The craft-beer revolution is well underway in Greater Manchester, with the region now boasting more than 77 breweries and 11,000 products to choose from.
So why is Manchester, home of the industrial revolution, now an epicentre of the micro-brewing revolution?
Mancunian Matters went to one of Manchester’s newest microbreweries, The Gasworks, to find out why.
“It’s a luxury product, a quality product,” said operations manager Youssef Spiro.
“It’s about producing a small amount that maybe sits a point or two above what we’re used to in terms of quality.
“People seem to be happy to pay a premium for it.”
The enthusiasm for craft beer is being seen around the UK. Last year the number of UK breweries rose by 8% to around 1,700 according to accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.
But why is Manchester becoming a ‘northern powerhouse’ of craft beer?
“It’s just a cool spot isn’t it?” said Youssef.
“It comes as no surprise that the craft beer scene is burgeoning here.”
Youssef feels that it’s only natural that Manchester would be leading the craft beer revolution given its reputation as a city that produces cultural pioneers.
“In the words of AA Gill, Manchester is a city that drinks first and eats second!” Youssef added.
