UP CLOSE: Alfredo's Social - what to expect from Stockport's newest eatery
The newest addition to Stockport Underbanks is here, and it's a beautiful Neapolitan pizzeria and bar, set within the historic charm of the Winter's building.
Alfredo's Social is the latest part in a continuing story of redevelopment for Stockport's Underbanks.
This place has a lot going for it - so much so, in fact, that it seems like Stockport might reasonably be able to boast the best pizza in the north.
After all, why shouldn't Stockport have a few superlatives to its name?
General manager Keegan certainly thinks as much, anyway.
Behind the delicious food is the oven. "The oven is a wood and gas combination oven", Keegan explains. "You get a nice, smoky flavour from a wood oven, and consistency from a gas oven - so we've got the best of both worlds."
Italians swear by a wood oven, and indeed claim that 100% gas ovens are 'only fit for tourists'.
The oven at Alfredo's Social even has a rotating base stone, to ensure a consistently even bake.
And what about the food?
"We've gone for accessible food, and accessible prices, but also trying to push the boat out and give people something that's a bit more exciting", Keegan says. "This is the premium end of pizzas. I do think it's the best pizza in the North of England.
"We aren't doing everything completely by the book, though. There are ways which are authentic to traditional Neapolitan, but there are ways where we're pushing the boat out a bit more, with more modern flavours, tailored to a British cuisine."
This local twist on Italian food is underpinned by the use of local materials and ingredients, right down to the flour (which comes from Nelstrops mill) and the wood used in the oven (from nearby urban forestry).
Further still, in addition to pizzas, diners can enjoy a regularly-changing small plates menu, which rotates with the seasons.
"And we're not just a pizza place", Keegan adds. "There's a bar atmosphere too. Our cocktail menu is really good, our wine menu is amazing. I definitely think we've got one of the best wine lists around; I saw there was a missing niche, really, between the conventional wines and the 'funkier' wines.
"The wine list has a nod to Italy and Italian grapes, but there are my favourite wines from around the world mixed in with that. The price is accessible to give people a chance to try new wines."
Stockport, then, definitely has something exciting here - original, 'classy', and accessible. It's businesses such as this which will draw crowds, both to the Underbanks and to Stockport more generally.
Certainly, the Alfredo's owners reportedly landed on the Stockport site after seeing that it bore all the up and coming hallmarks of Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Speaking of his hopes for the Underbanks more generally, Keegan said: "In three years time, it's going to be a completely different atmosphere. There are so many up and coming businesses.
"It's better here than it is in Manchester, where the market is saturated and overpriced.
"It's about building excitement, and giving other people who are looking to invest a bit of reassurance that something can be done, and that change is coming. The more stuff there is down here, the better it is for everyone.
"It's going to be such a nice atmosphere. If all these places have outdoor seating, it's going to be such a lush place to come.
"Stockport Council has been hugely supportive with this throughout. They own the building, and they have been really supportive with us coming in.
"It's really great to be here, and it's great to have such a great community of people coming to support us."
You can find more information on Alfredo's below:
Also, if you fancy booking a place for Christmas, keep an eye on the Alfredo's social media. Booking opens on 22 October.
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