Manchester bar Schofield’s has put the city on the map in a whole new way after making it into the extremely prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list.
It is the first time a cocktail bar from Manchester has been featured in the annual list since it began.
The World’s 50 best represents the ultimate international guide to the world’s top bars and drinking destinations, providing an annual ranking of bars as voted for by 650 drinks experts from across the globe.
The list is revealed annually at The World’s 50 Best Bars awards, which will take place this year in Barcelona on 4 October 2022.
Image: Schofield’s
Image: Schofield’s
However, every year alongside the 50 Best the organisation also publishes an extended 51-100 list featuring some of the world’s best drinking destinations – including Manchester favourite Schofield’s.
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The eponymous bar from Bury-born brothers Dan and Joe Schofield ranks highly at number 59, sitting above London bars Three Sheets (#72), Side Hustle (#75) and Donovan Bar (#89) in what is a real coup for Manchester’s cocktail bartending scene.
Speaking on the award win, the brothers told The Manc: “We are honoured to have been placed as the 59th best bar in the world!
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“Especially when the organisation informed us we are the only bar in the country to have placed in the list outside of London since 2008 when the list officially started.
“It’s great to be part of this wonderful bar and restaurant scene in Manchester.”
Despite having only been open a year and a half, the bar has amassed an armory of accolades. Earlier this year it was named UK Bar of the Year and New Bar of the Year at the Class Bar Mag awards, making history in the process as the first venue to ever win both.
Opened inside the Art Deco Sunlight House, previously home to historic Manchester boozer the Old Grapes, on the menu you’ll find a list of carefully-curated cocktails, beers, wine, champagne and small plates.
Image: Schofield’s
Image: Schofield’s
Offering a mix of refined classics like sazeracs, martinis, negronis and manhattans, alongside house signatures like the ‘Lone Tree’, ‘Tattle Tale’ and ‘Guinness Punch’, the brothers draw on their combined 30 years of experience to create something truly special.
They have also launched two more bars in the city since opening Schofield’s: Atomeca on Deansgate Square and, just last week, the new drinking den Sterling, which is found in an old bank vault underneath Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
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Open from 12pm – 1.30am Wednesday to Sunday, walk-ins are welcome but you can reserve a table if you wish. To see the full menu at Schofield’s click here.
Feature image – Schofield’s
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Georgina Pellant -
27th September 2022 
