Balance Brewing & Blending

Balance Brewing & Blending, 10 Sheffield St, Manchester M1 2ND

A Hidden Gem in Manchester’s Railway Arches

Just a short walk from Manchester’s bustling city centre, Balance Brewing & Blending is tucked into one of Piccadilly’s traditional railway arches. With the excellent SureShot Brewing only a few arches away, this spot makes a great stop on any beer enthusiast’s crawl.

The taproom itself is a small, rustic space full of charm. Sharing the room with the brewery adds an engaging layer to the experience – you’re drinking surrounded by the very equipment used to craft what’s in your glass. It’s warm and welcoming, a place where you’re encouraged to linger and appreciate not only the beer, but the care and process behind it.

Balance specialise in mixed-culture, barrel-fermented beers, a distinct shift from the more typical craft beer offerings. Their brewing philosophy centres on using quality British ingredients to create modern takes on classic styles. This makes each visit a bit of an education as well as a pleasure.

There are six rotating draught lines pouring Balance’s latest creations alongside standout mixed and spontaneous fermentation beers from across the UK. Two taps are dedicated to permanent favourites – Beak’s Hum pale ale and Utopian’s British Lager. A well-stocked fridge holds bottles to enjoy onsite or take home, including a carefully chosen selection of wild beers from other UK breweries.

On our visit – a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon – we enjoyed a bottle of Saison Hallertau by
Mills Brewing, elegantly served in a traditional basket. It was a perfect pairing for the relaxed
atmosphere and great conversation.
The taproom is both child and dog friendly, though under 18s must leave after 8pm due to
licensing.

Opening hours:
Thursday 5–10pm
Friday 2–10pm
Saturday 12–10pm

Balance Brewing & Blending offers something truly unique in Manchester’s beer scene—an unpretentious, characterful space with a thoughtful approach to brewing and a real sense of craft. A must-visit for anyone with a curiosity for flavour and a love of fermentation.