Stockport's Weir Mill regeneration will soon welcome Bodega, an independent wine bar its founders say is a UK 'first' with a membership wine vault concept.
The bar occupies the Engine Room, a space dating to the early 19th century that once housed the boiler powering the mill. Bodega will serve wines by the glass, cold lager, charcuterie, and sharing plates, plus a retail element for take-home bottles.
Cellar Club concept
For a monthly membership fee, guests can store their own bottles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled vault holding up to 1,500 bottles. These can be served by the glass in the bar setting for a small corkage fee, with live music and food.
Co-founder Tom Wilmot said: "What we are trying to do is combine a wine storage concept with a membership model that is in an inclusive setting and is accessible at affordable price points... We believe it's the first time something like this has been brought to the UK."
Part of wider regeneration
Weir Mill is part of Stockport's £1bn town centre regeneration plans, led by developer Capital&Centric alongside Stockport Council and Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. The £60m project will feature 253 homes, a new public square (Weaver's Square), and spaces for live music, street food, and al fresco dining.
Bodega joins existing operators Jane Eyre, Social Trattoria, Rita Rays, Prologue, and Kontrol. Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, and Skills, said: "The arrival of Bodega Wines is another strong signal of the confidence that independent businesses have in Weir Mill and in Stockport town centre... Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading."
