If there is one thing the folks of Manchester know, it’s what makes a really, really good pint.
In recent years, the city has emerged as one of the most innovative, exciting and renowned brewing hubs not only in the UK, but right across Europe.
With that, comes an eclectic mix of taprooms where you can pull up a chair and grab a pint so fresh, the only way it could be topped is if you stuck your head under the tap itself.
Below, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to all the breweries in or around the city centre, where you can pull up a chair and drink directly from the source.
Another force of North West brewing, Salford-born Pomona Island boast an elite understanding of hops that has led to some incredible and unpredictable creations.
Their can art has become the stuff of legend too.
Their taproom is now actually based out of Freight Island, which is nothing if not convenient.
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The rise of extravagant IPAs has led to Lager taking a bit of a backseat in recent times.
Not at Manchester Union though. Pouring out of their Piccadilly spot, their unique brewing method has ensured when it comes to proper lager, simply put, no one does it better.
Paying close attention to the way our lifestyles change throughout the season, Cloudwater have modeled their process on creating booze for special moments with friends and loved ones.
Dip into their unit behind Piccadilly to see exactly why that approach has worked so well, for so long.
Small-batch microbrewers Runaway combine traditional brewing with contemporary style to create consistently sublime creations.
Their taproom also comes complete with a generous outdoor area that is a seriously lovely place to drink the evening away—just bring your big coat.
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If you’re looking for something a little more fruity from your pint, then the team at Alphabet are well worth a visit.
Since 2014, they’ve been specialising in ‘hop-forward and fruit-led’ pours designed to be accessible to seasoned and recent beer connoisseurrs alike.
A huge local success story, Guy, Keith, Luke, Dan, Nat, Kit and Greg and we are seven brothers from Salford who have gone from strength to strength in their brewing journey.
While they’ve since gone on to open stellar sites in Middlewood Locks and Ancoats, their original brewery still operates its taproom where it all began in Salford.
Beer Noveau offer something a little different, specialising in historic and heritage beers from as far back as ancient Egypt and Viking times.
The team are also known for their experimental recipes, often using foraged ingredients to create genuinely one-of-a-kind pints.
Since starting their journey a decade ago, Blackjack have cemented themselves as a proper Mancunian favourite. Their award-winning pub, The Smithfield Tavern has long been one of our favourite spots, but their recently reopened brewtap is a glorious spot for the summer months.
Launched in 2017, the team at Wander Beyond approach their brewing process with inspiration from their love of the outdoors and adventure, developing a ‘surreal and exciting world to reflect the flavour of their beers’.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 16 Jun 2022
First started back in 2008, Track is now one of the city’s most revered names in beer.
During a trip to the US, founder Sam frequented the small taprooms scattered across the East and West Coast—this is where inspiration for Track struck.
Born from an idea that beer was more than a way to end the day, instead a way to reflect, connect and share.