One of the north’s best-loved breweries has branched over to Manchester and opened a new taproom at Circle Square.
North Brewing Co, founded in Leeds way back in 1997, has opened its 10th bar at the new neighbourhood just off Oxford Road.
The stylish, Scandi-inspired space at North Taproom has been kitted out with plywood and plants, with seating for up to 100 punters at a time.
There’s heated outside space too, as rows of benches and tables take up the patio outside overlooking the new Symphony Park.
Little Bao Boy. Credit: Chloe ChapmanNorth Taproom in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
The focal point of the taproom – as it should be – is the huge bar, where there are 24 draught lines, flanked by glowing fridges filled with cans to take away.
The doors to North Taproom officially opened this week, showcasing the brewery’s own beers as well as specials and guest beers.
North Taproom in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupNorth Taproom in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
As well as the beers, there’s an ever-changing line-up of wines, cocktails, ciders and spirits, including an impressive low and no alcohol offering, so there’s plenty to go at.
Food comes from Little Bao Boy, another much-loved Leeds business, who will be serving up contemporary Asian street food like bao, gyoza and loaded fries seven days a week.
North Taproom is the latest opening to join Circle Square, a new neighbourhood from Vita and Bruntwood on the former BBC site.
The area is also home to Hello Oriental, a huge three-storey Asian food hall, with a bakery and cafe, a Vietnamese restaurant, a Chinese supermarket, and a food court.
The family-friendly and dog-friendly North Taproom bar is now open on a walk-in only basis at Circle Square.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Eats
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Drinks prices for Manchester Oasis gigs announced – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
Daisy Jackson
The prices of drinks at Heaton Park for the five huge Manchester Oasis shows have been released in advance.
With the Gallagher brothers reuniting on stage in their hometown for the first time this weekend (and then again next week), it’s a huge moment for our city.
Those lucky enough to snag tickets have already forked out a small fortune to witness this moment in history (still scarred from the dynamic pricing debacle).
And most of us were probably bracing to spend another small fortune on beers at the Oasis Manchester gigs.
But you might be pleasantly surprised at the drinks prices up at Heaton Park for Oasis Live ’25.
It’s now been confirmed that pints of lager and cider will be just £6.50.
Before you turn your nose up, remember that pints at our two arenas – the AO Arena and Co-op Live are now sitting around the £9 mark.
Prices for other drinks, like wine and spirits, we’ll have to wait until Friday to see.
Heaton Park will also be the home of the ‘largest beer garden’ and the longest bars in the city for the Oasis reunion.
With a major heatwave predicted for the first shows, fans are being encouraged to stay hydrated (on WATER, not beer, please).
Ticket-holders will be allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water up to 500ml in with you, but it must be collapsible plastic.
Solid plastic and metal containers will be rejected on safety grounds.
There’s a free water point on site where you can fill up your bottles again.
Oasis will perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Daisy Jackson -
5th January 2023 
