The Underbanks and Central Stockport have been named among the UK's coolest neighbourhoods, taking fourth place in Time Out's 2026 list. The guide, which features 11 neighbourhoods across the country, places Govanhill in Glasgow first, the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast second, and Newington Green in London third.
A 'humble market town' with creative appeal
Described as a 'humble market town' rather than the 'New Berlin' it has jokingly been referred to in recent years, the guide says the area is "rapidly becoming the place-to-move-to for the Second City's creatives", due to its cheaper rent and "serious suburban tenacity".
Nodding to the town's past as a shopping mecca in the 19th century with its hosiers and hat makers found along its cobbled streets, the guide praises The Underbanks regeneration programme. This has seen the district transformed and revitalised, giving space to 'Euro-style' cafe culture, as well as sustainable fine dining and chic drinking dens.
A perfect day in Stockport
The guide sets out a perfect day in Stockport, starting with a pastry at popular bakery Sticky Fingers or Yellowhammer - both along The Underbanks - before some breakfast at Aunty Lou's up in the historic Market Hall. Dilly Deli and Cafe Convene are also highlighted as food spots worth bookmarking, as well as Mekong Cat, which they call "noodle haven".
For shopping, it recommends Squound for 70s-style furniture, Still Life for gifts, and 20th Century Stores for vintage gems. For drinks, newer additions including The Red Bull and The Apple Core at the top end of Hillgate are recommended pitstops.
Regeneration and commuter demand
At present, Stockport is undergoing a £2 billion, 15-year town centre regeneration programme led by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which has been further expanded in the last year to cover an even greater area beyond the town centre. Recent completions include Stockport Interchange and its two-acre park; the transformation of Weir Mill into a new neighbourhood with compartments, green spaces and restaurants and bars; and the revival of The Underbanks and Old Town, a £7m investment which has preserved the town's historic character.
The appeal of the town was also confirmed earlier this year, when Stockport, along with four other towns, was named amongst the most popular UK commuter towns for buyers in 2026. Data from Rightmove revealed Stockport generated 70 per cent more enquiries per listing than Manchester itself, well ahead of Marple at 14 per cent and Stalybridge at 10 per cent.
Earlier this week, plans to create a landmark new gateway to Stockport moved a step closer as Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) launched a public consultation on the future transformation of Stockport Railway Station. The local authority said the new station would 'unlock the next chapter of growth for Stockport' and drive forward the town's lauded regeneration plans, including major redevelopment, a new footbridge, new station buildings, and better connections to the town centre.
