Take a walk on the wild side at Manchester’s first ‘mixed fermentation’ beer taproom

We are awash with some amazing breweries, from the 175-year-old Joseph Holt, to an amazing selection of craft beer and taprooms.

And we’re about to get a new, and very unique addition to the beer scene.

Balance Brewing & Blending

Balance Brewing & Blending, the city’s first dedicated mixed fermentation brewery, is all set to open its doors to the public on August 12th, 2023, at Unit 10, Sheffield Street, Manchester, M12ND.

This long-anticipated venture promises an exceptional experience for beer enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of wild ales and other unique beverages.

Wild Ales in Manchester

The story of Balance Brewing & Blending began last December when the co-founders, Will Harris and James Horrocks, moved into their new home at Unit 10 on Sheffield Street.

Since then, they have been meticulously brewing and filling barrels while simultaneously planning and perfecting their taproom.

Collaborating with the design and fit-out experts, On The Brink Studio from Stockport, the duo has created a space that melds the traditional warmth of cosy pubs with the character of Belgian beer bars.

Expect clean lines, white oak furnishings, and a modern aesthetic set against a picturesque backdrop of slumbering barrels.

What sets Balance apart from other breweries in Manchester is their sole focus on barrel-fermented, mixed-culture beers.

This specialisation allows them to craft a unique array of flavours, and they are excited to showcase their creations alongside the best beers in this style from other renowned UK producers.

Speaking to I Love Manchester, Co-founder Will Harris said: “Our tap list will be made up entirely of mixed fermentation wild ales with a fairly small but carefully selected range of beers from some of the best-mixed fermentation and spontaneous breweries in the country.

“We’ve chosen to keep the menu focused on British produce with a small but thoughtful selection of wines, natural of course, as well as pale and lager offerings from our favourite British breweries.

“We’ll also have a selection of soft drinks from kombucha to sodas from local producers.”

In line with its commitment to showcasing British produce, Balance has chosen to keep its menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.

Beyond the wild ales, the taproom will offer a thoughtful selection of natural wines and pale and lager offerings from some of their favourite British breweries.

Additionally, they will provide an array of soft drinks, ranging from kombucha to sodas, all sourced from local producers.

This diverse selection ensures there’s something to delight every palate, creating a well-rounded and inclusive experience.

The taproom itself boasts a capacity for up to 80 people, and co-founder James Horrocks emphasises their goal to build a community of passionate and friendly individuals who savour the moment and relish beers in a welcoming environment.

He said: “We want to foster an inclusive space where beer enthusiasts and novices alike can come together, share stories, and appreciate the artistry behind each sip.”

Balance Brewing & Blending History

Founded in 2021, Balance Brewing & Blending emerged as Manchester’s first and only brewery dedicated exclusively to barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation beers.

Each beer takes time, spending almost a year in barrels before being blended, often with hops or fruit.

This meticulous approach, combined with their house culture of wild yeast and bacteria, yields complex yet beautifully balanced beers.

The brewery places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, and all of its offerings are proudly vegan.

All the best in your new venture!