The ultimate guide to Greater Manchester’s beer and pub scene returns with expanded new edition
The second edition of CAMRA’s award-winning title, Manchester’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars by Matthew Curtis, is a hands-on guide to the epicentre of UK beer culture.
The completely refreshed book puts a spotlight on the North West’s amazing beer and pub scene – not only the city of Manchester but the wider metropolitan area including the boroughs of Stockport, Trafford, Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, and Tameside.
The fully revised and updated edition boasts of 50 new additions, with detailed reviews and photographs of over 200 traditional pubs, contemporary bars and brewery taprooms, making Manchester’s Best Beers, Pubs and Bars the essential guide to one of the UK’s great beer cities.
The guide looks at both the history of brewing in Manchester, dating back to the eighteenth century, while also celebrating new independent brewers like Cloudwater and Track.
With a foreword by Manchester based broadcaster and presenter, Matty White, the new edition is a love letter to the Greater Manchester area and the perfect book for beer and pub lovers everywhere.
Released 2 April, the guide is available to pre-order from CAMRA’s online shop.
Author Matthew Curtis said:
"I am really excited to unveil the second edition of Manchester's Best Beer, Pubs and Bars. The guide is the result of an additional 18 months of research based on feedback from readers of the first edition, plus lots more exploration around Greater Manchester. Featuring an additional 50 pubs, several areas are also expanded, including Stockport, Wigan and Altrincham. New areas added to the guide include Cheadle, Middleton and Hyde. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and I hope it serves you well as you explore the best city for beer and pubs in the United Kingdom."
CAMRA North West Regional Director, Ralph Warrington said:
"Greater Manchester has some of the UK’s best breweries, pubs, bars and bottle shops, and with this handy new edition, you can now discover the North West for yourself more easily. From Rochdale and Wigan to Stockport and many more, you can expect a warm welcome and excellent pint in good company. Your only dilemma is which to visit first!”
The book is sponsored by Pinter, with a spokesperson saying:
“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Manchester’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars. As lovers of fresh beer and the culture that surrounds it, we’re proud to support a book that celebrates the people, places and pints that make Manchester such a special city for beer.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Images of the book, author and featured pubs are here.
Pre-order Manchester’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars (second edition) by Matthew Curtis: shop1.camra.org.uk/product/manchesters-best-beers-pubs-and-bars-2nd-edition-2026
The front cover is illustrated by David Bailey.
You are invited to the book launch, taking place from 7pm on Thursday 2 April at Café Beermoth in Manchester city centre. If you wish to attend, please let us know at press@camra.org.uk
Information about the sponsor
The book is sponsored by Pinter, an all-in-one brew and draught machine that makes it easy to brew and pour 10 pints of award-winning beer at home, bringing great beer experiences into more homes and shared moments.
More information about Pinter here: pinter.co.uk
Information about the author
Matthew Curtis is a freelance writer and photographer based in Manchester. He is the cofounder and editor-in-chief of Pellicle Magazine, as well as producer and host of the Pellicle Podcast. Matthew is the author of three books, including Modern British Beer (2021) and Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars (2023), both of which were published by CAMRA Books. The first edition of Manchester’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars won silver in the Best Book about Beer or Pubs category at the British Guild of Beer Writers awards in 2024.
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