There are many breweries in Manchester nowadays and the craft beer and brewery trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you love nothing more than tasting independent craft beer, this is the article for you. Read-on to discover five of the best breweries in operation in Manchester.
Runaway Brewery
Location:
The Runaway Brewery
Unit 4 Millgate
Dantzic Street
Manchester
M4 4JW
Runaway has been receiving a wave of positive reviews and it’s easy to see why. Runaway is located in the railway arches and is a truly independent establishment, which does things its own way. Inside, the Runaway has a rustic, modern look.
The Runaway team brew by hand in small batches with a respect for tradition. As they state on their website, “for us, brewing isn’t just about the end product, it’s about the process”.
They brew a small core range of beers as well as some seasonal specials. The beers range from pales and yeast-led Saisons to IPAs and malt brown ales. You can also sup beers which are inspired by a specific ingredient.
The tap room is open on Saturdays from 12 – 8pm, where you can try all the Runaway beers.
Runaway also offer informative, yet informal tours of the brewery (including free samples) every Saturday at 12pm. They last between 60 and 90 minutes and cost £12.
Opening hours:
Saturday: 12 – 8pm
Alphabet Brewing Company
Location:
Alphabet Brewing Company
99 North Western St
Manchester
M12 6JL
Alphabet Brewing is a small craft brewery which is focused on designing quality, original beers. Visitors laud the laid-back vibe and the variety and quality of beers on offer.
The beers on offer include stouts, pales, IPAs, and pilsner style lagers. The Alphabet Brewing team also get creative through experimenting with different ingredients to create special, limited edition beers
Food stalls are also running routinely around the brewery, serving up fresh and delicious food, which will be warmly welcomed if the tasty beer has made you a bit peckish.
Also, a sound system is regularly in operation which brings an entertaining and lively atmosphere.
Opening Hours:
Friday: 5 – 10pm
Saturday: 12 – 10pm
Blackjack Brewery
Location:
Blackjack Brewery
Irk St
Manchester
M4 4JT
Blackjack Brewery is a well-known outfit among those in-the-know. Blackjack is not just a standard brewery, it also hosts many regular, entertaining events with live DJs, scrumptious international food and, of course, an excellent variety of beer.
This specific address is where you will find these events. The monthly brew tap brings together great beers, food and friendly people resulting in a happy, chilled atmosphere which is hard to beat.
The outdoor beer garden is marvellous on those infrequent sunny Manchester days too. Unfortunately, blackjack tables offering the chance to win are not on offer, but if you are in the market, online casinos such as Fortune Frenzy are a great place to start.
The main Blackjack Brewery does not have regular opening hours. But fear not, there are two other places in Manchester which are run by the same Blackjack crew.
The Blackjack Taphouse at Smithfield Market Tavern is located just on the edge of the Northern Quarter at 37 Swan Street, M4 5JZ.
It is open from 4pm – 11pm on Mondays, 2pm – 12am on Tuesdays – Fridays, 12pm -12am on Saturdays and 12 – 11pm on Sundays.
Jack in the Box is in Altrincham at 20-24 Market Street, Altrincham, WA14 1SA. The opening hours here are 12-10pm Monday – Sunday.
Beer Nouveau
Location:
75 North Western Street
Manchester
M12 6DY
This is a place for true beer connoisseurs. There is a fantastic selection of locally crafted beers on offer at this small, homely place. Beer Nouveau has a friendly, relaxing vibe which is very endearing.
The host, Steve, is truly passionate about the craft of beer making. He is an expert on the history of brewing, and his knowledge is encyclopaedic. It is a joy for any true beer lover to be in the company of someone like Steve.
Beer Nouveau focus on historic and heritage beers. They rebrew recipes from as far back as Ancient Egyptian and Viking times. Also, experimental beers which often contain foraged ingredients are often available.
The only regularly brewed beer at Beer Nouveau is the 4% Peterloo, which is a light porter.
This is the place for those who really want to immerse themselves in the world of craft beer making, true to its source.
Opening hours:
Friday: 4 – 10pm
Saturday: 12 – 10:30pm
Cloudwater Brew Co.
Location:
Cloudwater Brew Co.
Unit 9 Piccadilly Trading Estate,
Manchester
M1 2NP
Cloudwater is a well-known brewing company in craft beer quarters. This tap room is located at the top of quite a steep set of stairs, but it is worth the climb.
Cloudwater serve a great selection of beers at a very fair price of £3.50 per Cloudwater beer. It can get busy here at weekends, so it might not be the place for those who prefer a laid-back brewery experience.
The beers on the current tap menu include pales, IPAs, hoppy lagers, and a selection of fruity offerings.
Also, you can book a brewery tour through the Cloudwater if you want to get a better idea of the brewing process.
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Friday: 3pm – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 10pm
Image courtesy of Cloudwater Brew Co via Twitter, with thanks.
