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.
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.
“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.
“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
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
