New cocktail bar to open in Stock Exchange – with snacks by Tom Kerridge

A new bar is coming to the city centre, taking over the lower ground floor previously known as ‘The Vault’ at Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel.  

Sterling is a new concept from Joe and Daniel Schofield, the brothers behind popular city Manchester cocktail bar Schofield’s, alongside leading wine expert James Brandwood.

The new cocktail bar, with a wine programme that fittingly reflects the history and glamour of this stunning building, is set to open this summer.

The team have continued to push the food and beverage scene in Manchester forward with their current venues Schofield’s and Atomeca.

And they have experience from across the globe, winning International Bartender of the Year and working in some of the world’s most applauded bars, including Little Red Door, The American Bar at the Savoy, Singapore’s Tippling Club and Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney.

They will be joined by Paola Mariotti as general manager, who has spent years working at some of the world’s most renowned five-star hotels including The American Bar at the Savoy and The Blue Bar at The Berkeley in London. 

There will be classic cocktails on offer at Sterling as well as a bar snack menu developed by Lush by Tom Kerridge, the two-Michelin starred chef responsible for the Bull & Bear restaurant located in the former trading floor of The Stock Exchange Hotel. 

“We have been planning this new concept for a long time and now it’s nearing completion,” said Joe Schofield.

“Stock Exchange Hotel is a particularly meaningful venue for us as our mother used to work at the Stock Exchange. 

“Our grandmother also learnt to swim in the old pool at the basement in our original Schofield’s bar location. 

“As we continue to evolve our operations in Manchester, it’s warming to have a connection to the past, as that very much reflects our approach to our offering.”

The 2,400 sq ft space will have a capacity of just over 100 covers, and will be open five days a week.

“We are really looking forward to bringing Sterling to Stock Exchange Hotel,” said Jacqui Griffiths, General Manager of Stock Exchange Hotel.

“Joe, Daniel and James have a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry which will add to the current offering with three world-class brands housed under one roof.”

Gary Neville, owner of Stock Exchange Hotel, added: “From the moment I walked into Schofield’s bar some eight or nine months ago and met Joe and Daniel I felt like I was walking into an international quality destination but with a local feel and an understanding of the spirit of Manchester. 

“We spoke about how we had grown up in Bury and the times we had there! 

“I genuinely can’t wait now for Sterling to open in Stock Exchange Hotel and develop this partnership with the Schofield brothers.”