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BILLED AS A 'NEW ERA', THE NEW IRISH-AMERICAN CONCEPT HAS DIVIDED SOME CUSTOMERS 16:34, 03 Jun 2025 A Stockport bar has issued an exciting update about its future after teasing

major news last week. The team at Bask in Stockport town centre have now revealed that it will transform into an 'Irish American' sports bar and grill in the coming weeks. Last

week, a post on social media was shared by Bask stating that the bar was making way for a new look and 'new era'. It promised a 'huge change of brand', but said

'this isn't goodbye'. The bar and music venue, which is situated just opposite Stockport railway station, was first opened by music promoter Benji Taylor in June 2022 and

billed as a 'speakeasy-style' bar with a regualar lineup of DJs, live music and comedy nights. Benji announced last summer that he would be stepping away from the business and

handing over the reins to the rest of the team. Article continues below It was around the same time that the business opened a sister site in Wigan at the former Indiependence site - though

this has since morphed into an Irish bar too. Now, in an update, they have shared more details about what punters can expect from the entirely new concept. A post on their Facebook page

read: "Stockport, Meet Fitzpatricks: A Bold New Chapter Begins. "After three unforgettable years as Bask, we’re thrilled to unveil the next evolution of our venue. Welcome to

Fitzpatrick’s - Stockport’s newest Irish-American Sports Bar & Grill experience, opening soon. "Irish-American Themed: From the friendly streets of Boston to the lively New York

City, Fitzpatrick’s brings that gritty charm and warm hospitality across the pond, fusing Irish roots with American spirit. "Live Artists Every Weekend: Get ready for stacked lineups of

live music every Thursday to Sunday - with the best of Irish, American and Country music." The team also explained that food will be served seven days a week and they will be venturing

into traditional Sunday roasts too. They also expanded on the wider experience visitors can expect: "Your New Sports Bar Home: A brand new 360 multi screen experience - whether it’s

Premier League, NFL, or your Stockport County fixtures as we embark on an official partnership for the SCFC - 2025/26 crusade. "A New Era of Hospitality: Our very own John Fitzpatrick

(Jon Fitz) bringing with him extensive knowledge in the music industry, a fresh look and dynamic energy. "Fitzpatrick’s is more than a bar - it’s a place where good food, live music,

unforgettable nights, and that unmistakable NYC-Irish buzz come together under one roof." While no official relaunch date or specifics on events have been disclosed, Bask invited those

reading to follow them for the latest news. The change in theme represents a wider shift in hospitality across Greater Manchester, with the number of Irish-led concepts increasing

considerably over the last few months as demand for the style of bar surges. Followers of Bask were also quick to comment on the change, with some putting in their own demands of the owners.

One person on Facebook wrote: "Make sure the Guinness is good and £4 a pint, don't have stupid acoustic guitar allowing Irish tunes so you can't hear your friends and

you'll be fine." On the drinks side, another requested: "Murphy's on draft and I'm there." Another added: "Please continue with draught Guinness &

non-alcoholic ciders. Great to hear Stockport County connection. Exciting times." Another wrote: "Wasn't the sort of music continuation I was hoping for," to which John

Fitzpatrick quickly quipped back that there would be a "great mix". Some were a little confused about the fusion itself, asking: "I get the American sports bar bit...but why

Irish?" Elsewhere, others showed their support writing: "Think this is a great shout - needed a new lease of life - all the best with the launch." Another added: "Really

looking forward to this, it's definitely a vibe Stockport needs! Nice one John Fitzpatrick." The move won't come as a surprise to those that follow the bar though. Three

months after operating Bask in Wigan, the team changed the concept into an Irish bar. Article continues below A few months after opening its sister site it reopened as Fitzpatricks, in

pretty much the same guise as what is being promised for Stockport. And it was announced at the beginning of October that music producer Jon Fitz would join the business as a co-owner and

was bringing with him 'extensive experience and knowledge to drive new events, bookings and excitement to Wigan and Stockport'.