Carringtons has undoubtedly become a Mancunian icon, thanks to the 30 years on its belt. Its 2023 Decanter Award for Best Regional Wine Shop in the northwest isn’t just a small pat on the back—it’s a huge validation of our smashing taste as a city.

It stands out for the cracking fine wines, coming from both French and international brewers. Moreover, the round-the-clock online ordering is a godsend, with sound terms across the UK like £15 mainland delivery and free shipping for orders over £100.

There’s also a same-day delivery service across Greater Manchester for those in a rush—but that’s only if you order before 2:00 PM on weekdays. These deliveries cost less than a tenner and come within office hours, unlike the usual 2–5 days otherwise. 

We did a test and found our order landing at our city centre office within an hour, securely packaged and spot on to the last bottle. We’re glad that Carringtons cares for its online customers, too.

Cracking and affordable selection

“Great wine, beer, and whisky selection. Recommendations from Ross were amazing, especially for great bang for the buck bottles.”

Patrick Ryu, Google Review

Consistent over the years

“I’ve been a customer for over 14 years. Consistently has an amazing selection of German and continental lager, and now a larger selection than before of pale and IPA’s local and worldwide. Not a drinker of wine, but my partner has always had great recommendations on that front from the staff who are very knowledgeable on that front. A great shop, and long may it continue.”

Ashley Martin, Google Review

Simon Yarwood’s The Epicurean is for the proper beer aficionados. His hands-on approach successfully turned it into a beer lover’s paradise with three branches—the one in Didsbury is close to our hearts.

The drink selection here is dead good, with top-tier UK brews, Belgian and German classics, as well as North American craft beers (among other rare finds from across the globe). But what really reeled us in is the way the Epicurean looks after its community.

There’s free delivery within three miles of the Didsbury shop (or any of its shops, really) for orders over £50, and nationwide for those over £75. Buying anything below those amounts won’t be much of a bother with a tenner rate—fair enough for the shop, too.

It’s just quite sad that the Epicurean doesn’t deliver on the same day. Nonetheless, receiving your beers within three days scot-free is still a good deal.

Reasonably-priced beers

“Superb choice of beer, always great availability and the guys at the shop are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Reasonable prices too, as some craft beer places can be extortionate. I live up near Oldham but this has been my go to beer place for the last few years now, be it via delivery from the website or popping down myself.”

Michael Hoyland, Google Review

Top-notch selections

“Greatest beer shop about! Owner and staff are top-notch. I converted to non alcohol since becoming a new father and they’ve got a whole fridge dedicated to them! Great selection for everything else obviously 👍🏼”

Ersel Erdal, Google Review

Spouses Sam and Kelly spotted a gap in Prestwich’s beer scene and filled it brilliantly with Keg, Cask & Bottle. Since launching in 2019, this shop has built an impressive catalogue of UK and international brews that just keeps on growing!

Its staff picks (like the Schlenkerla Erle) are spot-on—we’re particularly chuffed enough to want to pop in regularly. However, travelling to Prestwich multiple times a week isn’t realistic, even for the best of us, so the delivery service is very convenient.

We’re quite in awe of the clever but still fair setup at Keg, Cask & Bottle.

Orders under 3kg (about half a stone) cost less than five quid to ship, though orders under £60 bump that fee to around eight. Hit £60 in your total order and delivery is free anywhere in the mainland UK.

Just plan ahead since shipping may take 2–4 days (up to 6 on holidays). The shop packs everything carefully, and if shipping goes awry, you’ll be assisted without much faff.

Ordering beers is simple

“Great selection of beers, good clean website. Simple ordering and picked up lunchtime the next day. Lots of precautions taken at the shop. Will definitely go again (if only for the big selection of Cloudwater beers!)”

Chris Neale, Google Review

Great shop to order from

“Really nice place, great to order online from for collection”

Abi Giles, Google Review

Heaton Hoops has been a stalwart for quality beer in Stockport for over a decade now, thanks to a wonderful collection of beers, ciders, and gin around the world, truly earning a stellar reputation as a top bottle shop.

What’s brilliant about its delivery setup is the low barrier to entry. Ordering just £35 worth of drinks will get you free delivery to its locality, including the Manchester neighbourhoods of Burnage, Levenshulme, Didsbury, and Withington.

The catch? You need to lock in your order before 9:00 AM, or you’ll be looking at a “next-day” delivery. Moreover, local rounds only happen from Tuesday to Friday, so definitely plan accordingly.

For the rest of the UK, the typical £60 minimum for free shipping applies. The goods are promised for arrival within two working days, but of course, delays can happen.

Even so, Heaton Hoops reliably keeps its customers updated—no need to wonder too much about where your order is.

Great ales for collection or delivery

“Great range of ales, lagers, porters, stouts, mini kegs, gins. Collection and delivery only at present. Excellent service.”

Michael Harrison, Google Review

Superb handling of online order

“Online order. Excellent service from Charlotte. Thank you 👍🏻”

B S, Google Review

Right at the heart of the Northern Quarter lies Beermoth. This Tib Street resident has been serving the Mancunian craft beer crowd since 2013.

Its impressive selection of local, European and American brews, will knock your socks off (if they haven’t been yet). Yet, we’re quite baffled with its delivery service.

It’s a bit quirky, you see. Local Manchester deliveries only happen on Saturdays and have a cutoff of 10:30 AM (don’t ask us why)—but they’re totally free for orders over £30. For the rest of us, standard UK delivery is £7.50 for orders under £50, then free once you hit the £60 mark. 

The only other mint detail about this delivery scheme is that it applies to almost everything—one-off purchases, gift selections, and even Beermoth’s monthly subscription service.

Overall great service in-person and online

“Fantastic beer selection and great service from very knowledgeable staff. All housed in  a lovely old building. Excellent online shop which I have used a few times so far.”

Gary Ellis, Google Review

Fantastic beer spot

“Been going in for 10+ years. Fantastic place for well made beer.”

Guy G, Google Review