RED Bank may sound like some nationalised financial institution in Jeremy Corbyn’s dreams. In fact, it’s a radical food and drink stronghold up the hill in the Green Quarter. Sharing the arches with RedBankCo cafe bar and Three Rivers Gin, Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co, latest addition to Manchester’s thrilling roster of craft breweries, is officially launching on Saturday, June 3.
Founder/brewer Paul Greetham (above) has been brewing there for a month now while soft launching with beers gypsy-brewed elsewhere. Now with their Manchester brews coming on stream it’s time to properly wet the head of the brewery tap room.
From 12pm to 10pm there’ll be the chance to try the likes of Beach Bum, a West Coast Pale Ale with sweet orange peel and lime zest, and Kiwi-influenced Farmhouse Hitchhiker. In total there will be six keg beers available at the taproom, including an Amber IPA, an East Coast Pale Ale, a Grapefruit Wheat Ale and an Australian Brown Ale with locally produced espresso (the operation also encompasses a micro coffee roastery, Mistress of Industry Coffee Co, which launches on the day).
Expect the party to spill out in the courtyard with DJs playing and a food stall from salt beef specialists, Pastrami Now. Their pastrami and salt beef is cured, slow cooked and served hot with pickles, cheese and their house pink and green sauces and sides of coleslaw and German potato salad.
The name is inspired by Greetham’s love of the US Beat movement of the Fifties and Sixties and iconoclastic kindred spirits who have revolutionised the American (and world) beer scene since. The Republic bit comes from Paul’s view of beer as a democratic, affordable drink. And if that doesn’t get your vote then the quality of the beers will.
“It’s taken a great deal of time, effort and resources for the brewery dream to become a reality,” explains Greetham, “We’ve successfully become operational and – although this is just the beginning of our new journey – we wanted to celebrate this milestone with a big party and welcome people to come and see (and taste!) what we’ve been able to do so far.”
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of local residents that have popped their head to see what we’re about – some of whom have never been in a brewery before – and have loved it! Giving people their first taste of craft beer is a great experience. Other small businesses, local CAMRA branches and neighbour breweries have also been enormously generous in their support and guidance. We feel very lucky to be here.”
Sat June 3, 12pm-10pm. Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co, 15 Red Bank Court, Manchester, M4 4HF. Free and unticketed. All beers are suitable for vegans. Ongoing tap room opening times will be Friday, 4pm-10pm and Saturday, 12pm-10pm.