A new venue dedicated to putting female athletes centre stage has opened in the newly-transformed Weir Mill. Rita Ray’s bills itself as the North’s first women-led sports bar, designed to address a growing demand in the hospitality sector. While women’s sports have surged in popularity over recent years, dedicated spaces to watch these fixtures have lagged behind.
The interior of the bar clearly reflects its mission, with a prominent banner reading “Watch Women’s Sports Here” displayed above the shelving. The walls are decorated with framed memorabilia celebrating female athletes, including a green England goalkeeper jersey and various signed team shirts. Screens throughout the room broadcast live matches, ensuring the action remains the focal point for visitors.
Alongside traditional pints on draft, the drink menu features house wines that support a women’s charity. The cocktail list includes signature “Rita” and “Ray” drinks, such as a salt-rimmed margarita. The bar’s name is a direct tribute to owner Becky‘s sport-loving grandparents, who inspired her to create the venue.
An inclusive environment
Although women’s fixtures get top billing on the venue’s screens, the bar also broadcasts men’s sports. The overarching goal is to create an environment that welcomes a diverse crowd rather than an exclusive one.
Owner Becky emphasises that Rita Ray’s is designed to be a safe, open space for men, women, and the LGBT community, welcoming both dedicated fans wanting to focus on the matches and locals just looking for a casual drink.
Commenting on the new opening, Becky Brown said: “Women’s sport has grown massively, but the spaces to watch it haven’t caught up.
“There’s nothing like this in the North at the moment, and Stockport and the Weir Mill neighbourhood felt like the perfect spot – creative, independent, and full of character. Rita Ray’s is about sport, community, and inclusion.”
📍Rita Ray’s, Unit 2, Wear Mill, Calico House, Stockport, SK3 0GQ
