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11 Must-Try Craft Beers in Manchester
Manchester has a proper mad scene for craft beer, bursting at the seams with spots serving everything from smooth session ales to hoppy IPAs. It’s a city that takes its brews seriously but not itself.
You’re spoilt for choice here, with breweries and taprooms churning out some of the most banging beers around. And in this guide, we’re diving into the cream of the crop, the must-try beers of Manchester. Let’s get started!
Heaton Hops
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Website: Heaton Hops
Address: 7 School Ln, Stockport, Manchester SK4 5DE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 442 3541
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 4PM-11PM
- Fri 2PM-12AM
- Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 2PM-11PM
Over in Heaton Moor, Heaton Hops is a legend; it’s a bar and bottle shop where the fridges are rammed with all sorts of brews – from your local heroes to exotic imports.
It’s no wonder they’ve bagged awards left, right, and centre, from CAMRA to MFDF. From your staple IPAs and pale ales to the wild world of sours, stouts, and lambic beers – they’ve got it all.
Fancy something from Squawk, Rivington Brewing Co, The Lakes Brewing Co, or Polly’s Brewing Co? They’re all here. And if you’re into your Belgian beers or fancy a throwback with some old-school ales, you’re in luck.
| Pro tip: Chat up the staff for their top picks – they’re always on point. |
Doghouse Manchester
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Website: Doghouse Manchester
Address: 18-20 Fountain St, Manchester M2 2AR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 832 1922
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 12PM-12AM
- Thu – Sat 12PM-1AM
- Sun 12PM-11PM
Doghouse isn’t just a bar; it’s a bleeding experience. Imagine kipping in one of their 18 boutique rooms, each kitted out with shower beer fridges, in-room beer taps, a banging mini-bar, and a vinyl collection that’s been hand-picked by some of Manchester’s music legends.
Downstairs, their taproom boasts 30 taps of the finest craft beer you can get your mitts on, not to mention a menu packed with monster burgers and spicy wings that’ll have you drooling. But wait, there’s more – they’ve got a rooftop bar too.
Perfect for soaking in some views with a craft beer or a fancy cocktail in hand, and maybe nibbling on some top-notch tacos.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the rooftop vibes – great beers, views, and tacos. What’s not to love? |
The Marble Arch
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Website: The Marble Arch
Address: 73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester M4 4HY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 832 5914
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
The Marble Arch ain’t just another pub—it’s like a time machine with a killer beer selection. But, it’s the scran that’ll keep you parked here. They’ve got a separate area just for dining, so you know they’re serious about their food.
Expect proper British grub – starters like haggis scotch egg or warm baked pretzels that’ll have you licking your fingers. Mains? Think classic pub fare but dialled up, like featherblade pie soaked in their own Manchester bitter or chicken with truffle mash.
Sundays are for roasts, obviously. And puddings? Their sticky toffee pudding is a belter, but the real dark horse is their cheeseboard; it’s got a bit of a rep around town for good reason.
| Pro tip: Save room for the cheeseboard. You won’t regret it. It’s a bit legendary. |
North Taproom: Circle Square
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Website: North Taproom: Circle Square
Address: Symphony Park, Manchester M1 7FS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 507 1990
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
North Taproom: Circle Square is where it’s at if you fancy your beers crafty and your cans fancy. Not just sticking to the brews, they’ve gone and put Negroni on tap – cheeky, right?
Their beer list is like War and Peace but for booze – pale ales, porters, pilseners, the works. And if you’re not on the drink, their alcohol-free selection is top.
Foodwise, Little Bao Boy runs the show, dishing up bao buns, gyoza, and loaded fries that are a bit of a game changer. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to try everything at least once.
| Pro tip: Give the Negroni on tap a whirl. It’s a bold move, but it pays off. |
The Old Wellington
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Website: The Old Wellington
Address: 4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Manchester M3 1SW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 839 5179
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11AM-11PM
- Sat 10AM-12AM
- Sun 10AM-10:30PM
Ever found yourself in The Old Wellington? It’s like stumbling into Manchester’s secret garden, except it’s bang in the city centre. With all its outside seating, surrounded by tall buildings, you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
This place ain’t just another pub; it’s like stepping back in time. The Old Wellington, right, along with Sinclair’s, got moved brick by brick back in the mid-90s – a proper big job after the city centre got a facelift.
Fancy a bite? They’ve got dishes like venison sausages and a cracking selection of gourmet pies that’ll sort you right out.
| Pro tip: Make sure to ask about their guest casks when you pop in. The selection changes regularly, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. |
The Old Fire Station
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Website: The Old Fire Station
Address: 47 Albion Pl, Crescent, Salford M5 4NL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 295 2155
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Fri 8AM-8PM
- Sat 9AM-8PM
Part of the University of Salford but open to all comers, The Old Fire Station is more than just a spot for a pint. It’s got that community vibe down—students learning the ropes in everything from brewing to baking while serving up first-class bevvies and bites.
Their pastries and coffee are a solid shout for the AM, but stick around for brunch—the bacon sarnie is a standout, and their chickpea and avocado salad isn’t half bad either.
Post-2pm, it’s all about the cakes and brews; speaking of, Lark Hill Brewery’s in-house, churning out everything from hazy IPAs to imperial stouts. With a cosy setup featuring eight keg taps and a couple of casks, it’s a top spot for tasting what’s brewing on the Crescent.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their bread-making classes. It’s a bit of fun, and you get to eat your homework. |
Pelican
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Website: Pelican
Address: 35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7761 800828
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 4PM-10PM
- Thur 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pelican is not just another boozer; it’s a proper haven for anyone who loves a bit of craft in their pint. With 14 keg lines and four cask ales, it serves everything from the hoppy delights of Squawk beers to a variety of guest brews.
Fancy something a bit different? Their Bloody Mary menu’s got you covered for those mornings after the nights before. But here’s the kicker – Pelican’s as welcoming as your nan’s living room.
Kids, dogs, and even your mate who’s a bit too into Dungeons & Dragons are all welcome. They’ve got your social calendar sorted too, with everything from quiz nights to DJ sets and, most crucially, pizza by the slice for when the munchies hit.
| Pro tip: Dive into their geeky games sessions. Even if you’re not a board game buff, it’s a laugh. |
Track Brewing Co
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Website: Track Brewing Co
Address: Unit 18, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 536 3975
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Thur 2PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-10PM
- Sun 12PM-8PM
Track’s got this brewing malarkey down to an art. Their taproom is a slice of the good life, with three cask ales and 20 keg lines that showcase the best of what they and their brew buddies can conjure up.
Expect everything from lip-smacking American pales to hearty porters. And yes, their Sonoma American Pale is pretty much a permanent fixture.
Got a four-legged friend or a kiddo in tow? They’re welcome too. And for those who fancy it, there’s even a running club – because nothing says ‘earned it’ like a pint post-jog.
| Pro tip: Hit up that first Wednesday of the month run. It’s social, it’s fun, and it ends with beer. |
Seven Bro7hers Media City
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Website: Seven Bro7hers Media City
Address: Media City, Orange Building, Salford M50 2HE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 228 2404
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thur 12PM-11:30PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-11PM
Seven Bro7hers is kicking it in Media City with a menu that’s all about bang for your buck without skimping on the taste. Burgers? They’ve got ’em in spades, from minted lamb to jerk chicken.
Fancy something different? Their hotpot special is a twist on a classic, and their hotdogs—we’re talking Grandad’s Sausages 12-inch in a brioche bun—are the stuff of legend.
Vegetarians and vegans, fear not, as you’re well looked after here with options like the halloumi burger or the Beyond Meat patty. And for afters? Keep it liquid with a sweet treat beer.
| Pro tip: Don’t pass up on the beer and burger deal. It’s a steal, and your wallet will thank you. |
Unit 9 Cloudwater Taproom
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Website: Unit 9 Cloudwater Taproom
Address: Piccadilly Trading Estate, Unit 9, Gidding Rd, Manchester M1 2NP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 6615943
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Thur 3PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-10PM
- Sun 12PM-7PM
Unit 9 got 20 draft lines, right, but it’s not just about the number; these pints are drawn from a cold store that’s kept at a crisp 3ºc, running through air-cooled, insulated ducting. Sounds fancy, but all you need to know is it means your beer’s always bang on.
Not a beer lover? No bother. They’ve got wine, some proper nice soft drinks, and local gin from indie producers. Weekdays, it’s cold snacks only, but come the weekend, you’ve got street food traders setting up shop.
Kids and dogs are welcome, and leave your fancy clothes at home, yeah? They do brewery tours and tastings, plus there’s this Cloudwater Camera Club that meets bi-monthly.
| Pro tip: Book one of those brewery tours. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain at a magic show, but for beer. |
Wolf At The Door
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Website: Wolf At The Door
Address: 30-32 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1ER, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 660 7177
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Wed 12PM-11PM
- Thur 12PM-1AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-2AM
Wolf At The Door, or WATD if you’re into the whole brevity thing, has got it sorted. Tacos, bao buns, and prices that make you feel like you’ve got one over on them. Jerk chicken tacos with a gravy that’s got a hint of beer to it, king prawn bao that’s a bit spicy with sriracha mayo.
But there’s more to it than just scoffing; upstairs, there’s a cocktail bar that’s all about breaking down barriers. You’re right there with the folks mixing your drinks, no “us and them” – just good vibes and better cocktails.
The craft ale selection is nothing to sniff at, either. They’ve got a range that’ll keep you coming back for more, just to try something new each time.
| Pro tip: Head upstairs for a cocktail or two. It’s a different world up there, and you won’t want to leave. |
