Blackjack Brewery - Ipinda

Had a fantastic afternoon at the beer tap on Saturday, reconnecting with friends I hadn't seen in ages. What started as a plan to grab just a couple of drinks t... read more Had a fantastic afternoon at the beer tap on Saturday, reconnecting with friends I hadn't seen in ages. What started as a plan to grab just a couple of drinks turned into a few hours of enjoyment, thanks to the incredible selection of beers available. I especially loved the selections from Blackjack, Arbor, and Wild—each one was flavorful and reasonably priced in 1/3, 2/3, and pint servings. This brewery tap is open on the last weekend of every month starting in spring, and they not only offer delicious street food but also great music and plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors (which was a blessing since it poured rain by mid-afternoon). I can't wait to return!

The setup was impressive, with gazebos, barbecues, and a bar reputed for serving excellent beers. The venue was bustling, and the atmosphere was electric. The s... read more The setup was impressive, with gazebos, barbecues, and a bar reputed for serving excellent beers. The venue was bustling, and the atmosphere was electric. The somewhat remote location turned out to be an advantage, creating a unique blend of inclusivity and exclusivity. It felt inclusive due to the sold-out event and the lively crowd of like-minded individuals, while also being exclusive as it was tucked away from the usual Friday night chaos of the city center. There was live music from Glass Tides, my favorite band from Manchester, and comedy performances, including the talented Norris Parker, who will be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe next week. The night featured a hot dog eating competition, and the atmosphere was simply incredible throughout. I strongly urge you to experience an event here soon—you won’t regret it!

What an incredible concept! A brewery opens its taps to fans once a month, accompanied by talented street food creators and fantastic DJs. Blackjack beers rank... read more What an incredible concept! A brewery opens its taps to fans once a month, accompanied by talented street food creators and fantastic DJs. Blackjack beers rank among the finest brewed in Manchester and the UK (though the list is growing impressively long, and we couldn’t be happier about it). The team offered most of their own beers, along with selections from other local breweries, while Arepa! Arepa! Arepa! ensured we were well-fed. The DJs played some seriously cool tracks, helping us forget we were underneath a railway track in a less-than-stellar part of Manchester, rather than lounging at a beach bar in Miami. I hear there are more exciting developments on the horizon for this charming spot, so stay tuned!

Stumbled across this place whilst having a boozy wander around Manchester, and luckily we happened to visit on a weekend it was open, and sunny. Great little pl... read more Stumbled across this place whilst having a boozy wander around Manchester, and luckily we happened to visit on a weekend it was open, and sunny. Great little place with a great range of beers, just wish we'd stayed later to sample some food and the DJ. Only downside was leaving a deposit for the glasses; with so many good beers to choose from you could easily have one too many and forget to hand your glass back. Looking forward to another visit next month, if you're an ale drinker then it's definitely worth a try, just check opening times to make sure they're open.

Outside the bar, the talented duo from Arepa! Arepa! Arepa! were serving up delectable Colombian dishes. Their maize-based flatbreads, filled with both vegetari... read more Outside the bar, the talented duo from Arepa! Arepa! Arepa! were serving up delectable Colombian dishes. Their maize-based flatbreads, filled with both vegetarian and meaty options, are a hit, and they can usually be found at Levenshulme Market selling their delicious creations. With the DJ spinning great tracks, the atmosphere was electric, and we thoroughly enjoyed spending our time there. As Nic R mentioned, there are rumors of more regular events coming to what’s being called the 'Beer Quarter,' with other breweries expected to join soon. Keep an eye on this space; it's set to become a new hotspot in Manchester!