Award-winning New York bar Attaboy is coming to Manchester for a night next month, with its top bartenders set to take over city centre bar Schofield’s.
After an impressive nine years ranking highly on the World’s 50 Best Bar list, this downtown New York cocktail haunt is without a doubt up there with the creme de la creme of the global cocktail scene.
Now, for one night only, Manc’s can get a taste of some of its infamous drinks without losing years of their life to the queues currently plaguing travellers at Manchester Airport.
Located at the former site of Milk & Honey, once described as “a godfather of the cocktail renaissance” by those in the know, its roots mean that Attaboy has always had a leading edge on the New York scene.
Image: Attaboy
Image: Attaboy
That said, its notoriously laidback style and everyman appeal are sure to make it a favourite amongst Mancs here too.
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Attaboy bartenders Sam, Michael and Haley will be taking over the Schofield’s bar on Wednesday 18 May from 5-9pm. You can typically just walk in, but bookings are recommended for this one – it’s likely to be very popular.
As the bar is famous for having no menu, feel free to tell them what you like and they’ll be sure to find something to suit.
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Alternatively, if you want a tip from the pros, the World’s Best 50 Bars site suggests that you order “Ross’ legendary Scotch and honey cocktail Penicillin, his Paper Plane – a bourbon and bitters drink – or McIlroy’s Greenpoint with rye, vermouth and green herbal liqueur”.
Sharing the news to their Instagram earlier this week, the Schofield brothers said: “SCHOFIELD’S BAR PRESENTS: Attaboy
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“Stemming from Milk & Honey New York, Attaboy is currently owned by famed bartenders Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy. This is arguably the bar that started it all for us, the fresh citrus and block ice are 2 factors of many. It’s a true institution where countless classic cocktails were created.
“We are beyond excited and humbled to have Sam, Michael and Haley behind the bar with us for the evening.”
The takeover has been made possible through Schofield Bar’s friends at Boat Yard Distillery, who make organic,farm-to-bottle spirits produced in North West Ireland’s County Fermanagh.
There are a select number of tables available to book via the Schofield’s Bar website, or alternatively you can take your chances and try to walk in on the night.
Feature image – Attaboy
News
GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
News
Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Georgina Pellant -
29th April 2022 
