Beer hall and margarita bar launch in old town

FOR Des and Nina O'Malley the opening of Underbank, their latest hospitality venture in the heart of Stockport town centre, has been a long time coming.

- BY JENNA CAMPBELL

Plans have been under way to transform a corner of Stockport's iconic old town into a multi-venue destination since 2019, but the pandemic and planning setbacks caused some delays.

The pair are known as the people behind Nook, a popular neighbourhood cafe bar in the heart of Heaton Moor, and now they have realised their vision to transform the Stockport venue into the town's 'first' beer hall and margarita bar.

In recent years, the area around Stockport Underbanks has become known for its plethora of independent shops, restaurants and bars. And in the last couple, it became a destination for street parties too.

Entering the scene at just the right time, 'Underbank' as it will be known, will open in phases across multiple floors in the striking red sandstone building, and boast two entrances connecting the market square with the vibrant Underbank strip.

Joining the likes of Stanley's, Bruk, Cantaloupe and Yellowhammer on the Underbanks, the next phase will hopefully include a rooftop bar terrace as well as a recording studio and event space in the basement.

For now, and just in time for the bank holiday weekend, Des and Nina are opening up the ground floor beer hall and margarita bar, and they're more than happy to show us around the space.