - built on steep hills either side of the River Mersey - created the distinctive Underbanks area of narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings.
The town was once a centre of the hatting industry, and the grand Victorian market hall still dominates the town centre. While Stockport suffered during the post-industrial decline, a determined regeneration effort has transformed its fortunes.
Today, Stockport is experiencing a remarkable foodie renaissance. New restaurants and bars fill the historic Underbanks, while traditional pubs continue to pour perfect pints as they have for generations. It's become a genuine alternative to Manchester city centre.
Town Centre Revival
The transformation of Stockport's town centre has been remarkable. Empty buildings now house independent restaurants and bars, while monthly events like Foodie Friday attract thousands. Unlike many regeneration projects, Stockport has retained its character.
Local Pride
Stockport has produced musicians including Blossoms and The Courteeners, whose songs celebrate the town. The area's pubs and music venues have a loyal following, and the town's revival has brought national attention.
How to Get There
From Manchester Piccadilly:
- Train:10 minutes to Stockport station
- Bus:192 from Piccadilly Gardens (25 mins)
- Driving:15 mins via A6, parking at Merseyway
Metrolink Ticket Info
Off-peak return train. Buses accept contactless.
Local tip: The Underbanks area is a 5-minute walk downhill from the station. Wear comfortable shoes - it's steep!
Stockport Venue Map
TLDR: Stockport Quick Picks
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The Stockport Hot List
Week of 22 February 2026
This Week
Alright Stockport, gather 'round your wirelesses, because it's time for the Stockport Hot List, brought to you by donde-onde-where.com! And holding firm at the top for the *seventh* week running, it's The Light Stockport! The movie theatre AND bar combo continues its reign. But hold on tight, because this week sees some serious movement!
Saucy Neighbourhood Pizza @ The Baker’s Vaults is holding firm at number 2! Rockafellas are holding tight at number 3. OnDahRocks is holding strong at number 4 this week. ONE BITE is sizzling up the chart, reaching a brand new peak position at number 5! Chilli Massalla is solid at number 6. Royal Nawaab Pyramid is steady at number 7. Little Scarfs is at number 8! Fell Stockport is climbing, achieving a brand new peak position at number 9! The Magnet Freehouse sits at number 10. Loft Social is firm at number 11. The Mekong Cat is steady at number 12. And Saints Club is also climbing, achieving a brand new peak position at number 13!
But the big story this week is the massive climb for The Light Stockport - up a whopping TEN places to snatch the crown! What's driving this surge? Could it be the latest blockbuster, or maybe just the perfect pre-movie pint? Tune in next week to find out, right here on donde-onde-where.com!
Rankings updated weekly based on composite scoring methodology · Only positive movements shown — every venue here is winning
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Stockport Dining FAQs
Stockport has one of the highest concentrations of traditional pubs in the UK, many housed in historic buildings. The town is experiencing a foodie revival with new restaurants opening in the revitalised Underbanks area.
Foodie Friday is a monthly street food event in Stockport's historic marketplace, featuring local vendors and live music. It's become a highlight of the town's food scene and attracts visitors from across Greater Manchester.
The Underbanks area has some of Stockport's best traditional pubs, many in buildings dating back centuries. The town is also home to award-winning micropubs and craft beer taprooms.
Absolutely. Stockport's food scene has transformed in recent years while retaining its traditional pub heritage. It offers better value than Manchester city centre with equally impressive quality.
Still have questions? The best answers come from locals at the venue.
Rankings recalculated weekly from live Google review data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity, recency, rating trend, and baseline rating.