Beloved Stockport bar has returned- with a fresh new vibe

The reboot of Stopford’s iconic nighttime venue, Bask, located on Stockport Exchange Square, is back in time for summer.  

This venue was once one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic late-night spots. Now it’s back with a more “mature” twist; think a great food menu alongside the same party atmosphere, complete with live bands and music. The space has been reinvented as an Irish-American bar and grill, stepping into Manchester’s thriving Irish bar scene. 

The previous Bask had shut its doors in February 2025, but it’s been working behind the scenes on a comeback ever since. Now, music promoter turned entrepreneur Benji Taylor is leading the charge, with plans to bring it back to its “golden era.” 

The “golden era” started on a high with its electric opening night that featured K-Estate, an exciting new indie disco band, and back-to-back DJ sets from Jon Fitz and Mark XTC. This buzzing atmosphere is set to continue as the bar has already announced a jam-packed roster of events for its first few months, including: Indie-oke, Acoustica, Bask in Laughter, and Pick Ya Brains, the Bask quiz night. 

Bask said: “We have many goals, but our main aim is to put credible exciting live music back on the Stockport map.”  

As well as providing an endless list of entertainment, Bask will be serving up both a breakfast and a lunchtime menu full of classic pub favourites. From big hearty breakfasts to dirty loaded fries, gooey pizzas and flavour-packed pies, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite whilst cheering on Stockport Town with your pals.  

By day, expect the same relaxed atmosphere, centred around sport and comforting food. By night, things turn up a notch with cocktails and a livelier vibe. 

Benji said: “It feels like coming home. There will be tons of the old really good Bask events and a bunch of new exciting stuff. We’ve been working on already, a six-month calendar, so I’m excited for people to see what we’ve got.  

“It’ll be a great mix across the week, so expect something from Monday to Sunday.”