Manchester's Schofield’s Bar named UK's best cocktail bar

The bar, which is run by brothers Daniel and Joe Schofield, topped the annual list having been a regular on it since opening back in 2021. 

Kevin Armstrong's renowned London bar Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green came in at number two, while Birmingham’s Passing Fancies ranked third on the list.

Fellow Manchester bar Project Halcyon, which is led by brothers brothers Aaron and Callum Drake, who also own the Salford-based Zymurgorium gin company, was named One to Watch on this year's list and also ranked at number 21. 

London dominated this year's list with Amaro Bar in Kensington being this year's highest climber, jumping 38 places to number eight; and Kwānt in Mayfair, run by the former head bar at The Savoy's American Bar mixologist Eric Lorincz, the highest new entry, coming in at number 11. 

“It’s so exciting to see so many new names on the list, which highlights the breadth of talent there is across the UK,” says Chris Lowe, group director at William Reed, publisher of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.

“London will always have a decent portion of the list but it is amazing to see so many other cities show up, like Glasgow and Birmingham.

“The list continues to grow and help people discover hidden gems and the UK’s best bartending talent.”

This year's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list was unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony held earlier this week at The Underglobe in London.