Bee beer now: Joseph Holt launches limited edition Manchester bee glass

Bees and beer are arguably two of our favourite things here in Manchester.

And now, Manchester based family brewers Joseph Holt are causing a buzz in their home city with the launch of a new, limited edition beer glass.

At first glance, it appears to be a humble clear pint glass with black stripes around it. But once it’s filled with golden beer, it effortlessly transforms into the iconic Manchester bee.

The idea of the Manchester worker bee as a symbol of the city dates to the Industrial Revolution.

Factories were often referred to as beehives because workers were so industrious, and in 1842 the bee was first officially incorporated into the Manchester coat of arms.

Steve Lownes and Aron Sidhu from local ad agency Cheetham Bell created the new glass. They believe the best ideas are often the most simple.

“You see the bee all over Manchester: on streets, shopfronts, even tattooed on people’s bodies,” says Aron.

“We’re over the moon to have helped our client become the first brewer to put it on a glass”.

The limited edition glasses will only be available while stocks last, so you’ll have to be quick.

 “We’ve combined two of Manchester’s most iconic symbols – beer and the bee – to create the Manchester bee glass,” says Joseph Holt’s marketing manager, Paul Longmire.

“We are delighted to immortalise the symbol of our great city this way. The Manchester Bee is something that all generations relate to. We hope people enjoy watching their beer turn into a bee.”

Joseph Holt is “so closely linked to the history of Manchester,” says Jane Kershaw who is the sixth generation of the Holt family to work at the brewery.

“On the other hand, Northern Hop, our latest ale, is very popular with young people who are turning to pale ales in increasing numbers. So, this glass combines a strong, proud nod to our history in a cool, collector’s item.”

You can get your hands on a bee glass by buying five pints of Northern Hop at participating Joseph Holt’s pubs across Greater Manchester. Simply get five stamps on your loyalty card and the glass is yours. 

PARTICIPATING PUBS