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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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
John Bishop announces latest Manchester gig arena tour dates
Danny Jones
Beloved British comedian John Bishop has announced another massive Manchester gig on his latest run of arena tour dates.
The well-known veteran of the North West and national stand-up scene at large is heading back to the region next year for his fresh batch of live stand-up shows.
Serving as the follow-up to his critically acclaimed hour from 2025, with these dates also serving as another opportunity for fans who missed out last time to see at least some of that material, John Bishop is no stranger to selling out Manchester arenas.
Returning to Co-op Live once again after his first two visits there this past autumn, Manc crowds can look forward to more of his usual scouse charm.
Confirming the new 2027 UK tour dates online this Friday, 23 January, Bishop said: “So excited to announce I’ll be heading back out on tour next year with my brand new show…. ‘Let’s Go Round Again'”
As he goes on to write, he’s set to play “some of the biggest venues across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2027”, simply adding, “Come and join me for a night to remember…”
The 59-year-old will be coming to Co-op Live on Sunday, 2 May.
His Co-op Live debut last October went down a storm, so it’s no surprise that we cousins down the Mersey were one of the first cities to be named on the new tour.
Bishop is enjoying a little bit of added renaissance at the moment, amid being at the centre of a Hollywood film starring Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper.
You can see the duo talking about the recent release down below.
Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett allowed themselves to be vulnerable when adapting John Bishop's life story 🎬 pic.twitter.com/B5DYBfDfJ8
The Everton-born comic was already 35 when he first started live stand-up, turning up at the Frog and Bucket comedy club on the edge of the Northern Quarter and choosing to go up on stage during an open mic night rather than paying the entry fee.
Already a successful salesman in the pharmaceutical industry, he chose to switch careers just before his 40th birthday and hasn’t looked back since.
It’s part of this real-life story that inspired the movie, Is Thing On? – which finally premieres here in the UK at the end of this month – and continues to make him a hugely popular touring UK comedian.
For anyone who fancies going along to see his new tour, you can sign up for early access through his mailing list or via the venue’s pre-sale for official Co-op Members.
Those windows open on Wednesday, 28 January from 10am; general admission will be available from the same time on the following Friday (30 Jan). You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
You can watch the trailer for the aforementioned motion picture here.
The UK’s biggest LEGO convention is coming back to Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
The biggest LEGO event in the UK is returning to Manchester next month.
After proving to be such a massive sell-out success last year, Bricktastic – the ‘ultimate’ LEGO convention – will be returning to Manchester next month, just in time for half term, with even more incredible LEGO models, activities, and fun for all the family.
Already shaping up to be one of the most exciting LEGO events in the UK, with tickets already on sale and selling fast, fans can expect to see more than 300 exhibitors from around the world showcasing original LEGO creations, also known as MOCs (Models of Own Creation), all under one roof at Manchester Central.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Friends, or Harry Potter, you’ll find your favourite LEGO themes and more at the event next month.
You’ll also be able to meet the talented model creators and uncover the stories behind their spectacular builds.
This LEGO convention isn’t just about admiring the models though, it’s about creating your own too, as at Bricktastic, you can build a section of our giant LEGO mosaic featuring more 100,000 bricks, dive into the brick pits filled with system or DUPLO® bricks for the little ones, and leave your own personal tag on the LEGO graffiti walls.
Basically, you can create anything you like and then leave your masterpiece on display for others to enjoy when they visit.
The UK’s biggest LEGO convention is coming back to Manchester next month / Credit: Shirlane Forrest
There’ll also be a wide variety of shopping opportunities at Bricktastic 2026, with something for every budget, no matter what you’re searching for.
And all proceeds from Bricktastic 2026 will help to fund LEGO deliveries to children in hospitals through the Fairy Bricks charity.
Bricktastic 2026 is taking place at Manchester Central on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026, and tickets are on sale now.
Tickets will be required for all visitors. Your ticket will have a timed entry but not a timed exit, so you can stay as long as you like, and if you want to take a break for a coffee or lunch, then simply collect a wristband to return whenever you’re ready.
Georgina Pellant -
16th November 2022 
