Beatnikz Republic, one of Manchester’s most popular independent breweries, has announced it has made the ‘painful decision’ to cease trading.
The craft brewery is based in one of the railway arches in the Green Quarter, and over the years has gone on to open its own taproom and a bar in the Northern Quarter.
But the brewery’s founder Paul Greetham has now announced that the impact of Covid-19, combined with the rising cost of living, has ‘proven too much’ for the business.
He said in a statement that the ‘financial implications have been disastrous’ and that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. has ceased trading.
The Beatnikz Republic bar in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Beatnikz NQ
The bar on Dale Street will continue to trade as normal, and while Paul has resigned as director, he said: “I encourage everyone to visit as often as possible as the beers are great and the staff are incredibly skilled and welcoming.”
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Paul’s statement said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. has ceased trading.
“It has been a painful decision, but the right one. It’s an incredibly sad time and closing is something we never wished we had to do.
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“There are a number of reasons why we’ve had to make this difficult decision.
Beatnikz Republic – which ran this taproom in the Green Quarter – has ceased trading. Credit: Facebook, Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co.
“We tried our best to make it through COVID, but the negative impact over the last two years has proven too much.
“From the initial shock, to constantly starting/stopping production due to the various lockdowns, to lower sales this year, the financial implications have been disastrous.
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“Our ability to export in volume had also reduced due to increased transport costs; and now with increased utility, ingredient and packaging costs, it’s simply not possible to continue.”
The statement continued: “From the start, Beatnikz Republic has been a project of passion and one that I have worked on for 10 years; from home brewing, to a side hustle alongside the day job, to a nationally/internationally recognised brewery.
“I’m proud of the beers we’ve produced and the growth we’ve experienced over the years. We can only attribute these excellent beers and growth to our amazing team members; this has been made possible due to their tireless dedication, effort and craftsmanship – so a very big THANK YOU to them all.
“We also need to thank our suppliers, many of whom have been exceptional in their responses to the impact during COVID. The craft beer industry is very unique and one I’ll be sad to be leaving.”
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He concluded: “And lastly, I need to thank two more groups of people. Firstly, my family for putting up with me being way too stressed for too long; their support has been instrumental. And finally: YOU! It’s only because of your support that the brewery has been able to become what it has – so THANK YOU!!!”
Featured image: Facebook, Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co.
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Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Daisy Jackson -
2nd May 2022 
