In a coup for the city’s bartending scene, some of Manchester’s best cocktail bars have been named amongst the UK’s creme de la creme – with two ranking amongst the top 10 in the country at the Top 50 UK Bars awards.
The prestigious list, released annually, named four Manchester bars in total at a glitzy awards ceremony in London last night.
Coming in at number eight on the list this year was hidden Manchester cocktail bar Speak In Code, up two places from the year before, whilst ranking highly in fourth place was the brilliant Schofield’s Bar, having moved up twelve places on its 2022 ranking.
Spring Gardens cocktail bar Blinker, opened less than a year ago by ex-Gordon Ramsay bars boss Dan Berger, also ranked in this year’s top 50 – coming at number 41.
And there was an honourable mention for Zymogorium’s newly-reopened Project Halcyon bar, located in the Bonded Warehouse beneath the Old Granada Studios, which took home a special ‘One to watch’ gong at last night’s ceremony.
Whilst London once again dominated the list, there were still a large number of northern drinking spots included with a total of 14 of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars to be found in Scotland and the north of England.
ADVERTISEMENT
In Leeds, Tabula Rasa, (#48), Hedonist (#45) and Below Stairs (#42) were all recognised for their top-notch drinks, atmosphere and service, whilst in Sheffield natural wine bar Bench (#50) and cocktail bar Public (#39) were also given honours.
Liverpool bar Present Company also cleaned up at the awards, ranking at number 20 – a jump of 23 places from its 2022 position.
Over in Scotland, meanwhile, Edinburgh bars Panda & Sons (#6) Bramble (#13) and Hey Palu (#27) all got a mention, as did secret Glaswegian bar The Absent Ear (#25) and natural wine and cocktail bar Lunar (#49).
ADVERTISEMENT
Image: Project Halcyon
Image: Speak In Code
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list is compiled by bar industry experts and offers a unique perspective on where those in the know like to go for a drink.
Each year, the list is chosen by a mixture of bartenders, bar owners, writers, critics, and other hospitality professionals.
To ensure each region in the UK has an equal opportunity to shine, voters are broken down into six geographical regions. Each voter then has four votes, including for one cocktail bar in their region and three others from anywhere else in the UK.
Top 50 Cocktail Bars community manager, Charli Tomney, said: “I am so excited to bring back this event with a bang. We have a real variety of bars, some with a capacity of 24 people some with 300. There are bars with spirit specialities, new bars that have opened just months ago and some female-owned businesses from across the UK.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Chris Lowe, publisher of Top 50 Cocktail Bars, said: “We have created Top 50 Cocktail Bars to help people find the best bars, which are often hidden, around the UK.
“London still has more bars on the list than any other city but having almost all of the UK’s major cities represented showcases the explosion of great venues on the cocktail scene.”
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Eats
Manchester favourites hosting a heartwarming festive social for those alone this Christmas
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester bar and cafe, Haunt, have announced that they will be hosting a special social to spread some much-needed seasonal cheer to those who are spending Christmas apart from their families and/or friends this year.
Wholesome stuff from a wholesome bunch.
That’s right, friendly neighbourhood ghosts Haunt will be putting on a little free shindig for the 2025 festive period in an effort not only to share the typical kindness with locals based in and around the city centre but to help create “a sense of community, no matter what your situation”.
Announcing the completely open-to-the-public Christmas Eve party over the weekend, the team are looking to provide those who might otherwise be lonely or struggle during the holidays with a warm, arms-wide welcome, plus plenty more.
Writing on their social media account this past Sunday, bar manager JJ said: “People, it’s time to connect this Christmas! We will be providing free coffee and sweet treats from 12-5pm on Christmas Eve, as well as some games and workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this, so it would be amazing to see as many of you there as possible! Also need this to reach the people that need an event like this most, so please share and repost.
“As always, look out for your people, I wouldn’t be anywhere without mine – JJ xoxo”
Come on, who doesn’t love seeing heartwarming stuff like this on their feed, especially when it comes to a time of year where so many suffer quietly amid the majority having a good time?
This isn’t the first time they’ve held a pop-up that’s caught our attention in 2025, either; it was only last month that we were surprised to stumble on a mini padel court in the middle of the room.
Once again, there’ll be brews and fresh bakes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep people entertained on the night.
As described in their post, Christmas can be tough for a lot of people, and if they can make even just one person looking for some kindness and companionship feel better for a few hours this year, then they’ll have done above and beyond their job.
It goes without saying that we love seeing local businesses taking the social and community side of their work like this to heart and putting in serious effort to make a difference.
Well done to JJ, the Chosen Family support group, and everyone at Haunt for setting this up; if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along, please do pass on the information.
You can grab your free tickets via Eventbrite right HERE, and maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Haunt (via Instagram)
Eats
Neighbourhood bistro The Perfect Match announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Neighbourhood bistro The Perfect Match, which was founded by a chef and sommelier pair, has announced its sad closure after six years.
The Sale restaurant has announced details of its final service next month, saying that it’s been ‘a fantastic journey’.
The Perfect Match was established back in 2019 by chef Jazz and sommelier Andrea, promising bistro-style dishes always paired with the perfect glass of wine.
The restaurant used to feature in the Michelin Guide, which highlights the best restaurants around the UK and currently has 19 Greater Manchester restaurants within it.
But despite being such a celebrated and beloved local restaurant, The Perfect Match has announced its closure.
They wrote in a statement: “After over 6 years of putting our heart and soul into The Perfect Match, we have decided close this chapter.
“It has been a fantastic journey, with a lot of joy, great food and wine, and we want to take the opportunity to thank you for your support over the years it has meant more than you will ever know!
“It has not been an easy decision and we will miss it however we feel this is the best direction for us. Our last service will be the 25th of January 2026. Andrea, Jazz and team.”
Sale locals, and fans of the restaurant, have sent messages of support to Jazz, Andrea and the rest of the team at The Perfect Match.
One person wrote: “A huge loss for Sale but a privilege to have even had anything to the distinction of Perfect Match in our small town.
“It has always been a pleasure and will be sorely missed. All the best on the new adventure and we will see you in January.”
Another wrote: “Huge loss to the local food scene. Good luck in your next chapter. Better get booked in for one last time.”
Someone posted on Facebook: “Genuinely sorry to hear this…. been to The Perfect Match many times over the years… recommended it to people many.
“Whatever your next adventure is…I can’t wait to support you. Have booked a table to give it one last taste….good luck guys….massive loss to Sale, local restaurant with local people serving the local community with amazing food… hopefully see you again soon.”
Georgina Pellant -
8th February 2023 
