Schofield’s Bar in Manchester wins best bar in UK award a year after opening

A Manchester bar which only opened its doors last spring has been named New Bar of the Year - and overall UK Bar of the Year - at the Class Bar Awards.

Schofield’s in Spinningfields, run by bartender brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, has fast gained a reputation for its stunning art deco surroundings, slick service and extensive cocktail menu, mixing classics with new twists.

Now, only a year or so after it opened, its efforts have been recognised at Class magazine’s annual awards in London with the double award win.

Judges said: “Set in Manchester’s Sunlight House, Schofield’s has become an instant classic, winning plaudits across the UK. Its period, classy looks – with dark woods and touches of green - and focus on five-star service has the all the hallmarks of world-class venue.

“It is the first time that a bar has won both the New Bar of the Year and Bar of the Year titles.”

Also given a nod was Manchester’s Elena Wright, who scooped the Emerging Bartender of the Year award for her innovative drinks and customer service at Mecanica in the Northern Quarter.

The awards were voted for by a panel of 100 industry experts and are held annually.