Thirsty? Sometimes, only the cooling caress of the freshest pint or tinny will do, which is exactly what our guide to the best Manchester breweries and taprooms has in store. From classic citrusy IPAs to pours laced with bubblegum or a peanut butter, salted caramel and coffee combo, our local beer-makers certainly don't do their hops by halves.
🍻🏭🍺
Seven Bro7hers
A Manchester breweries list wouldn't be complete without Seven Bro7hers, whose influence on the city's beer scene means they have brewhouses in Ancoats, MediaCity, the airport and Middlewood Locks. Their Salford brewery and taproom is open for business too, including for tours, tastings or just a quick drink of the good stuff. We're particularly fond of the passionfruit and honeycomb pales here. Plus, newly opened 11 Central is a cool Salford Quays destination from these guys and Four Sis4ers (their gin brand).
This standout of the best taprooms in Manchester also brews right in Salford.
Cloudwater Brewery
A favourite craft brewery in our city is Cloudwater, which you'll find tucked away in the industrial estates behind Piccadilly station. The beers at the taproom here are kept below 5 degrees from tank to glass, ensuring top quality and the freshest taste once you bring the hoppy or malt-driven nectar to your lips. Try their coriander seed citrus sour or chuckleberry pale ale for moreish twists on classics.
Heaven in a glass.
Manchester Craft Beer Experience
Gonna struggle to pick just one from this list? Tackle multiple stops hand-picked by your guide on the Manchester Craft Beer Experience. Whether trying rare styles like grisettes and wild-fermented beers or guzzling your ol' IPAs is preferred, this tour will have something to suit you - whether you're a total aficionado or a newbie to the backstory behind your beer.
From Cloudwater onwards, this Manchester brewery tour takes you to the very best for £37.50 each.
Track Brewing Co
Track Brewing Co is a brewery and taproom that's certainly winning awards for its looks, thanks to industrial chic coupled with foliage scattered around the space. Another Piccadilly Trading Estate pick, this destination's drinks go up to a whopping 14.5% alcohol on their salted pretzel and dark chocolate imperial stout, while other flavours include peanut butter, salted caramel and coffee.
The Track taproom is a pretty cool spot to hang out.
Sureshot
Making up the third point of the 'Beermuda Triangle' with Track and Cloudwater, Sureshot is a Sheffield Street brewery and taproom that's all about small batch and high quality. Just a short stroll from Piccadilly station, they're a relative newbie to the scene and started selling their first beers in 2022. James Campbell is the man behind this project; a serial head brewer at some of the most respected independent breweries in the city - pushing the best new world styles before branching out on his own.
Out of all the small breweries in Manchester, this independent is relatively new on the block.
Bundobust Brewery
With a take on beer flavours that's as unique as they come, Bundobust Brewery's Indian street food menu continues its influence into the brewing. Expect chai massala porters, lime and coconut collabs with Northern Monk and (our favourite) the citrussy toasted coriander-flavoured pilsner. But if those aren't your thing, also expect a lineup of Kellerbier-style lager, juicy New England IPAs and the Big Peela pale ale coming in at a heady 7% ABV.
Bundobust Brewery is is one of the best breweries in Manchester city centre with food.
Shindigger Brewing Co
Shindigger Brewing Co might not have their own taproom just yet, but you can find them at places like Band On The Wall, or throwing regular DJ-led sessions throughout the spring and summer. Think leg-shaking 'til late alongside local artists, all while glugging their easy-drinking beer range - that's 'fruity bois', pilsners, West Coast IPAs and bubblegum German-style weiss.
The best brewery? These guys are vowing for the top spot.
Blackjack Brewing Co
Blackjack Brewing Co have a fascination with the classic beer styles of the UK's pubs, from nutty and malty brown ale to British heritage amber IPAs. But, don't be fooled; there's modern pours too, including hazy pales packed with gooseberry notes. Want to give these a whirl? Venture over to their market bar in Mackie Mayor or settle down at the Northern Quarter's Smithfield Tavern.
Find the best of British brews here.
Northern Monk Refectory
In support of our Northern cousins, the Manchester taproom of Northern Monk Refectory (a Leeds-based craft brewery) makes our list too. As well as guest pours on tap, alongside a choice of flavoured stouts, hazy pales and classic session IPAs, there's the most insane cheese-pull worthy food from Lazy Tony's Lasagneria. Want your drinks to takeaway instead? Then you'll get a 15% discount here.
Italian food paired with pints? You got it.
First Chop Brewing Arm
Taking a stand for all you beer-loving coeliacs and intolerant folk is First Chop Brewing Arm, the gluten-free local brewery. Their 'no-nonsense' classic bitter is aptly named MCR, in homage to our fine city, while low ABV cans are also available. Better yet, the spacious bar under some Salford railway arches also doubles as a great gig venue.
This craft beer brewery is fully gluten-free.
Pomona Island Brew
Adding to the Salford crew, Pomona Island Brew are an award-winning bunch that have quickly become city favourites, thanks to berry sours, classic helles and a saison flavoured with orange zest Darjeeling. But, where to find them being poured in Manchester? At The Gas Lamp on their very own Pomona pub, North Westward Ho, which serves 18 keg and 5 cask ale lines from their Chapel Walks location.
From vintage-look can labels to unique flavours, Pomona are all kinds of cool.
ÖL Brewery & Bar
The smallest of micro breweries in Manchester, ÖL is actually classed as nano. Making up that iconic pink container you can see from Oxford Road, this one is a must-visit if you're after something different to your usual taproom experience. While Hatch itself might be closed, this contemporary space is still going strong, serving up its own beers, alongside plenty of innovative numbers from other locals and beyond.
ÖL has unique settings covered.
Manchester Union Brewery
As the city's only company dedicated to craft lager, Manchester Union Brewery has quite the following among enthusiasts. Traditional Central European brewing techniques are used to create a much more modern taste - and one that's uniquely Mancunian. Their taproom hosts regular events too, while stockists across town include Exhibition, Blinker and Edinburgh Castle.
Lager is no longer the lesser brew (and we don't think it ever was).
The Runaway Brewery
This former city centre staple made a permanent move to Stockport relocation to expand - meaning The Runaway Brewery is our top choice of places outside of Manchester itself, but it's still an absolute belter. They run Saturday tours of the microbrewery, while the famous dog-friendly taproom and beer garden also offers the freshest of hops, malt and yeast-led drinks on-site.
Onwards and upwards for this Manc favourite.
If you like this, then you'll love our lowdown on craft beer bars. Plus, you can sign up to our newsletter and stay in the loop.
