The Jane Eyre, a well-known Greater Manchester bar, is set to open its latest site in Stockport. The bar, which already has locations in Chorlton and Ancoats, is the latest independent outfit to join the £60 million Weir Mill development in the town centre.
Historic Mill Transformed
The former cotton mill on the banks of the River Mersey dates back to 1790. It is undergoing a major overhaul to become a new town centre neighbourhood beneath the iconic Stockport Viaduct. Old mill buildings have been restored and turned into homes, with two new-build blocks, including a 14-storey tower, also erected. Once the development is complete this spring, 253 apartments will be available: 87 in the mill buildings and 166 in the new blocks.
A Vibrant New Destination
The development will boast independent bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. Two public squares and green spaces will make it a 'vibrant new destination for Stockport and visitors alike', according to bosses.
The Jane Eyre: Neighbourhood Bar and Restaurant
The Jane Eyre, a neighbourhood bar and restaurant, will take a prime spot at the heart of the mill. It will serve simple cocktails, local beers, a menu of beautiful wine, and small plates for sharing, alongside their go-to Sunday roast. Design-wise, the team promises a mid-century inspired interior layered with detail, soft lighting, stacks of candles, and great glassware.
Charlie Bradley from The Jane Eyre said: "We’re really proud to be opening at Weir Mill. Stockport is home for us, and we’ve always believed in it - so to be part of a project like this feels very special. Everything we do is about creating something guests want to return to - from warm, welcoming hospitality to thoughtful food and drink, done simply, in a space that feels right from the minute you walk in. Weir Mill is exactly the kind of neighbourhood we want to be part of, and we’re beyond excited to bring The Jane Eyre home."
John Moffat, Managing Director at Capital&Centric, added: "We’ve always wanted Weir Mill to feel like more than just somewhere to live. Bringing in operators like The Jane Eyre helps create the kind of neighbourhood people want to visit, whether that’s for a Sunday roast, midweek drinks or catching up with mates. They’ve got a brilliant eye for atmosphere, and we know they’ll bring something really special to the community."
Other Vendors at Weir Mill
Other food and drink vendors confirmed for the new development include Rita Ray's, described as 'the north's first women's-led sports bar'. It will 'champion the rise of women's sport while keeping the proper sports-bar buzz' with 'big games on screen, great drinks and a lively social atmosphere'.
In March, an award-winning Italian restaurant was announced as the first food-and-drink tenant at the site. Those behind Social Trattoria in Poynton will open their second site at Weir Mill, called Social Osteria.
Wellness and Books
The site will also feature a new pilates studio called Kontrol, which will mix 'classical Pilates principles with a more contemporary approach'. The brainchild of Stockport native Vanessa Lees, it will offer beginner, intermediate, and one-to-one sessions led by expert instructors with a deep understanding of anatomy and movement. It will have nine luxury beds for reformer Pilates and a dedicated area for mat Pilates and barre.
The owners of a popular bookshop in Stockport have also confirmed plans for a second location at Weir Mill. Simply Books has been a mainstay of Bramhall for more than 23 years, with the independent store on Moss Lane taken over by mother-and-son Karen and Ben Johns two years ago. Their second site will blend a book shop, wine bar, and coffee shop with a special late-night offering for people to discover new reads and socialise in a comfortable setting.
