Still cock of the North
Manchester might have lost its 'cream' in the form of Boddingtons Brewery, but the self styled 'Capital of the North' remains a prime destination for beer lovers writes Richard Jones.
It may not quite inspire the ‘love it, hate it’ extremes of Marmite or Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky, but Manchester is a city that arouses mixed emotions.
Supporters argue that only London competes with it for the title of the most happening conurbation in the United Kingdom, a lively cosmopolitan place buzzing with bars, restaurants, shopping, creativity, music and culture.
Detractors point out the (still) hideous Arndale Centre, disjointed architecture despite millions spent on regeneration and the infamous Manchester weather.
And that some of its most prominent exports –Oasis, Ian Brown, Bernard Manning – hardly dispel the perception that Mancunians can be arrogant.
However when it comes to beer, Manchester unquestionably falls into the ‘love it’ (or should that be ‘mad for it’) category.
Quality local breweries, traditional pubs, ultra cool bars and nightclubs, combined with a healthy dose of Mancunian charm, make this is an essential destination for lovers of fermented alcoholic beverages brewed from malt and flavoured with hops.
To get the most out of a beer trip to Manchester you really need your walking as well as dancing shoes. Many of the best traditional pubs sit in clusters on the outskirts of the city centre in the northern and southern fringes so you may need to cover some distance to visit them all. However there are plenty of decent venues on route if your raging thirst requires a break in the journey.
Traditional beer lovers are still mourning the clos.....
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By Richard Jones
Section : Beer Journeys
Page number : 51
