Manchester-based Balance Brewing and Blending is planning to convert the front quarter of its new brewery into a taproom space, seating some 50 people.
At the end of 2022, Balance began the move to its new site on Sheffield Street, just behind Manchester’s Piccadilly station.
The business started in 2021 with just 24 former red wine barrels inside a shared space with Manchester Brewing Co. Since then, it has moved all the barrels across from the old site, as well as acquiring 79 more barrels and a foeder.
The growth has allowed founders James Horrocks and Will Harris to go from a part-time to a full-time operation. “We’re really excited about the possibilities this new space will bring us,” say the brewers. “We’ll have more beer to blend; a chance to collaborate with more people (including local restaurants, foragers and of course, breweries); and have the space for a taproom.”
Building of the taproom is to begin at the start of June and the company is currently aiming for a mid-July open. There’ll be schooners of saison, bottle pours from freshly-released beers, all to be enjoyed with beautiful oak barrels as the backdrop.
“We plan to host tastings with collaborating breweries, events with local producers, groups and artists, and overall establish a sense of community,” add the brewers. “We cannot wait to be able to serve our beers direct from the source and be able to effuse about this uniquely delicious style of beer.”
