Popular Stockport bar known for late-night DJs, comedy nights and live music announces second site

A Stockport bar which has become an integral part of the town's nightlife scene has revealed expansion plans. Bask, which opened in Stockport Town Centre two years ago, has confirmed it will be opening a second site in Wigan.

Taking to social media to share the news, Bask revealed that it would be taking over the building formerly occupied by Indipendence, Wigan's 'only dedicated indie rock 'n' roll club. The clubbing institution closed its doors in February, but confirmed at the time it would be reopening under a new guise.

Bask, a speakeasy-style bar and music venue, was launched by music promoter Benji Taylor in June 2022. Located on Exchange Square, overlooking Stockport train station, the bar, which opened its doors over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, has gained a reputation as a go-to destination for live music, comedy and great drinks.

READ MORE: 'With a heavy heart': Popular Spinningfields restaurant and nightlife spot confirms closure

In a post shared to social media, the team became Bask posted: "Over the moon to let you all know that we’re opening our 2nd venue, @basklivewigan.

"We’ve taken over the iconic Indiependence building, and will be bringing something fresh and exciting to town.

"Expect quality live music from touring acts to locals, comedy, DJs, Bask Bingo, Baskmaster quiz night and a whole host of new parties and events, across the 2 floors. We’re also welcoming the one and only @jonfitzmusic to the family. Expect some heavyweight weekend club nights on the way.

"Our doors will be opening this Summer, with listings on the way. For now please give the new socials a follow and like and share about. We’re excited to get going!"

The bar's followers were quick to congratulate them on the expansion with many saying it was 'massive' and 'brilliant' for the town. One of Bask's followers wrote: "Brilliant... Watched deja vega in at your place in Stockport last year...made up there's going to be a venue in Wigan."

Another wrote: "Wowww! Have been talking about @thisisbask all afternoon ! Great news."

And Jon Fitz, who will be joining the Bask team said: "Massive this. Really happy to be joining the family. I’ve got some big plans for the club space and excited to be getting going."

Having worked in the music business for 20 years, first as a promoter at Night & Day Café on Oldham Street, before stints at Roadhouse, Sound Control, and later Jimmy's in Manchester, Benji Taylor has quite the contact book to tap up for the bar's musical events. As well as Monday's Acoustica nights, the Stockport bar hosts regualar comedy nights and DJ sets.

The Bask founder originally wanted to open the flagship site as a vegan restaurant, but had to change direction when issues arose with the fitting on an extraction fan at the large venue. It's flagship boasts an extensive drinks selection, from 12 draft lines and their own Bask export lager and a range of cocktails.

The bar's second site on King Street West in Wigan will build on years of top musical legacy, having played host to regular club nights, live concerts, in-house events and stage nights. Many acts from around the region performed in the Indiependence, from DJS and singers to bands including The Lathums.

When the venue announced its closure in February, its owner has confirmed that it would eventually re-open as a new concept. They said they had joined forces with two music promoters, and that the upper floor would be refurbished and the club re-launched as a multi-function, late night venue.

In a statement From Indiependence owner Tony Callaghan at the time, he said: "We have had some brilliant years at Indiependence and it has been a pleasure owning such an iconic venue with some of the fabulous artists and performers coming to Wigan over the years.

"However it is with real sadness that my team and I have made the decision to close Indiependence. When we reopened the club after Covid our customers did not return in the volumes as in previous years so we made the decision to have a major refurbishment and relaunch – unfortunately this did not work and we have been self-funding as the club continued to lose money."

Established in March 2009, The Indiependence was spread across three floors, with capacity for 1,000 people. Explaining the decision to close its doors earlier this year, owner Tony said he had owned it for two decades and was "very proud of it", but the footfall failed to come back after the pandemic.

"I made the decision to close it but in the meantime, I've been luckily I've been speaking to people and I have done a long-term agreement with two popular music promoters so we're starting work on the property and a new venture."