
Not only is Manchester now home to two Michelin star restaurants, but it is the place when it comes to award-winning cocktail bars. Announcing the winners tonight (February 11), a number of Manchester spots made the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, with one bar in the city placing in podium position.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list is compiled by the bar industry, making it a unique list of venues those in the know like to visit. The organisers recruit over 100 industry experts which make up the voting academy, from bartenders and owners, to drinks writers and influencers in order to curate an extra special list that has something for every type of drinker.
In previous years, London bars have dominated the list but this year saw Manchester shine brighter than most cities with five cocktail bars making the cut, with some new spots making . Coming in at third place for this year was Schofield’s Bar, run by sibling team Joe and Daniel Schofield. Last year saw the bar make history as the first Manchester bar to be crowned the overall winner and the drinking spot has also won accolades including ‘Bar of the Year’ at the CLASS Bar Awards.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars organisers praised the Schofield brothers for their unique offering of suppling their favourite books that guests can read while sipping a cocktail. Some of the book and cocktail combinations include Casino Royale, served with a Vesper Martini; Cocktail, served with a Singapore Sling; and The Old Man and the Sea, served with a Mojito.
Not far behind Schofield’s in 11th place was Spinningfields bar Speak In Code, which serves up creative cocktails with a 1920’s vibe, hidden down a quiet street just off of Deansgate. Also making the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list was Blinker in 22nd place, which the judges for Top 50 Cocktail Bars gave praise for their snacks available to enjoy with your drink such as truffle crisps, cacio e pepe toasties with three types of cheese and black pepper or a sausage roll with mustard.
However, new to the list this year was Stray, a cocktail bar situated on the corner of food hall Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter, and placing 25th in the list. Stray opened in late 2023 and has quickly become a popular haunt in Manchester and even selling over 5,300 espresso martinis in 2024. It has also received high praise by many for its unique Tomato Vine Margarita.
Red Light, which received the ‘One to Watch’ award last year, also made the list coming in 40th place. The LGBTQ+ cocktail bar located down the cobbled Little David Street in the Kampus neighbourhood was described as a “hidden gem” by judges.
For the full list head to the Top 50 Cocktail Bars website here.