Two breweries based in Ardwick are facing very different fates – with one set to close while the other is aiming to double its lager production.
Steve Dunkley, founder of Beer Nouveau, announced on 5 October the equipment and brewery tap are being put up for sale.
He told Mancunian Matters: “People aren’t going out as much, which means pubs, bars, and the breweries that supply them are suffering.
“We’re hoping to sell the venue with the kit in place so that someone else can continue where we leave off.
“It’s possible for someone coming into the industry now to do well from it, and I hope we find a buyer who can manage that.”
The popular brewery started in Dunkley’s garage and was the smallest commercial brewery in 2014; it then grew into a brewery that specialises in historic and heritage beers.
The brewery opened its Ardwick site in 2015, where customers could try a range of experimental beers or attend events.
However, another brewery located on North Western Street is faring very differently.
Manchester Union brewery launched in 2018 and currently makes more than 6300 pints a week – but this is set to increase to 9500 by Christmas 2022.
The brewery is Manchester’s first and only dedicated craft lager brewery, renowned for its unique brewing methods – a technique called decoction mashing.
Three new state-of-the-art brewing tanks have been installed at the current site, which will enable the company to double its capacity to 12,672 pints per week and over 650,000 per year by spring 2023.
Will Evans, co-founder of Manchester Union Brewery, said: “ We’re looking forward to embarking on our ambitious growth plans to take Manchester Union Brewery to the next level … without ever losing our Manchester swagger.”
The brewery is also looking to move to a new site within the next three years, and open its own tap room in the city centre.
Co-founder Jamie Scahill added: “2023 is going to be a huge year for us and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Image: Manchester Union Brewery
