Often referred to as the 'Soho of the North', the Underbanks area of Stockport is a thriving part of the town centre, with a range of cafes, shops and restaurants occupying its historic buildings.
Both Lower Hillgate and Little Underbank, which lead onto the town's market area, are home to a clutch of independent businesses - from record stores and magazine shops, to bakeries and celebrity fronted hair salons. And its bustling shopping and hospitality scene is part of the reason why it was named in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live list just a couple of months ago.
However, while we've been focusing our attention on 'Rediscovering the Underbanks' and the fresh crop of new openings, one of its best assets has been hiding in plain sight - well up a steep set of steps. Dal Barista, a coffee shop, bistro and Italian restaurant sits halfway up a set of steps leading up to the Marketplace - and is one of Stockport's best kept secrets.
