Saints Club

22 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1HD

Saints Club Our high streets are evolving as shopping habits change and former shops are being converted to offer more leisure activities. Former shops often don't make for a welcoming, cosy environment but Saints Club on St Petersgate, the March Pub of the Month, is a good example of one that does, writes Jack Lyons.

Saints Club was opened in June 2025 by David Thorley, and his years of experience clearly show in the conversion of this retail unit. Being situated among already-established bars can be a challenge, but David has managed to create a unique venue. The former shop has been stripped back, but not too harshly, with subtle lighting, mixed seating and also retaining many features of its former existence. As David explained, elaborating on the bar's name Saints Club, there are a couple of inspirations for it. "I'm on Saint Peters Gate and it used to be a Christian charity shop. There's a crucifix on the door to the cellar which I thought might be unlucky to take down so I just repainted it." A club defines how Saints feels: almost exclusive and with a speakeasy vibe. Also, the walls are also covered with artworks for sale.

Outside drinkers are well catered for with a covered area at the front which, although eating into valuable retail space, also provides a place to sit and watch the world go by.

Three cask beers are available and, as owner David used to have a share in Brewsmith Brewery's bar in Bury, The Broad Street Social, Brewsmith beers will often be seen here. One of the three cask ales is usually a dark beer. There is a tap wall of about a dozen keg beers which is likely the most extensive in the surrounding area. Keg IPAs, sours and ciders are available, and there's almost always an imperial stout to try – thirds of a pint are offered. Saints Club also runs a loyalty card and other incentives to attract a more diverse audience.

Saints Club has quickly become another destination for beer lovers in Stockport and beyond, especially St Petersgate with seemingly new bars popping up all over.

Join us on Thursday 26 March from 8pm when we present David with his Pub of the Month award. Being in Stockport town centre, the bar is well served by public transport.

The Pub of the Month award is sponsored by Stephensons, a local family firm that has been supplying the local pub and catering trade for over 150 years.