Craft beer veterans to open new Northern Quarter spot this week

The Head of Steam has announced it will be expanding into Manchester city centre for the very first time.

The craft beer specialists, which also have a spot in Didsbury Village, will be heading to the Northern Quarter, taking over the former Cottonopolis and Lamb of Tartary site. The latest opening marks the brand’s 16th location nationwide, and its first new opening since the award-winning Leeds Park Row in 2019.

The new 2,800 sq ft venue will hold 180 guests, with seating for 120, and will be designed to showcase the brand’s trademark mix of ‘industrial character and Northern warmth.’ A striking circular central bar will take centre stage, surrounded by exposed brickwork and restored original features.

The bar will showcase an extensive and diverse range of beers, featuring 30 lines serving 24 keg and 6 cask brews. Expertly selected beers from the UK craft scene will complement a vast collection of Belgian beers alongside a rotating selection of cans and bottles. Completing the offering will be a fresh cocktail menu and quality spirits range.

Guests can also look forward to augmented reality darts and live sports across six screens. Award-winning Salford burger joint, That Burger Place, will join as the food partner, bringing their beloved smash burgers to Manchester city centre in what marks another debut outing.

Mark Connor, Head of Operations & Brand for The Head of Steam, said: “We’re excited to be joining the Northern Quarter community and to bring our favourite UK brewers, alongside classics from our extensive Belgian range, to this vibrant part of the city. The location is incredible, and being able to offer something new and exciting to the area is fantastic for us. We can’t wait to open our doors later this year, meet our neighbours, and become a part of this iconic area of Manchester.”