Inside Fab Café where the force awakens for sci fi film lovers

Joe and Daniel Schofield are Manchester’s most famous bartenders – recognised worldwide for their skills. Born in Rossendale, Lancs, the brothers travelled the globe winning copious awards before heading back up North to open their own gaff. The awards kept coming, including being named the best cocktail bar in the UK by Top 50 Cocktail Bars in 2024. Schofield’s Bar brings old NYC-style glamour to Sunlight House (former home to Liz Dawn aka Vera from Corrie’s The Grapes pub). Staff here will confidently shake you the best martini in town (featuring Schofield’s own dry vermouth), or try something more inventive from the constantly evolving menu – you can even pair it with a suggested book from their small library. Equal care and consideration are taken over wine and beer; all beer – including Guinness – is served in a schooner. Book ahead, particularly on weekends. 

Nineteenth-century architect Alfred Waterhouse designed this grand hotel, bar and restaurant, and what a job he did. The iconic joint on Oxford Street has long been a landmark and made even more so by new owners and a million-pound facelift. The bar was put into the capable hands of DJs-turned-restaurateurs Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey. Expect similar fare to their award-winning restaurant Volta in Didsbury – think small plates, cocktails and an inspired wine list. And although the pair have since moved on, their influence is stamped throughout. A fairy-light-lit courtyard and fabulous DJs in the basement mean there’s no need to go on anywhere else.