As early afternoon light casts golden shadows across Manchester’s red-brick heart, the city starts to buzz. Known for its street art, indie charm, and laid-back cultural scene serves as the perfect backdrop for a casual, flavour-packed craft-beer adventure.
Today, PinkCraftBunny takes you on a sip-by-sip journey through five exceptional breweries. From chilled tank side pours to complex, barrel-aged brews. Whether you’re new to craft beer or a seasoned sipper, this crawl is about vibe, taste, and good company with the Piccadilly Trading Estate and the Northern Quarter as your buzzing backdrop.
2:00 PM – Track Brewing Co.: The Hop-Lover’s Kick-Off
Start your Manchester craft beer crawl at Track Brewing Co., tucked inside the vibrant Piccadilly Trading Estate. This airy, modern taproom blends industrial cool with leafy charm, opening onto a welcoming beer garden where sun, conversation, and the occasional wood-fired aroma from Slice Culture’s pizzas create the perfect mid-afternoon vibe.
Track is a dream for hop lovers, famed for its juicy pale ales, full-bodied IPAs, and bold double IPAs, though you’ll also find zesty sours and the occasional dark, brooding stout. Every pour reflects Track’s Aussie-influenced hospitality and obsession with freshness, offering a flavourful yet laid-back introduction to Manchester’s beer scene. You’ll taste both precision and personality in every glass.
Whether you’re easing into your first pint or diving straight into something experimental, the warm staff and golden-hour light make this an inviting first stop. It’s easy to lose track of time here but you’ve got a crawl to complete, so sip slow and savour the start.
Address: Unit 18 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP
Website: trackbrewing.co/
Instagram: @trackbrewingco
Facebook: Trackbrewingco/
3:30 PM – Cloudwater Brew Co.: Zen & Hops
Next door, step into the serene, softly humming space that is Cloudwater Brew Co. Manchester’s revered sanctuary for modern craft beer lovers. With its minimalist aesthetic, industrial-cool lines, and soothing lighting, this taproom isn’t just a place to drink; it’s a place to think, appreciate, and savour.
Cloudwater built its reputation on clarity of vision and commitment to freshness. Known for their juicy New England-style IPAs, snappy lagers, silky stouts, and barrel-aged experiments, every brew on their 20-strong rotating tap list is dialled in with precision. Whether it’s a triple dry-hopped pale or a delicate fruited sour, there’s a distinct philosophy at play: balance, innovation, and drinkability.
Long communal tables invite quiet conversations and thoughtful tasting. It’s the kind of spot where you can lose yourself in a pint or find yourself chatting hops and fermentation with a fellow enthusiast. The bar staff are relaxed but deeply knowledgeable, ready to guide you toward something classic or completely off the grid.
So sit back, swirl, sip, and settle in. Here, beer becomes art and Cloudwater is the gallery.
Address: Unit 9 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP
Website: cloudwaterbrew.co/
Instagram: @cloudwatertaproom
Facebook: cloudwaterbrew/
5:00 PM – Sureshot Brewery: Under-the-Arches Indie Buzz
Just a short hop under the railway arches, you’ll find Sureshot Brewery — an unpretentious, punchy little haven known for its unfiltered, small-batch pale ales and hop-forward IPAs. This is the kind of place that doesn’t just pour beer; it pours personality.
The space is intimate and buzzing, filled with locals, visiting beer nerds, and the occasional brewer popping by for a pint. Mismatched stools, vinyl spinning in the corner, and a steady hum of laughter create a vibe that’s effortlessly cool without trying too hard.
Here, beer feels personal. Each pint flows fresh from tank to glass, and the bar staff know their stuff. Quick with a recommendation, a pour, or a story. Expect flavour-forward profiles, experimental limited editions, and plenty of local love. This is Manchester beer culture at its most authentic: bold, flavourful, and full of heart.
Address: Unit 5 Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2ND
Website: sureshotbrew.com/
Instagram: @sureshotbrew/
Facebook: sureshotbrew/
6:30 PM – Balance Brewing & Blending: Barrel-Aged Artistry
Just a few steps away from the bustle of the arches lies Balance Brewing & Blending, a sanctuary for those who like their beer wild, sour, and endlessly intriguing. This isn’t your average hop-forward taproom, it’s a lab of creativity, specialising in barrel-aged wild ales, mixed fermentation brews, and flavour combinations that flirt with the edge of the unexpected. They work with foraged ingredients, seasonal produce, and oak barrels that bring depth, funk, and a story to every sip.
The space itself is intentionally intimate. Think low lighting, reclaimed wood, and a quiet hum that invites you to slow down and tune in. The beers here aren’t for speed drinking; they’re for mindful exploration. Whether you’re nosing a foeder-aged saison with hints of green peppercorn or letting a farmhouse blend evolve on your palate, Balance encourages you to treat each glass like a tasting journey. No two pours are the same, and that’s exactly the point.
This is the surprise twist in your crawl. The stop that changes the tempo and resets your palate. It’s a place that rewards curiosity, where experimentation meets elegance. For seasoned craft drinkers or anyone wanting to stretch their beer boundaries, Balance Brewing is not just a pause, it’s a revelation.
Address: Unit 10 Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2ND
Website: balancebrewing.co/
Instagram: @balancebrewing/
Facebook: balancebrewing/
8:00 PM – Beermoth: A Curated Finish in the Northern Quarter
Wrap up your crawl with sophistication at Beermoth, an iconic bottle shop and bar nestled in the heart of the Northern Quarter. More than just a place to drink, Beermoth is a haven for beer connoisseurs. A curated temple of global brews and local legends alike.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of polished wood, warm lighting, and a beer list that leans heavy on nuance and character. Whether you’re in the mood for barrel-aged stouts, crisp Belgian saisons, hop-forward pale ales, or something sour and wild, Beermoth delivers. It’s the kind of place where beer is discussed like wine, and every glass is poured with purpose.
Grab a table and let the staff guide your final pint (or bottle) of the night. It’s a perfect way to wind down. Thoughtful, unhurried, and rich with discovery.
And do not worry, if you still have more in the tank you are in the heart of the Northern Quarter so go explore!
Address: 70 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LG
Website: beermoth.co.uk
Instagram: @thebeermoth/
Facebook: beermoth/
The Map
From the hazy hop bombs of Track to the wild-fermented wonders at Balance, and finishing with a legacy toast in the Northern Quarter, PinkCraftBunny’s Manchester Craft Beer Crawl isn’t just a route,it’s a journey through creativity, culture, and incredible pours.
Manchester has long been known for its music, grit, and rain, but now it’s firmly planted on the craft beer map. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a beer aficionado on a pilgrimage, this crawl offers bold flavor, buzzing atmospheres, and a glimpse into the beating heart of the UK’s independent beer scene.
So round up your crew, charge your phone, and prepare for one unforgettable afternoon of pints, stories, and good vibes. Manchester’s taps are flowing, and they’re waiting for you.
FAQs
🍺 What’s the best day to do this crawl?
Fridays and Saturdays offer peak atmosphere and tap lists, but Thursdays are great for a more relaxed crowd. Always check taproom hours in advance.
🚶♂️ How do I get between venues?
Track, Cloudwater, Sureshot, and Balance are all walkable within the Piccadilly Trading Estate. From there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk or short cab ride to Northern Quarter.
🍕 Do any of the breweries serve food?
Yes! Track Brewing features Slice Culture’s excellent wood-fired pizzas. Other taprooms may offer snacks or allow outside food—check ahead.
💷 What should I expect to spend?
Most beers range from £5–£7 depending on pour size and style. Specialty or barrel-aged brews may be a bit more.
🌍 Are the breweries tourist-friendly?
Absolutely. Manchester’s craft scene is known for its welcoming, knowledgeable staff and inclusive community vibe.
📸 Can I take photos?
Definitely! These breweries are photogenic and social-friendly. Just don’t forget to tag #PinkCraftBunnyCrawl if you post your beer journey.
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