Developers of Stockport‘s newest neighbourhood, Weir Mill, have announced that a brand new concept is joining the line-up of independents in the area. Known as Rita Ray’s, it will be the North’s first women’s sports bar.
Built for the love of sport and open to everyone, the bar at Weir Mill will champion the rise of women’s sport while keeping the proper sports-bar buzz. Think big games on screen, great drinks and a lively social atmosphere. By day it’ll be family-friendly, before shifting into a social hub by night with music, drinks, and plenty of post-matchday energy.
“There’s nothing like this in the North at the moment.”
The bar takes its name from founder Becky Brown’s grandparents, Rita and Ray, known for their love of life, games, golf and good company. 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.”
The space at Rita Ray’s will also host run clubs, classes, quiz nights, book clubs, pop-ups, and community meetups, as well as create a welcoming place for locals to gather beyond match days.
Rita Ray’s: “a brilliant addition to Weir Mill”
Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:
“Rita Ray’s is exactly the kind of bold, indie concept we love bringing into our neighbourhoods. It’s a brilliant addition to Weir Mill and a great example of the independent operators helping shape this new part of Stockport.”
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for regeneration, skills and economy, said: “Seeing the North’s first independent bar dedicated to women’s sport choose Weir Mill is a fantastic vote of confidence in Stockport. This kind of bold, community‑minded business will add to the growing sense of place we’re creating here – an inclusive space where everyone can come together to enjoy sport, meet friends, and feel part of something special.
“This is exactly what regeneration should deliver: new jobs, strong independents and more reasons for people to spend time in our town centre, while keeping the character that makes Stockport what it is. Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading and the momentum we’re building, ensuring Stockport remains a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Rita Ray’s is set to open at Weir Mill, Stockport, this summer, just in time to roar on the Three Lions.