HANDS up, who has had their fill of hops and malts midway through this 10-day Manchester Beer Week (June 23-July2)? Thought not and there’s so much to look forward to this closing weekend – not least two amazingly well-stocked festivals – CAMRA’S the Central Manchester Beer and Cider Festival and the ‘craftier’ Pilcrow Summer Beer Thing.
The former, starting on Thursday, June 29 the is a cask ale cask ale showcase curated by the Central Manchester branch of CAMRA at the 53two Theatre on Albert Street. Entry prices are £2 for the Thursday session; £3 on Friday (£5 after 5pm), and £4 on Saturday. Pay on the door. CAMRA members receive a £2 discount on all sessions across the three days (June 29-July1).
A day later on Friday 30th The Pilcrow (above), the NOMA quarter’s ‘hand-made pub’ in Sadler’s Yard near Victoria Station launch their three day parade of 230 of the best craft beers around served from 74 taps and ranked according to styles in the marquees. Running order here.
Tickets cost £8 a day session, Friday and Saturday,12pm-11pm and £6 on Sunday, 12pm-8pm. Buy them here or pay on the door. Every beer will be served in a 1/3 pint measure (a 10 token bundle will be available at £20 which equates to £2 per beer). The Pilcrow will be open to the public as normal throughout Summer Beer Thing.
In addition there’s food from Yakumama (Latin American street food), Common Kitchen (burgers from NQ mainstay), Woodfiresmoke (sourdough pizzas) and Al Pastor Paul (Mexican inspired tacos and burritos).
Manchester Beer Week’s own (free) closing party is on Sunday, June 2, 2pm-12am at the neighbouring venues of The Smithfield Tavern and Band On The Wall with an abundance of live music on offer.
Until then, if you are not flagging, check out this week’s citywide events here. Highlights include two carnivore treats on Wednesday the 28th – BBQ Blow-out and Beer Pairing at Beatnikz Republic brewtap and Beastro Meets The Brewers at the Spinningfields restaurant (above), acclaimed Geordie brewery Wylam taking over Port Street Beer House on Thursday the 29th and an evening with Buxton Brewery at Cafe Beermoth on Friday, June 30; and on Saturday, July 1, a real treat – Unit 101 on North Western Street are hosting a £35 a head six course tasting menu, food from Not Another Pop Up, brews from the inimitable Wild Beer.
Main picture is of Steve Dunkerley, pioneer of Beer Nouveau brewery at 75 North Western Street, which is hosting the Manchester Homebrew Expo on the closing day (July 2) of the Beer Week. Here the tyro brewers of the future hone their skills, hoping like Steve to make the leap from kitchen or garage to their own successful brewery one day.