Award-winning cafe to open at Stockport's new £14.5million 'cultural landmark'

The neighbourhood favourite will serve speciality coffee and a menu including Argentinian empanadas, Italian paninis, pastries, as well as halal options

In the coming weeks Stockport town centre will enter a new chapter in its transformation, with the launch of Stockroom - a £14.5 million cultural and creative hub. Based in a former Mothercare and Topshop store, it has been billed as a "first of its kind" development for Greater Manchester.

The centre will feature a library, creative spaces, a café bar, and a living room surrounded by a wall of books. And now, ahead of its opening on 24 May 2025, Stockport Council has announced the operator who will be looking after the cafe.

Mercado has built a strong reputation in Didsbury, and will now run the cafe within the space with specialty Peruvian Arabica coffee and a menu including Argentinian empanadas, Italian paninis, delicious pastries, as well as halal options.

The neighbourhood favourite has been recognised with multiple TripAdvisor Awards (2022, 2023, 2024) and ranked as Manchester’s top spot for tea, coffee, and desserts. It has also secured a place in the finals of the England Business Awards for "Best Café."

Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: “This is more good news for Stockport. Mercado is known for its brilliant coffee, delicious food, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

"We're sure they’ll be a huge hit with visitors to Stockroom, making it an even more inviting space for people to meet, relax, and enjoy everything on offer. It will be great to see it come to life when the doors open in May!”

Steven Hadjiyianni, owner of Mercado, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening in Stockroom. It’s a fantastic venue in the heart of Stockport, and we can’t wait to be part of such an exciting and growing food scene.

"We’ve built something really special in Didsbury, and we’re looking forward to bringing the same passion, great coffee, and warm hospitality to Stockport.”

Part of Stockport’s £1bn town centre regeneration, Stockroom is designed to bring people together through culture, learning, and creativity. Stockroom is supported by £14.5m received from the government’s Future High Street Fund.

Those visiting the centre when it opens will be able to make use of additional town centre library facilities; a dedicated children’s creative learning space; a multi-purpose events space; and the town's historical archives.

Creative events space, Stockroom Studios will host a year-round programme of events, from yoga, toddler play, literature, music and even stand-up comedy.

"It's not like anything that already exists," Gwen Riley Jones told the Manchester Evening News last year, the creative programme manager leading the concept when asked to sum up what Stockroom will bring to the town.

"It's crucial that we have activities here for everyone to access, and also events that are paid for so the building can sustain itself," Ms Riley Jones added.

"If someone just needs a chat, that's fine too," she added, pointing out that the space will be open to anyone who needs it."

Stockroom will open with a major new exhibition, Chosen Family Album. Inspired by the joy of rediscovering old photos, the project invited the public to contribute family photographs from 1970 onwards - the same year Stockport’s iconic Merseyway Shopping Centre opened.

Also on display will be a series of creative commissions, bringing fresh and exciting public art into the space. These commissions celebrate Stockport’s heritage, community, and creative talent, featuring large-scale murals, interactive installations, and innovative works using sustainable materials.

Mercado is now also recruiting full and part time Baristas with experience in hospitality for their Stockroom team. Email: mercadoatstockroom@gmail.com for more information.