Craft Beer Tour around Manchester

Discover Manchester’s Craft Beer Scene with a Guided Tour

Looking for a fun and authentic way to experience Manchester? This craft beer tour, led by friendly guides, offers a deep dive into the city’s bustling microbrewery scene, all within a comfortable 3 hours and 30 minutes. For just about $62 per person, you’ll visit some of the coolest local breweries and bars, enjoy generous samples of local craft beers, and learn about Manchester’s brewing history and process. Starting at the Fell Northern Quarter at 1:30 pm, the tour takes you through a series of carefully selected spots, finishing at the Sureshot Taproom.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides—like Isla or Fred—bring a friendly, informative vibe that makes even non-beer drinkers feel involved. Second, you’ll get to see parts of Manchester that you might not stumble upon on your own, making it as much about exploring the city as tasting its beers. That said, one thing to consider is that most beers sampled tend to be IPA styles, so if dark beers or stouts are your favorites, you might wish for a bit more variety.

This tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts, social travelers, or anyone celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or bachelor party. It’s also suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate, and it’s a great way to meet fellow visitors while discovering Manchester’s craft scene firsthand.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit hand-picked Manchester breweries and bars, avoiding tourist traps.
• Inclusive Sampling: All beer tastings are included, offering a broad range of styles.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Isla and Fred are praised for their friendliness and expertise.
• Social Atmosphere: Small group sizes (up to 20) encourage conversations and new friendships.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.
• Part of a Fun Celebration: Ideal for birthdays, bachelor(ette) parties, or casual outings.

An In-Depth Look at the Craft Beer Tour

Starting Point: Fell Northern Quarter

The adventure begins at the Fell Northern Quarter on Dale Street at 1:30 pm. This central location is near public transportation, making it easy to access. The tour kicks off with a brief intro from your guide, setting the tone for a relaxed and engaging afternoon. We loved the way the tour starts here, with a friendly atmosphere that immediately makes you feel part of a small, eager group.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

After the initial meet-up, your guide will lead you through a series of stops at Manchester-based breweries and craft beer bars. The total duration is around 3 hours and 30 minutes, which strikes a good balance—enough time to sample beers without feeling rushed.

The first stop lasts approximately 40 minutes, giving everyone a chance to settle and get their first taste. Each location was carefully selected to showcase Manchester’s thriving microbrewery scene, emphasizing quality, innovation, and local flavor.

What Makes Each Stop Special

While the exact breweries visited are not named, reviews highlight that the chosen spots feature diverse beer styles, though most tend to lean toward IPAs. One reviewer mentioned a desire for more dark beers, but overall, the selection was appreciated for its variety and quality. The guide’s insight into the brewing process and local beer history adds depth, making each tasting more meaningful.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guests praise guides like Isla and Fred for their friendly demeanor and vast knowledge. They keep the mood light and informative, balancing fun facts about Manchester’s brewing scene with engaging conversation. One reviewer called Fred “a very friendly guy, easy to chat to,” and that sense of approachable expertise made the tour memorable.

Meeting New People and Social Aspects

With a maximum of 20 travelers per group, the tour fosters a cozy environment where strangers quickly become friends. Many reviews mention the fun group dynamic and the chance to meet like-minded beer lovers, making it as much a social experience as a tasting one.

The Ending: Sureshot Taproom

The tour concludes at the Sureshot Taproom, a local favorite, where you can continue sampling or just relax after your brewery visits. The final stop offers the chance to discuss your favorites from the day and soak in more local atmosphere.

The Value of This Experience

At $61.97, this tour offers excellent value considering the included beer samples, guided insights, and the opportunity to explore Manchester’s microbrewery culture firsthand. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour’s length strikes a good balance—long enough to see several spots but not so lengthy as to tire you out.

Compared to DIY pub crawling, this organized experience guarantees you’ll try a curated selection of the best Manchester has to offer without the guesswork. Plus, the added educational component about brewing techniques and local history enriches the tasting experience beyond just drinking.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is ideal for beer lovers eager to discover local brews in an authentic setting. It’s also well-suited for groups celebrating special occasions or travelers wanting a social, guided experience. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll likely meet new friends here too. However, if dark beers or stouts are your favorite, you might find the beer variety somewhat IPA-heavy, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Manchester craft beer tour offers a friendly, well-organized way to sample some of the best local brews while learning about beer-making and Manchester’s vibrant microbrewery scene. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge make it a memorable experience, especially for those interested in the stories behind the beers.

The small group size and inclusive tastings make this a practical choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, social afternoon. It’s perfect for curious travelers, beer aficionados, or those celebrating a special day in the city. Even if you’re just looking for an enjoyable way to see a different side of Manchester, this tour delivers.

While the focus on IPAs might not satisfy everyone craving darker beers, the overall quality and local focus make it a worthwhile investment. The tour’s length, cost, and curated stops mean you get good value and a pleasant, authentic experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, providing enough time to visit several breweries and enjoy plenty of samples.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Fell Northern Quarter, 35 Dale St, Manchester, at 1:30 pm.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s a good fit for those interested in Manchester’s craft beer scene. Service animals are allowed.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, which encourages a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

Are all beer samples included in the price?
Yes, all tastings are included, offering a good variety of local beers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by The Craft Tour Company.

What’s the ending location?
It finishes at the Sureshot Taproom in Manchester.

Is transportation included?
Transportation isn’t specified, but the locations are within walking distance from each other, near public transit.

Would this tour suit a birthday or special celebration?
Absolutely—reviews mention it as a fun option for birthdays or bachelor/ette parties.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just after a relaxed way to explore Manchester, this guided craft beer tour offers plenty of flavor, insight, and social fun—an experience worth raising a glass to.