Craft Beer and Bites Tour

A 3.5-hour guided tour of Manchester's craft beer scene, visiting four breweries and beer-serving venues paired with food from artisan producers and street food vendors. Learn about local brewing techniques, beer styles, and food pairing philosophy. Designated driver and non-alcoholic options ensure everyone can participate equally. Best for beer and food pairing fans. This is a moderate activity lasting 3.5 hours. Group size: 2-16. You meet at Deansgate Station. Key highlights: Four craft brewery or beer venue visits in one tour, Beer tastings across styles: IPA, stout, lager, or experimental brews, Food pairings from artisan producers and street food vendors.

Price: £55

Duration: 3.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-16

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: beer and food pairing fans

Best time: Friday and Saturday evenings (5–8pm) for peak brewery atmosphere; Thursday or weekday afternoon tours quieter

Meeting point: Deansgate Station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start time Meet at Deansgate Station and introduction to Manchester's craft beer movement - Guide explains local brewery history, IPA culture, and the rise of independent beer makers.

First venue (45 min) First brewery or beer bar visit with beer tasting and food pairing - Sample a flagship or seasonal beer with complementary bite from artisan food vendor; learn brewing process.

Walk to venue 2 (10–15 min) Walk through Deansgate or adjacent neighbourhood between breweries - Guide points out independent businesses, recent developments, and neighbourhood changes.

Second venue (45 min) Second brewery or beer venue with different beer style and food pairing - Might taste a stout, lager, or experimental beer depending on venue; food changes accordingly.

Third venue (45 min) Third brewery or bar with beer tasting and food from street food vendor or artisan producer - Beer and food are designed to complement; conversation with brewery staff or owner often included.

Final venue (20 min) Concluding brewery or beer bar stop with final tasting and optional social time - Group may stay longer to explore venue independently or head home; tour officially ends on-site.

The whole experience takes 3.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Deansgate Station.

• Four craft brewery or beer venue visits in one tour
• Beer tastings across styles: IPA, stout, lager, or experimental brews
• Food pairings from artisan producers and street food vendors
• Education on brewing techniques, beer styles, and pairing philosophy
• Meet local brewers or brewery staff and learn their stories
• Accessibility: Most craft breweries have ground-floor access and seated areas. Some may have narrow spaces or stairs to restrooms. Contact operator if accessibility is a concern.

What is included: Four beer tastings at different venues (half-pint or tasting pour each), Four food pairings from artisan vendors or restaurant partners, Guided tour with beer knowledge and neighbourhood context, Designated driver and non-alcoholic alternatives available.

Not included: Additional drinks beyond the four included tastings, Gratuities for bar or brewery staff, Items purchased separately at venues. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: ID; under-40s may be asked for proof of age, Comfortable shoes; expect 1–1.5 miles of walking between venues, Cash for tips or optional additional purchases. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Friday and Saturday evenings (5–8pm) for peak brewery atmosphere; Thursday or weekday afternoon tours quieter.

Tip: Four venues included

Tip: Designated driver options available

Accessibility: Most craft breweries have ground-floor access and seated areas. Some may have narrow spaces or stairs to restrooms. Contact operator if accessibility is a concern..

Operator: Ale Trail Manchester

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• People's History Museum (3 min walk)
• Castlefield Urban Heritage Park (8 min walk)
• Science and Industry Museum (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Ale Trail Manchester.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; £27.50 charge for cancellations within 48 hours.

Accessibility: Most craft breweries have ground-floor access and seated areas. Some may have narrow spaces or stairs to restrooms. Contact operator if accessibility is a concern..

Best time to go: Friday and Saturday evenings (5–8pm) for peak brewery atmosphere; Thursday or weekday afternoon tours quieter.

Is the craft beer tour suitable for non-drinkers or designated drivers?

Yes. Non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, and other beverages are provided at each stop as alternatives to beer. Designated drivers participate fully with non-alcoholic tastings and food. Notify the operator at booking so they prepare equivalents.

What is food pairing, and how does it work on the beer and bites tour?

Food pairing matches beer styles to complementary flavours. A hoppy IPA pairs with spicy or fatty food; a smooth stout with chocolate or roasted meats. Each stop features a beer tasting followed by a small food item chosen by the brewery or guide to enhance the beer's flavour.

Which Manchester breweries are visited on the craft beer and bites tour?

Specific venues rotate based on the date and events, but typically include Cloudwater Brewery, Track Brewing, or Blackjack Brewery in or near Deansgate. The operator confirms which breweries are included when you book; contact them for the current itinerary.