Which brewery taprooms are open and when

You won't get a fresher pint than at a brewery taproom, poured a few yards from the tank it came out of. The catch is the hours. Breweries brew in the week, so a lot of them only open at the weekend, and one only opens on a Saturday.

These are the days as we've got them in November 2026. Hours change, so have a look at each place's page before you set off.

Saturdays only, or near enough

Manchester Union Lager in Ardwick, the only brewery in Manchester that just does lager, opens on Saturday afternoons. Blackjack on Irk Street does Friday night and Saturday. Northern Monkey in Bolton does Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, and Brewsmith in Ramsbottom Friday night to Sunday.

Thursday to Sunday

Balance round the back of Piccadilly, the only brewery in Manchester that does nothing but mixed fermentation, opens Thursday night to Sunday. Wigan Brewhouse pours its cask in an old tower brewery that's been done up, Thursday to Sunday, and Hideaway near MediaCity is the same, with barbecue from the kitchen. Rivington and The Brewery Bar in Horwich open from Wednesday.

Open every day

For a midweek pint from the source: Track, Cloudwater and Sureshot behind Piccadilly, The Creameries in Chorlton (Pomona Island's place, open for coffee from half eight), Costello's in Altrincham, Bank Top's ale house in Horwich and Irwell Works above its brewery in Ramsbottom.

A Saturday in the arches

Saturday's the one day every taproom round the back of Piccadilly is open, Manchester Union included. Start at Union in Ardwick when it opens at twelve, walk ten minutes over to the arches for Sureshot, Balance and Pigeon Beer Wanderer next door to each other, then finish up at Track or Cloudwater on the trading estate. Go for thirds, trust us.