TASTE of Manchester always saw the two Dockyard pubs at Media City and Spinningfields Leftbank as very Stateside in inspiration. So no surprise that Dockyard supremo Steve Pilling’s latest venture is the city centre’s first brewhouse. Site – the new frontier that is First Street, but step inside and you could be in Portland or Austin.
The Gasworks brew bar, which opens to the public on Friday, October 28, is indeed a handsome, shiny beast. The micro-brewery is displayed in a glass box with a mirrored wall, allowing punters a full view of the whole process. Post-industrial chic, like the bar design, in homage to the old very un-chic Graythorn Gasworks that once stood on this site.
Another Manchester institution, Holt’s Brewery has a hand here. Its boutique Chorlton spin-off, Bootleg Brewing Co, has helped train Gasworks’ two in-house brewers and their range (not a ToM fave, alas) will join the likes of the likes of local stars Track, Alphabet, Runaway, Squawk, Se7en Brothers, Brightside at the long bar boasting six cask pumps and eight keg.
The focus, though, at this “21st century local pub” (Steve Pilling’s words) will be on Gasworks’ own signature brew, Refractory Pale Ale, which promises a feast of hoppiness. Up to three beers can be brewed on-site at a time by the six barrel brewery and the brewmasters Luke and Matt (below) plan to invite local brewers in for collaborations (again so States).
If the brewery is determinedly micro, the tap itself is mega with a 400 capacity, including 100 covers outside. As with the Dockyards, expect substantial pub grub, sandwiches, burgers, pies and Sunday roasts.
We’d suggest a perfect night out would be Indian veggie at neighbouring Tiffin Room, a couple of pints at Gasworks, then a show at Home (with perhaps a quick nightcap back in the Gasworks).
Gasworks Brew Bar First Street, Manchester, M15.
