As anticipation around the release of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' reaches fever pitch, we take a peak inside Manchester institiution Fab Café, one of our favourite Manchester bars, where horror and sci fi buffs can surround themselves with memorabilia from beloved films and TV shows. From Dr Who to Indiana Jones, the stars of screens large and small keep you company. Just don't let that life sized alien looming behind you put you off your fishfinger butty...
Despite many accolades and nearly ten years in the game, Speak In Code still manages to remain a bit of an IYKYK gaff. Around the corner from fellow cocktail royalty Schofield’s, head down a staircase to this subterranean den with mid-century decor, low lighting, and a cool hip hop soundtrack. You’ll find some of the most inventive mixed drinks you’ll find anywhere in the UK - all ingredients fermented, washed and infused in-house. Music has always been a muse for SiC, so house cocktails are “demos”; Demo 6 combines pandan infused cachaca with quinjim (a Brazilian custard), while Demo 11 blends Hennessy, spiced amontillado, halwa orgeat, and lapsang bitters - all ingredients are vegan. The team here is passionate to the point of obsession, but they’re not too cool to look after you like you’re rock royalty.
Address: 7 Jackson’s Row, M2 5ND, Manchester
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 5pm-12am; and Friday to Saturday, from 5pm-2am
Expect to pay: Around £15 for cocktails, and £6-8 for small plates
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.
Address: Sunlight House, 3 Little Quay Street, M3 3JZ, Manchester
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm-11.30pm; closed Mondays
Expect to pay: £12.50-16 for cocktails, £8-17 for wine by the glass, $4.50-6 for beers, and £3.50-19 for bar snacks
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