Manchester’s beer scene is having a moment – and frankly, it’s long overdue.
Whether you're a full-on hop head or just fancy a proper pint in good company, there’s no shortage of local breweries worth getting to know. From big names doing international collabs to small-batch newcomers brewing with purpose, the city’s got it all.
This guide pulls together some of our favourite breweries in Manchester right now — ones making great beer and doing something a little different while they’re at it.
1. Marble Beers – The Cask Pioneer
Marble Beers has been around longer than most in the Manchester craft scene (since 1997, to be exact). They’re best known for perfecting the kind of cask pale ales that other brewers still measure themselves against. Pint, their flagship session ale, is light, sharp and endlessly drinkable.
While other breweries lean into trends, Marble stays true to their roots. If you’ve never been, head to the Marble Arch – it’s a beautiful pub, worth a visit architecture alone, but the beer will make it unforgettable.
2. Cloudwater Brew Co. – The Game-Changer
Launched in 2015, Cloudwater didn’t just join the craft beer movement – they helped reshape it. Their early hazy IPAs drew international attention, and they’ve kept pushing boundaries ever since.
From soft pale ales to impeccably clean lagers, everything Cloudwater does feels deliberate and dialled in. The brewery taproom near Piccadilly is a great place to try something new – whether that’s a seasonal collab or one of their small-batch releases fresh from the tanks.
3. Track Brewing Co. – The Pale Ale Perfectionists
Just a stone’s throw from Cloudwater, Track is a firm favourite among Manchester beer fans – and for good reason. They’ve built a reputation on consistency, quality, and balance.
Beers like Sonoma strike that rare sweet spot: flavourful without being overwhelming, and endlessly sessionable. Their taproom is warm, friendly, and always buzzing – a perfect reflection of the beers themselves.
4. Runaway Brewery – The Under-the-Radar Favourite
Runaway Brewery has never been the loudest name on the Manchester scene, but they’ve quietly built a solid reputation among people who really know their beer.
You’ll find them in the Green Quarter, brewing everything from dark porters to delicate saisons. The beers are thoughtful, well-made, and always worth your time. They often pair up with DJs, food vendors and markets too – giving their taproom a real neighbourhood feel.
5. Seven Bro7hers – The Family Brand That’s Everywhere
Founded by seven actual brothers from Salford, Seven Bro7hers has grown fast – but they’ve never lost their sense of fun. The beers are accessible and often playful (Honeycomb Pale, Watermelon Wheat, etc.) but always drinkable.
They’ve got a few venues now dotted around Greater Manchester, each with its own personality. If you’re looking for a lively spot to try a flight or grab a pint and some grub, they’ve nailed that combo.
6. Sureshot Brewing – The New School Haze Masters
A relative newcomer, Sureshot has already made a name for itself thanks to punchy, hop-forward beers and eye-catching branding. Behind it is James Campbell – a name that’ll ring a bell for anyone familiar with Manchester’s brewing past (he previously worked at Marble and Cloudwater).
Their beers lean hazy, bold and modern – think juicy IPAs with loads of flavour and not a hint of compromise. Their taproom’s just off Piccadilly and makes for a great starting point on a weekend beer crawl.
7. Stubborn Mule Brewery – The Indie Workhorse
Operating out of Altrincham, Stubborn Mule keeps things grassroots. They brew, package, and even deliver their own beer – a rarity in the current scene. Their beers are big, bold and straight-talking, much like the brand itself.
Expect hefty stouts, solid IPAs, and a general no-fuss attitude to good beer. The taproom is a community hub with a loyal local crowd, and it’s always a good time.
8. Balance Brewing & Blending – The Wild One
Balance isn’t like most breweries on this list. They specialise in mixed fermentation, barrel-ageing, and blending – slow beers with complex flavour profiles that evolve over time.
It’s not your typical pint-and-a-packet-of-crisps kind of place. But if you like saisons, sour blends, or anything that tastes a bit wild and rustic, this is a brilliant little corner of the city to explore. The taproom’s intimate and low-key, with a really unique vibe.
9. Tūn Brewing – The Purpose-Driven Newcomer
Tūn Brewing might be one of the newest names on the Manchester beer scene, but they’re already building a solid reputation. Their beers are all gluten-free and vegan, but what really stands out is the flavour – clean, well-balanced, and brewed with care.
They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, just make really good beer. Their hazy NEIPA and Lemondrop Pilsner are both proof of that – easy-drinking, full of character, and properly refreshing. There’s no taproom yet, though fingers crossed that changes by 2026. For now, you can order straight from their website.
Final Pour
Manchester has no shortage of great beer – but what makes this city really special is the range of styles, stories, and personalities behind the breweries. Whether you’re into traditional cask ales, juicy hop bombs, or wild-fermented sours, there’s something here for every kind of drinker.
So next time you're out and about, skip the big names and head straight to the source. The best breweries in Manchester are making some of the most exciting beer in the UK – and they’re just getting started.
