Manchester: Craft Beer Tour with Tastings & Brewery Visits

Summary

Manchester’s craft beer spots, stories from brewers, real local flavor

You’ll taste 10 different craft beers across Manchester’s best breweries and bars, guided by locals who know their stuff. Expect stories from brewers, new flavors every stop, and plenty of laughs along the way. With all drinks included and city pickup sorted, it’s a relaxed way to get into Manchester’s craft beer scene — even if you can’t pronounce half the names.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first sip — something citrusy and sharp, not what I expected at all. We’d just squeezed into this narrow bar off a side street in Manchester, rain still clinging to our jackets. Our guide (I think his name was Tom?) grinned when he saw my face and said, “That one wakes you up.” He was right. The place smelled like hops and old wood, and there was this low hum of people talking — not loud, but it felt like everyone had something to say about the beer in their hand.

The tour moved quick but never rushed; we’d barely finished comparing notes on the last pint before we were out again, weaving past murals and buses. At one stop, a brewer with tattooed arms explained how they used local water — apparently that’s a big deal here — and handed us these tiny glasses (1/3 pints, so you can actually remember what you’re tasting). I tried to ask about the difference between two IPAs and ended up getting a whole story about Manchester’s brewing history instead. Honestly, I didn’t catch every detail but it made me appreciate the next round more.

There was this one moment where someone in our group laughed so hard she nearly spilled her beer — something about mispronouncing a brewery name. It felt easy being there. Even if you come alone, you end up talking to strangers because everyone’s got an opinion on which brew is best or why stouts taste like winter. By the end (about three and a half hours later), my notes were messy but I could tell you which bar had the friendliest staff or where the light caught the copper taps just right. I keep thinking about that walk between venues, drizzle turning everything shiny.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Craft beer tasting tour in Manchester

• Meet at starting point 1:30pm
• Visit Manchester breweries and bars
• Taste 10 unique craft beers
• Learn about each beer and brand
• Complete 3.5 hour guided tour

Top questions

How many beers do you taste on the Manchester craft beer tour?

You’ll taste 10 different craft beers (1/3 pints each) during the tour.

How long does the Manchester craft beer tour last?

The tour lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is transport included in the craft beer tour?

No transport is provided during the tour itself, but public transportation options are nearby for arrival and departure.

Are all drinks included in the price?

Yes, all drinks are included as part of your booking.

Can children join the Manchester craft beer tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers but infants or small children can attend if in a pram or stroller.

When does the craft beer tour start?

Tours start at 1:30pm every Saturday in Manchester.

Do you visit actual breweries on this Manchester tour?

Yes, you’ll visit both Manchester-based breweries and specialist craft beer bars.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes entry to several breweries and specialist bars across Manchester with guided tastings led by experts at each stop. You’ll sample ten unique craft beers (all included in your ticket), hear stories from local brewers or staff at every venue, and have plenty of time to chat or ask questions before heading back into town when it wraps up.