We’re quite used to Stockport gaining things these days, what with the recent retail announcements, development plans and the Metrolink even planning to extend there, and things don’t seem to be slowing down. A brand new concept is coming to Stockport’s famous Underbank, and you’ll never guess what it’s called… Underbank!
Underbank is dedicated to all things music, with a killer sound system, an incredible roster of DJs, and even a recording studio and music venue soon to be added. It’s not just for the music-lovers, though, because Underbank will be catering to the beer-drinkers and margarita crowd, too, with an extensive beer hall and gorgeous margarita bar – plus a glorious rooftop terrace planned for next summer – and you can bet we’ll be making the journey for that.
Underbank will be located within a former bank, unsurprisingly, due to all the ‘bank’-ness going on here, occupying a towering three-storey corner plot, from which you can see all over town. The design is truly unique, with nods to music (starting at the huge guitar/Joy Division mural on the outside) and a general theme of retro industrial going on, so it’s set to be somewhere completely new, with some familiarity.
Underbank will also be the only venue in town with access from both the Overbank and Underbank – something that once again sets it apart. The roof-level entrance links directly to the thriving Old Town market plaza, with the main bar downstairs connecting to the bustling Underbank strip that’s home to well-known establishments like Stanley, Bruk, Yellowhammer, Cantaloupe, SK1 Records, Bohemian Arts Club and so many more.
Instagram post via @theunderbank
The story goes, as told by the Underbank team: “Our new home sprawls over 4 floors and uniquely, you can enter it (eventually) via both ‘under and over banks’.
“It became ‘Walmsley’ an 18th century furniture store, before falling into disrepair and then destruction, then a regional Bank HQ for Cheshire. We picked up the keys in 2019 and have done a series of pop up SK1 parties and events ever since.. We’re now finally ready to launch Underbank properly this summer.”
Family run by local husband and wife team Des and Nina O’Malley (Nook in Heaton Moor) they’re hoping it becomes the missing link in the emerging food and drink scene. They said: “Stockport is changing, you can feel it, the quality of food and drink is getting better and better and we want to be a part of it.”
The Beer Hall will serve a curated selection of local brews from Runaway to Pomona and a proper pint of Guinness, alongside frozen margaritas from mango to coconut, just in time for summer on the front terrace with watermelon tequila hot shots.
The sound system refers to the commitment to supporting DJs and party collectives. The first Void sound system in Stockport, delivered by Hollowsphere who have done festival sound systems the world over.
Each season special guest kitchens will take over. For the launch expect Indian small plates, Pachos, and kebabs from Steve Patel’s. “We’re working around the clock to get open. We will open in phases, and will be opening up more floors as we grow. In the basement we have a recording studio and events space. We have plans for Stockport’s first roof terrace next year. If all goes to plan.”
To celebrate its opening, Underbank Stockport will be holding not one but two entire weekends of launch parties: one a soft opening, and the other a proper grand spectacle.
Underbank Stockport Soft Opening – Friends + Family Weekender (Sat 24th & Sun 25th May)
Join the Underbank team whilst they test the systems and train the wonderful new staff. Friends, family and followers get 50% off drinks before 8pm throughout the Soft Launch Bank Holiday. Just show you follow @theunderbank on Instagram, and remember they’re training and testing things for the very first time – so come armed with patience.
Underbank Grand Opening Launch Parties (Fri 30th + Sat 31st May)
The much-anticipated, all-in, swinging-from-the-rafters launch parties! Join Underbank at the bar or get on the free guest list for guaranteed entry. The team invites everyone to “Come n dance all proper and that in the Beer Hall + Sound System.” They’ll be open midday til late, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to day drink, or night drink, or not drink at all!
Instagram post via @theunderbank
Warming up the sound system with an interstellar line-up of super-selector-sets will be:
- Mix-Stress
- Rich Reason
- Sticky Heat
- Yami
- Jim Bane
- Metrodome
- James Holroyd
All launch parties are completely free, but do make sure to get a guestlist spot to guarantee entry.
We can’t wait to see what’s next for Underbank, and we’re sure it’ll be amazing for Stockport.
📍 Underbank will be located at 27 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LN.