City Centre

Schofield brothers to take over the Bull and Bear with new restaurant

The brothers behind one of the best bars in the world will open their first restaurant in Manchester next year

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 16th November 2022

Following the announcement that the Bull and Bear restaurant inside The Stock Exchange is closing after Christmas, it has been revealed that the Schofield brothers will be taking over the space.

Bury-born brothers Daniel and Joe, both highly regarded in the bar world, are the duo behind award-winning Manchester bars Schofield’s Bar, Atomeca and Sterling.

The latter recently opened inside the basement bank vault of Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel. Now it has been revealed that they will be taking over the upstairs restaurant space, formerly home to Tom Kerridge’s Bull and Bear restaurant.

In what will be the group’s first restaurant venture, diners are being promised a ‘British brasserie with touches of elegance from continental Europe, all served with homely and comforting flavours from the UK.’

Image: The Stock Exchange Hotel
Image: The Bull and Bear

Working with Head Chef Joshua Reed-Cooper, who has formerly cheffed alongside Simon Rogan at The French, Sam Buckley at Where The Light Gets In, and Simon Martin at Mana, the new restaurant will serve a menu of traditional British dishes.

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All created using local British produce, expect comforting classics prepared with flair alongside a range of exquisite cocktails and other quality drinks.

Read more: Schofield brothers to open underground bar beneath Stock Exchange hotel

Speaking on the new venture, Joe Schofield said of the grouo’s first venture into the world of restaurants: “We aim to create one of the best restaurants in the North of England, right here at Stock Exchange Hotel which is a natural next step in our hospitality career.

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“Using the core pillars of our brands, we will transform the former Trading Floor into a space destined for food and drink lovers, whilst providing an expectation-exceeding experience for the residents of the hotel.”

Gary Neville, Owner of Stock Exchange Hotel, added: “Our aim at Stock Exchange Hotel is to create a
destination venue in the heart of Manchester city centre.

Image: The Bull and Bear
Image; Schofield’s Bar

“Since meeting the group two years ago our vision, values, and brands have aligned, and we are delighted they have chosen Stock Exchange Hotel to open their first restaurant concept. 

Read more: Manchester cocktail bar Schofield’s has been listed amongst the best in the world

“The restaurant will add another dimension to the diverse offering at the hotel and we are looking
forward to working with Joe, Daniel, James, Joshua and the team on this new venture.”

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Read more: The Bull & Bear ‘blown away’ by kind messages after announcing closure

The new restaurant will open in February, and a name for the eatery is yet to be revealed. To keep up with further developments make sure to follow the Stock Exchange Hotel on Instagram here.

Feature image – The Stock Exchange Hotel

City Centre

Inside the luxury hotel suite inspired by a Christmas light trail

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Located right next to Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly have curated a new hotel stay which is inspired by one of the region’s biggest light trails.

The new Christmas-themed room has been created as a continuation of Freight Island’s ‘Twilight Trail’, so you don’t need to leave the magic of the event behind in Mayfield Park.

This huge hotel, which recently underwent a £33m refurb, has been setting out to provide guests with incredible experiences and this new Christmas themed room is certainly no different.

As well as a stunning room decked out with festive decor, you can also see immaculate views of the city centre, and even the neighbouring Twilight Trail, thanks to the room being situated on the top floor of the eight storey building.

Initially launching last year, the festive-themed Twilight Trail attraction by Freight Island is only a short three-minute walk away from the all-new Christmas room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

The converted ‘Deluxe Family Room’ is sure to put you in the festive spirit with everything from mood lighting to a real Christmas tree frocked in red and gold baubles.

Comfy beds in Manchester
How many reindeers could you count before you fall asleep effortlessly?
Christmas room in Manchester
It’s Christmas central at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
Hotel rooms in Manchester
The Deluxe Family Room has had a festive makeover.
Credit: The Manc Group

Once you’ve unpacked your matching PJ’s and chosen where you’ll be sleeping for the night, you can head out the door knowing you get to come back to your own personal winter wonderland.

Next on your itinerary is a trip to the Twilight Trail itself, 6.5 acres of illuminations, interesting structures and fascinating displays.

If you’re not walking round this outdoor venue with a boozy hot chocolate fixed firmly in one hand then you’re definitely doing it wrong.

As you walk through the first tentacle-like tunnel, you’ll be greeted by an on-site refreshments truck serving generous helpings of hot chocolate.

After picking up your sweet drink, you’ll be plunged into a glittering world with a dramatic Christmas tree at the centrepiece of the illuminated park.

Light trail in manchester
The opening tentacle-like tunnel which spans out across the floor.
Hot chocolate in Manchester
You can never go wrong with a hot chocolate.
Christmas tree in Manchester
The grand Christmas tree towering over the various light features.
Credit: The Manc Group

You can walk over a brightly lit bridge that constantly changes colours and makes you feel like you’re walking on a rainbow, literally.

This makes for a great sensory experience for all ages as you feel as though you’re a part of the trail, walking over the light displays instead of just seeing them from a distance. Class!

The twinkling tunnel lit with fairy lights makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment and is honestly core-memory worthy.

Whether you’re celebrating the occasion with your family or your loved one, really take a second to admire these LEDs.

Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park
Lighting up the city centre with the Mayfield Depot sign adding some character.
Fairy lights in Manchester
Look at those lights! The fairy light tunnel which are part of the Twilight Trail.
One of the best light trails in Manchester
Take a walk over the rainbow bridge as you soak up all this light trail has to offer.
Credit: The Manc Group

Whether walking makes you hungry or you can just smell the delicious flavours of the street food vendors from next-door neighbours Freight Island, it would be rude not to pay them a visit.

It’ll probably take you just as long to decide what food you want as it did to complete the light trail thanks to the wide variety of cuisines on offer.

From 22 inch pizzas at Voodoo Ray’s to desserts on a stick at Oh My Cheesecake, you can grasp how exciting and mind-boggling the meals here are.

Burgers were the craving of the night and we left our foodie fate in the hands of the trusty Burgerism with their ‘Veggied’ and Pattersons ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepa’ single stack chicken burger.

This is one of three plant-based options from their menu and its packed with a selection of topping greats like pickles, tomatoes and a cheese slice.

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Best veggie burgers in Manchester
Burgerism’s veggie offering was absolutely gorgeous.
Pattersons chicken burger in Freight Island
Pattersons flavoursome single stack chicken burger.
Burgerism Freight Island
The veggie has officially been ‘Veggied’.
Credit: The Manc Group

This little Christmas themed adventure and stay is in the heart of Manchester city centre meaning it’s close to all amenities like trains, trams, bars, pubs and those all important Manchester Christmas Markets.

However when you’re sleeping in a room that has pillows galore, a built-in TV and Christmas decorations, a quiet night in was next on the agenda and you really do feel right at home.

Read more:

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly may just be one of Santa’s many little helpers and you can create your own priceless memory by staying in this gorgeous Christmas suite.

Cleanest hotel bathrooms in Manchester
The bathroom in the Marriott Christmas room.
Beautiful hotel views Manchester
Waking up out of bed to those stunning lights and cute tree.
Relaxing things to do in Manchester
After your activity-filled day, fill up the tub and relax.
Credit: The Manc Group

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: The Manc Group

City Centre

A family-friendly New Year’s Eve rave for kids is happening in Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event making its way to Manchester this winter that’s sure to make everyone feel included – even your little ones.

The ultimate family-friendly dance party is travelling to Manchester and stopping off in one of the city’s biggest venues, Freight Island.

Ran by ‘Raver Tots’, this is set to be an experience filled with the best in British dance music from house to garage and drum and bass, with a huge laser show, confetti cannons, and performers.

Besides being the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave brand, they are also motto masters using a slogan we all could live by – ‘Throw shapes not toys’.

Helping you dance the night away will be DJ Millz and Charlotte Devaney, who are definitely no stranger to each other, remixing tracks together and performing live on stage at a variety of events.

Both are known for their drum and bass records, a genre which they both share a clear love of. Guests attending can expect similar ensembles including some of the best in British dance music like house and garage tunes.

This party is taking place during the day meaning your kids won’t miss their curfew and can get a full night’s sleep, as long as the fireworks over at Big Ben don’t disturb their sleeping schedule.

Starting at 12pm on New Year’s Eve, Freight Island is about to transform into a family-friendly dance wonderland. This environment is suitable for all ages and all music is an appropriate noise level. Ace!

These independently run festivals are a quick-fire crowd pleaser which have attratced up to 15,000 people a time, you’re sure to be surrounded by some good company.

Saoirse Holland, director at Raver Tots, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve parties, we do a huge countdown and confetti blast so kids can experience ringing in the New Year without the late night.

“The whole family can join in the celebrations, listen to some great music and make memories without the hassle of trying to find a babysitter!”

These family-friendly party events are usually in high demand and anyone wanting to attend ‘Raver Tots New Year’s Eve Manchester’ can find tickets available here.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

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