UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2025: Four Manchester bars feature on list- including Schofield’s and Red Light
Manchester’s cool drinking scene has had the spotlight shone on it once more
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for 2025 has been announced, and there are four Manchester venues included. Schofields, which last year topped the list, has once again had a strong ranking and is third in 2025.
A new addition to the top 50 this year is Red Light. The speakeasy inspired bar has been well recognised and it is all well deserved.
We’ve rounded up the Manchester bars in the top 50 and included what the guide said about each. The full list can be found on the Top 50 UK cocktail bars list.
Schofields- 3rd
What the guide said: “Cocktails are mostly priced between £9.50 and £12, but averaging at around £11.75 per drink.
“Drinks include the Clover Club made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Schofield’s Dry Vermouth, raspberry, lemon and egg white; Gin Fizz, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, lemon, citrus oils and soda water; and Chet Baker, made using Bacardi Rum, Asterley Bros Estate Vernouth, honey and Angostura Bitters.”
Speak in Code- 11th
What the guide says: “Drinks have included Track 13, made using Grape Skin Vodka, chamomile wine, pink grapefruit and foamer; Track 11 made with Sipsmith London Dry Gin, Genepi, homemade white charentes and SiC Spent Botanical Bitters; and Hot Buttered Rum Old Fashioned, made with fat-washed golden rum with plant-based butter, winter demerara mix and cocoa bitters.”
Blinker- 22nd
What the guide says: “On the cocktail list you’ll find drinks including an Applewood Old Fashioned, which combines Aberfeldy 12yo, toasted applewood and honey old fashioned reduction, as well as an Army and Navy in which Plymouth dry, banana, Fino sherry, almond and lemon are mixed.There’re also non-alcoholic serves as well as smaller cocktails including mini versions of the Manhattan, Margarita and Martini.”
The Red Light- 40th
What the guide says: “The cosy space at Red Light is adorned with plush booths and has portraits lining the walls, creating an intimate ambience. The venue offers a premium cocktail experience with an interesting cocktail list.
“Its innovative cocktail list includes its Red Light Calling featuring Beefeater gin, coconut, Fino sherry, citrus and home-made lychee soda. Plus, guests can try Naked & Almost Famous, Deana’s own take on the modern classic, featuring Mezcal, Campari, Aperol, yellow chartreuse and lime.”