About this tour

Manchester's craft beer scene is one of the most exciting in the country, from the railway-arch breweries clustered around Piccadilly to the independent taprooms that have sprung up right across the city. This guided walking tour is the relaxed, sociable way to get under its skin. Enjoyed by more than 1,000 guests, it pairs a gentle stroll between four hand-picked taprooms with ten craft beer tastings and plenty of expert commentary — a proper Manchester brewery tour and beer tasting rolled into one easygoing afternoon.

What you'll do

The afternoon begins at Cloudwater Brew Co, a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly, before you set off on foot between four hand-picked brewery taprooms. The distances between venues are deliberately short, so the pace stays gentle and the focus stays firmly on the beer. Across the four stops you'll enjoy ten craft beer tastings poured for you along the way, taking in a broad spread of styles as the afternoon unfolds. Expect a mix of atmospheres along the route, from polished modern taprooms to characterful independent spaces with plenty of local flavour. It all adds up to a genuinely local snapshot of how the city drinks.

Guiding you throughout is a certified beer educator, on hand to talk you through every pour — how the beers are made, what sets one style apart from another, and how Manchester's independent breweries fit into the wider craft scene. There's time to relax and chat between pours, making it a great option for a group of friends, a birthday or a low-key day out. Low- and no-alcohol options and gluten-free choices are available on request, so everyone in the group can take part.

Good to know

  • Around 3.5 hours at a gentle walking pace, with only short distances between venues
  • Runs on the last Saturday of each month
  • Starts at Cloudwater Brew Co, a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly
  • Ten craft beer tastings across four hand-picked taprooms
  • Low- and no-alcohol and gluten-free options available on request
  • Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance
  • A relaxed, sociable afternoon that's been trusted by over 1,000 guests
  • Private group bookings available on request

What's included

  • Ten craft beer tastings across four venues
  • A certified beer educator as your guide
  • Hand-picked taproom route with short walks between venues
  • Low/no-alcohol and gluten-free options on request

Where we meet

Cloudwater Brew Co, near Manchester Piccadilly — full joining instructions are sent with your booking confirmation.