This weekend, one of Manchester's leading independent breweries, First Chop Brewing Arm, is throwing open its doors and welcoming all and sundry inside for a big knees up. Part of a monthly series of parties, the First Chop team welcome friends and fans, among whom number a host of street food vendors and DJs, into the brewery and venue, to celebrate a whole year in business.
Over the course of 2013 and 2014, First Chop has won a number of awards for its beers. Most are named after three letters: SYL, TEA and TOC for example, and they are adventurous blends of cool hops, inspired by the British craft beer revolution.
You can try all the beers currently available in the bar under the railway arches, or chill out outside, watching the world go by and sampling street food from vendors like Fire and Salt BBQ and Honest Crust - although this month's guest chefs are still TBC. Live bands will be playing in the spacious venue at the back, and party people can have a bounce in the bouncy castle that's been hired to mark 12 months in the game.
A new limited edition single hop beer, First Chop Good Measure, will be available on the day, the first in a hopeful number of collaborations as First Chop team up with British clothing company, Good Measure.
Brewed from mosaic hops and sold at just ten venues around the Greater Manchester areas, its a synthesis of style and substance. Mosaic is the current darling of the hop world, and its powerful character lies at the heart of this smooth, pale amber ale with a rounded, caramelly malt base.
First Chops Richard Garner describes the taste as a tropical fruit explosion. First Chop Good Measure beer is available during June and July only.
Sat 28 Jun, First Chop Brewing Arm, Unit 3, Trinity Way, Salford, M3 5EN. Tel 07970 241398. 2pm-late, FREE, www.facebook.com