Since opening inside The Old Grapes just a couple of months ago, Schofield’s Bar has become one of the city’s most in-demand drinking spots. Now, the brothers behind it are about to open their second – this time on Deansgate Square.
It will be one of two new restaurants and bars coming to Deansgate Square this summer.
Called ATOMECA, the award-winning brothers’ new riverside bar will feature carefully curated cocktails and an extensive wine list put together by their partner, James Brandwood.
Fronting onto the River Medlock with both indoor and outdoor seating, it will serve tea, coffee and locally baked pastries in the morning, before switching to tapas-style plates in the evening and afternoon.
It will be joined by Mule, a new coffee and brunch spot that’s just opened its first venue on Ancoats’ Blossom Street.
ADVERTISEMENT
Schofield brothers
Mule at Deansgate Square will occupy a soaring, double height space facing into the city across The Medlock Step.
Offering everything from brunch to 3 pm cake and late-night cocktails, menu items to look out for here include the buttermilk brioche chicken burger and pistachio mai tai.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Mule at Deansgate Square is set to be the city’s most vibrant spot with a timeless appeal.,” said a spokesperson for the restaurant.
“Using magical lighting, curved walls, woody aromas and eclectic fabrics, we’ve created a space that will transport you from the Manchester curbside into a dreamy Utah sunset.”
The two new bars and restaurants are the latest additions to join Manchester’s coolest corner shop, General Stores, at the base of Deansgate’s new towering skyscraper development.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We are delighted to welcome Mule and ATOMECA to Deansgate Square, further diversifying its offering for our residents as well as the wider community,” said Rob Codling, Senior Fund Manager, LGIM Real Assets.
ATOMECA will be the first to open its doors to the public on 21st May, 2021, followed by Mule at a date still TBC later this summer.
News
Chester Zoo announces new spring date for its popular running event to help UK wildlife
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced that its popular Run For Nature is back again this year, and this time, there’s a new spring edition.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo seen success with this event in the past few years, with thousands of runners signing up for one of the North West’s most unique athletic experiences and all funds raised going towards efforts to protect highly-endangered giraffes in Africa.
This year though, the much-loved event’s focus brings conservation ‘a little closer to home’ and will protect some of the UK’s most threatened species instead – with all funds helping to safeguard hedgehogs, kingfishers, otters, harvest mice, and more.
It comes as the UK is currently considered one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.
Participants will first get to wind through the zoo and enjoy glimpses of elephants, lemurs, and other incredible species along the way, before heading out into the picturesque Cheshire countryside.
Adults can choose from a 10K or 5K route, while younger runners are invited to take part in a one-mile ‘Zoom’ race, open to children aged four-15, which takes place entirely within the zoo’s incredible 130-acre grounds.
All runners will receive free entry to the zoo for the rest of the day as part of their registration, along with a 25% discount for friends and family who come along to show support.
Chester Zoo’s popular 10K charity run is returns with a new spring date / Credit: Chester Zoo
Lorraine Jubb, who is the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, called the Run For Nature a ‘really special event’.
“In previous years, runners have already supported conservation efforts for Asian elephants, Eastern black rhinos and Northern giraffe,” she explained. This springtime though, we’re turning our attention much closer to home in the UK, and to the wildlife we share our gardens, parks and countryside with.
“With one in six species now at risk of extinction in the UK, every runner will be playing a vital role in helping us protect animals and supporting our growing nature recovery work across right across Cheshire.
Run For Nature will take place on the new springtime date of Sunday 29 March 2026, and there’s 3,000 places to sign up for.
You can find out more and register on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
News
Transport Secretary commits to ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The Transport Secretary has signed a ‘transformational’ rail deal for Greater Manchester.
The Government has formally agreed to work with Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham on plans for a new railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington, as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The new Liverpool-Manchester line is said to underpin the Northern Growth Corridor – which is a bold strategy to drive growth from the Mersey to the Pennines, stretching into Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Wales, and beyond – with a key connection at Manchester Airport.
Local analysis has suggested that the new line could generate around £90 billion in additional revenue by 2040.
Also, as part of the major investment of up to £45 billion – which was announced a couple of weeks back, and is tipped to transform rail travel across the North – the Government has also said it will work with Greater Manchester partners to explore an underground option at Manchester Piccadilly station, recognising its potential as a ‘catalyst for growth’.
Local leaders say they are keen to demonstrate how an underground station could turn Piccadilly into a ‘Kings Cross of the North’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with Mayor Andy Burnham last week to sign the formal agreement.
The agreement recognises the potential for an underground solution at Manchester Piccadilly, while also acknowledging the need for further ‘testing’ to make sure it will deliver value for money, and additionally sets out how the Government will work with Greater Manchester on the wider NPR scheme – which will be delivered in three stages, with the Liverpool-Manchester line to be built in the second phase.
The Transport Secretary has committed to a ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM (Supplied)
A formal review of the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly is to be lead by local leaders and senior civil servants.
“I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Burnham on the next steps for transforming connectivity in Greater Manchester,” explained Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“With a new line between Manchester and Liverpool at the heart of our plans, alongside new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, we will unlock new opportunities, more jobs and more housing for thousands of people.
“By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving Greater Manchester the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
