Much-loved Stockport restaurant closes but owner dispels rumours as he promises to relaunch it 'to another level'

A much-loved Stockport restaurant has confirmed that it has closed its doors - but will open in a new guise at a later date. Blackshaws, which is situated opposite the town’s historic market, originally opened as a family bakery and confectioners on 42 Hillgate on the corner of Edward Street in 1860.

Earlier this week, there were suggestions on social media that the urban kitchen and bar in the heart of Stockport’s Old Town had closed for good due to rising energy costs and roadworks around Stockport Market. However, Steve Pilling, the owner of Blackshaws, confirmed that while it would be closing for now, it would be reopening as a concept that would take Stockport’s food scene “to another level”.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Mr Pilling said: “It is closed for a makeover and will reopen as an evening restaurant, which will build on Stockport’s booming food scene with many of the fine-dining chefs from the Damson days of Heaton Moor and further afield. We believe that there needs to be more food-based businesses in the town centre and we would like to be at the forefront of this - it’s all very positive for Stockport in these difficult times.

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“Really, we’re going to bring Blackshaws into the 21st century with some refined, small plates, and opening to later in the evening to be part of Stockport’s growing food scene.”

The restaurateur has over 30 years culinary experience running award-winning restaurants, including Sam’s Chop House in Manchester and fine-dining spot Damson in Heaton Moor, which was reopened as a rotisserie chicken restaurant, pizzeria and craft beer bar called Roost in 2017. While a