Manchester's Best Craft Beer Bars

This alcoholic beverage is always making a ripple across hospitality, courtesy of the unique cans, kegs and pints whipped up by small, independent companies or industry giants. To keep you hoppy? Check out our guide to the best pubs, breweries and bars for craft beer in Manchester.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 18th March 2025



BrewDog Outpost Manchester

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Located on Oxford Road is BrewDog Outpost Manchester, one of its many bars across the city including Peter Street and Doghouse. It's the perfect haunt to hit up for craft beer enthusiasts, as it offers a beer school where you can learn more about the process behind its signature sips, as well as the art of food pairings. You'll be able to enjoy on-off creations here too, from its onsite microbrewery. 

The Gasworks Brew Bar

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Built on the site of the old Gaythorn Gas Works, The Gasworks Brew Bar is a prime spot for craft beer right in the heart of the city. Brought to you by the team behind The Dockyard pubs, this industrial space features rustic interiors with a modern twist.

The in-house brewery is slinging out some of the freshest pints around, served directly from tank to tap. Whether you're playing shuffleboard or just coming along for a few drinks, you can also enjoy tasty food from Thief Street - think Korean barbecue waffle fries, chicken katsu curry or juicy burgers.

11 Central

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If you're looking to sip some seriously good craft beers, then you're going to want to hit up 11 Central. Overlooking the waterfront, this special joint is in a league of its own, with a menu featuring modern British cuisine and a bar whipping up bespoke cocktails along with a pint of the finest. Come for one and stay for the live entertainment or gin school.

Beatnikz

Ever tried a stroopwafel stout? How about a soft serve frozen pint? This Northern Quarter haunt is anything but ordinary. Check out Beatnikz Brewery to soak up an unusual selection of drinks in the right heart of Manchester.

Studio Bar

Formerly The Beer Studio, could you expect anything less than great drinks from here? Snagging their name as one of the best places to drink craft beer in Manchester, this charming favourite is churning out beloved and favoured names, alongside independent bottles. 

Northern Monk Refectory MCR

Offering some of the most popular beer in Manchester is Northern Monk Refectory, who made their way down to the city from Leeds. These craft pints are second-to-none, and the rotating kitchen residencies have offered everything from huge wedges of lasagne to succulent chicken and waffles.

Bundobust

The home of craft beer and food in Manchester, Bundobust is dishing out Indian veggie burgers, paneer tikka and egg burjhis. But drinks don't go unnoticed either, with a cracking selection of pints for all palates. We're talking cask ales, chai cider and rotational keg lines pouring different kinds of brews.