In 'My Top 10' we grill local industry experts on their favourite foodie spots in Manchester. Where do brewers go for a pint? Where to chefs go for dinner? We wanted to find out.
This week we're joined by ShinDigger Brewing Co duo George Grant and Paul Delamer, the pair who made headlines after turning their student basement-brewing hobby into a serious business.
ShinDigger have released a brilliant line up of American style craft beers sold across Manchester and the UK, and recently announced a beer and music collaboration which we can't wait to try.
They've certainly earnt their stripes in the beer world, but let's see if they can bowl over TOM readers with their Manchester top 10 list. Over to George and Paul.
1. Top bar
George: Tough question as in Manchester we really are spoilt for choice. Cane & Grain pips it for me. 8 draft lines and they really went to town on the interior with 3 different themed bars including one with a secret door.
Paul: I’m going to go with Folk on Burton Road. I’ve always been a fan of the West Didsbury vibe and on a sunny evening the Folk beer garden is ace. It’s also staffed by a top group of guys.
2. Top pub
George: This one is easy for me. Knott Bar. It’s our local with our flat in Castlefields a 10 minute walk away. The beer selection is up there with the best in Manchester. It’s constantly rotating so you can always try something you haven’t tasted before.
Paul: Yep, Knott for me too!
3. Top Restaurant
George: To be honest I’m not really a big restaurant go-er. But I did have a banging prawn and chorizo sandwich in Common the other day!
Paul: Haven’t been eating out a huge amount recently either, but Mughli has always been a favourite of mine. I think they have a really refreshing and authentic take on Indian food compared to your standard curry place.
4. Top Spot For Everyday Eats
George: The new Kitchens concept in Spinningfields is amazing. With so many talented traders in one location cooking up different styles of food. We are based at Hello Work 2 minutes away so I feel I will be frequenting quite regularly!
Paul: I’m with George on this one too.
5. Top Newcomer
George: I had a Sunday wi-fi / coffee session in Tariff & Dale last week and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Word is the food is pretty good too.
Paul: Heaton Hops opened in spring in Heaton Moor and has a great keg beer selection for both local and national stuff.
6. Top Brewery
George: This is a very difficult one because the Manchester brewing community is absolutely buzzing at the moment. I am ever impressed with the innovation of Blackjack – they have a massive distribution business, involvement in many events, Jack in the Box in Alti and soon the Smithfield Tavern too. Plus I enjoy drinking their tasty Belgian style beers.
Paul: Alphabet Brewery. We’ve been storing our beer with those guys for the last month or so and have had a chance to get to know the head brewer Tom, who’s a great guy. They have hit the ground running with some really interesting beers. Their Flat White stout is a definite standout.
7. Top Café
George: I like Grindsmith or Takk depending on my whereabouts and it’s a straight coin toss between the two.
Paul: Having come from living off Tesco meal deals all week, I’ve now moved onto the freshly made salads, soups and toasties from Caffeine and Co, who are based in Hello Work (Old Granada Studios). Not only is lunch from there delicious, it’s also helping to keep the beer belly at bay.
8. Top Street Food Trader
George: Again, this is such a hard question as there are so many and they are all so different. I’m going to say Nasi Lemak, 50% because I love their Malaysian cuisine, and 50% because I love crazy Jimmy!
Paul: I think I’m going choose 4Lunch here. Firstly, they always have a tasty line up of homely food. Secondly, 4Lunch is a social enterprise doing some pretty cool things around getting young people fired up about food and helping their employability. I knew Amy who founded 4Lunch from uni so it’s been cool seeing them grow over the last few years.
9. Hidden Gem
George: Sandinistas. Nice bar tucked away on a side street off St Anne’s Square. Again good beer selection which you can probably tell is a pretty key factor for me!
Paul: I stumbled upon the Fitzergald in Northern Quarter quite recently and really enjoyed it. Definitely going back soon to get another fix of their rum and espresso cocktail.
10. Wild Card
George: The Lawn Club. Not really sure this qualifies as a wildcard but I’m going for it because sometimes Spinningfields has a bit of a bad rep. But Lawn Club is an independent, they’ve started getting some decent beers in and it’s a chilled place to hang out when the sun is out.
Paul: Probably the Cranks Coffee Co-op. Really nice coffee and cool seeing them riding back and forth to Levvy market with a coffee shop squeezed onto a trike.
If you're feeling inspired to try out some of George and Paul's top spots give us a shout @tastemanchester or #TasteofMCR, and let us know how you get on.
You can keep up to date with ShinDigger at their website or give them a like on their Facebook page.