Latest news with #Underbank
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Little-known UK town dubbed the 'new Berlin'
A UK town dubbed the 'new Berlin ' is undergoing a £1 billion regeneration project – with the opening of a new beer hall and music venue the latest in a string of developments that are revitalising the area. Underbank has opened in Stockport, a town of just under 300,000 and less than 10 minutes on the train from Manchester. The destination was compared to Germany 's capital – best known for its vibrant nightlife, avant-garde art and rich history – by DJ Luke Unabomber in 2023. And the owners of the new venture, Des and Nina O'Malley, are keen to tap into that vibe. 'The street parties, the car park raves, Foodie Friday – everyone's started saying Stockport's like the new Berlin. But so far, everything's felt temporary. We want to build something permanent,' Des told Manchester's Finest . Located inside a former bank (that was more recently a furniture store), there will be a range of local beers among the drinks on offer as well as a frozen margarita bar and tequila shots in a space that blends a retro industrial look with nods to music heritage. On the outside of the building is a mural paying homage to Joy Division, the Ian Curtis-fronted band that recorded their debut album Unknown Pleasures in Stockport's Strawberry Studios. There is also recording studio and event space in the basement. The commitment to high-quality music sees Underbank – which describes itself as a 'sound system' – become the first place in Stockport to install a Void system, renowned for its cutting-edge audio technology and popular in venues and at festivals across the world. Putting the facilities to good use, the opening weekend saw a series of artists blasting out music to a sell-out crowd. The owners hope to expand the property to offer a rooftop bar from next summer. The bar is in an area of Stockport known as the Underbank, which has been branded the town's answer to London's Soho due to its range of indie outlets. It also featured as a backdrop for the Netflix mystery series The Stranger , based on the book by Harlan Coben and starring Richard Armitage and Siobhan Finneran. Three years ago, The Sunday Times listed Stockport as one of the 'best up and coming areas to invest in'. And this year the same publication ranked the town among the most impressive places to live across Greater Manchester. A new £140 million transport interchange and rooftop park, Viaduct Park, opened in March 2024 as part of the £1 billion redevelopment of the town. Visitors to the town can explore historical sites, such as the Air Raid Shelters and Bramall Hall, an impressive Tudor manor, spot street art and wander the thriving market. Stockport is well-connected with nearby cities, with trains running to Manchester every five to 10 minutes on weekdays. The journey to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 10 minutes. Services to Liverpool run three times an hour during the week, and should take no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Further afield, Stockport to Newcastle will take around three hours with a quick change at Manchester Piccadilly.
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Little-known UK town dubbed the 'new Berlin' - with brand-new beer hall and music venue, plus gorgeous historical centre
A UK town dubbed the 'new Berlin ' is undergoing a £1 billion regeneration project – with the opening of a new beer hall and music venue the latest in a string of developments that are revitalising the area. Underbank has opened in Stockport, a town of just under 300,000 and less than 10 minutes on the train from Manchester. The destination was compared to Germany 's capital – best known for its vibrant nightlife, avant-garde art and rich history – by DJ Luke Unabomber in 2023. And the owners of the new venture, Des and Nina O'Malley, are keen to tap into that vibe. 'The street parties, the car park raves, Foodie Friday – everyone's started saying Stockport's like the new Berlin. But so far, everything's felt temporary. We want to build something permanent,' Des told Manchester's Finest. Located inside a former bank (that was more recently a furniture store), there will be a range of local beers among the drinks on offer as well as a frozen margarita bar and tequila shots in a space that blends a retro industrial look with nods to music heritage. On the outside of the building is a mural paying homage to Joy Division, the Ian Curtis-fronted band that recorded their debut album Unknown Pleasures in Stockport's Strawberry Studios. There is also recording studio and event space in the basement. The commitment to high-quality music sees Underbank – which describes itself as a 'sound system' – become the first place in Stockport to install a Void system, renowned for its cutting-edge audio technology and popular in venues and at festivals across the world. Putting the facilities to good use, the opening weekend saw a series of artists blasting out music to a sell-out crowd. The owners hope to expand the property to offer a rooftop bar from next summer. The bar is in an area of Stockport known as the Underbank, which has been branded the town's answer to London's Soho due to its range of indie outlets. It also featured as a backdrop for the Netflix mystery series The Stranger, based on the book by Harlan Coben and starring Richard Armitage and Siobhan Finneran. Three years ago, The Sunday Times listed Stockport as one of the 'best up and coming areas to invest in'. And this year the same publication ranked the town among the most impressive places to live across Greater Manchester. A new £140 million transport interchange and rooftop park, Viaduct Park, opened in March 2024 as part of the £1 billion redevelopment of the town. Visitors to the town can explore historical sites, such as the Air Raid Shelters and Bramall Hall, an impressive Tudor manor, spot street art and wander the thriving market. Stockport is well-connected with nearby cities, with trains running to Manchester every five to 10 minutes on weekdays. The journey to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 10 minutes. Services to Liverpool run three times an hour during the week, and should take no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Further afield, Stockport to Newcastle will take around three hours with a quick change at Manchester Piccadilly.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Mega entertainment venue to open in northern town dubbed ‘the new Berlin' – with frozen margarita bar and beer hall
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW day-to-night entertainment venue is coming to Stockport this month, in a former bank with a frozen margarita bar and a beer hall. Called 'Underbank,' the venue is due to launch a soft opening across the bank holiday weekend from May 24 to May 25, before full opening on May 30. 2 Underbank is a historic part of Stockport and the new venue will be known by the same name Credit: Instagram @theunderbank The venue will be Stockport's first dedicated beer hall, with a sound system and will be spread over four floors. Owner Des O'Malley said: "The street parties, the car park raves, Foodie Friday — everyone's started saying Stockport's like the new Berlin", reports Manchester's Finest. On the ground floor, there will be pints served from many of Manchester's top breweries including Pomona Island and Runaway. There will also be a Guinness tap and a frozen margarita bar, with flavours such as mango and coconut. Watermelon tequila hot shots will be available too. Eventually, the whole building will open as a multi-facility venue with a recording studio and event space in the basement and a rooftop terrace, planned to open next summer. It also happens to be the only venue in town with dual access from both the Overbank and Underbank, a quirk of the area's unusual topography. At roof level, the entrance will link guests directly to the growing Old Town market plaza. And the main bar downstairs will connect to the Underbank strip, home to a number of other entertainment venues. Underbank will also be the first place in Stockport to install a Void system — the high-end audio rig used at major festivals. Major US city's new Guinness Brewery offers bonus with pints for St. Patrick's Day and Instagram users will love it Over the opening weekend, a number of local DJs and artists will be performing at the venue. The venue will run a rotating kitchen residency too. Whilst the attraction is set to open in phases, parts will be open from May 24, with guests who follow their Instagram page about to get 50 per cent off their bill. The historic building used to be home to 'Walmsley', an 18th century furniture store but later fell into disrepair. A regional Bank HQ for Cheshire then filled the site. All of the launch parties are free to the public, however getting on the guestlist is recommended to guarantee entry. Britain's 30 best pub beer gardens revealed – is one located near you? Plus, inside the old tube station being converted into a Wetherspoons with original ticket hall.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Mega entertainment venue to open in northern town dubbed ‘the new Berlin' – with frozen margarita bar and beer hall
A NEW day-to-night entertainment venue is coming to Stockport this month, in a former bank with a frozen margarita bar and a beer hall. Called 'Underbank,' the venue is due to launch a soft opening across the Advertisement 2 Underbank is a historic part of Stockport and the new venue will be known by the same name Credit: Instagram @theunderbank The venue will be Stockport's first dedicated beer hall, with a sound system and will be spread over four floors. Owner Des O'Malley said: "The street parties, the car park raves, Foodie Friday — everyone's started saying Stockport's like the new Berlin", reports On the ground floor, there will be pints served from many of Manchester's top breweries including Pomona Island and Runaway. There will also be a Guinness tap and a frozen margarita bar, with flavours such as mango and coconut. Advertisement Read more on breweries Watermelon tequila hot shots will be available too. Eventually, the whole building will open as a multi-facility venue with a recording studio and event space in the basement and a rooftop terrace, planned to open next summer . It also happens to be the only venue in town with dual access from both the Overbank and Underbank, a quirk of the area's unusual topography. At roof level, the entrance will link guests directly to the growing Old Town Advertisement Most read in News Travel And the main bar downstairs will connect to the Underbank strip, home to a number of other Underbank will also be the first place in Stockport to install a Void system — the high-end audio rig used at major festivals. Major US city's new Guinness Brewery offers bonus with pints for St. Patrick's Day and Instagram users will love it Over the opening weekend, a number of local DJs and artists will be performing at the venue. The venue will run a rotating kitchen residency too. Advertisement Whilst the attraction is set to open in phases, parts will be open from May 24, with guests who follow their Instagram page about to get 50 per cent off their bill. The historic building used to be home to 'Walmsley', an 18th century furniture store but later fell into disrepair. A regional Bank HQ for Cheshire then filled the site. All of the launch parties are free to the public, however getting on the guestlist is recommended to guarantee entry. Advertisement Britain's 30 best pub beer gardens revealed – is one located near you? Plus, 2 It will open in phases, eventually boasting a recording studio and outdoor terraces Credit: Instagram @theunderbank
