Last chance to support independent ventures before developers move in

You may have read our recent round up of tip-top tap rooms in Manchester. Well you can add another one to the list, but there is a catch – it is only open for two days. So get down to the Green Quarter to show some of Manchester's best independent beer producers some love while you can. 

We are blessed to have Beatnikz, Runaway, Blackjack, Sparrows and Grub

Red Bank Supertap, which will take place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 August, will see local craft brewers Runaway Brewery, Blackjack Brewing Co. and Beatnikz Republic join forces with spätzle specialists The Sparrows and original street food purveyors Grub. The event will be hosted in a 250-capacity outdoor space purpose-built for the weekend.

Pint Of Craft Beer Outside Runaway Brewery

Our resident beer expert Amelia Fearon says: “You can't get any closer to the freshly brewed hops than at the source itself and nestled away in railway arches and industrial estates are some of the best brew taps in the country.” 

The Supertap event is the brain child of the Green Quarter indies, who got together to share resources and talents back in 2020. 

While Runaway Brewery, Beatnikz Republic and Blackjack Brewing Co. are joining their combined brewery tap powers to create the ultimate brewery tap experience, the Sparrows will have a pop-up kitchen and sake bar. Grub will be showcasing Plunder, a rum cocktail bar, plus there will DJ sets from Devils Jukebox and other special guests

Runaway Brewery

Red Bank regeneration plans 

Support has been provided by developers the Far East Consortium (FEC) as it prepares to deliver more than 4,000 homes as part of regeneration plans for Manchester’s Red Bank neighbourhood. As the building works are expected to disrupt business for all three breweries, this is a last chance to support local, independent ventures in full swing for a while. The long-term plan for Redbank Court is to create a Brewery Quarter highlighting the best of Manchester’s independent brewing scene, which of course we are very excited about.

Jake Scott-Thrale of FEC said: “We are blessed to have Beatnikz, Runaway, Blackjack, Sparrows and Grub all are much-loved Manchester brands that we want to help grow as Red Bank evolves into an inclusive and diverse residential neighbourhood supported by local businesses. We hope this Supertap is the start of things to come and we look forward to working more closely with the talented businesses who are continuing to bring people to a lesser-known area of our city”

2019 03 27 Sparrows Kasia And Franco
The Sparrows are getting involved

Mark Welsby, owner of Runaway Brewery, said: “As a group of businesses, we’re incredibly grateful that we’ve been able to put on this event. Not only has it given our teams a focus through this difficult period but it is also ensuring our customers keep us front of mind through the summer. It will be a fantastic blend of the very best bits from each of our offerings.

“While hospitality and industry beer sales are still picking up, our weekend brew tap trade has become really important for our bounce back, so securing this event means a lot. FEC kindly stepped in to offer their assistance and financial backing at a critical time - they are clearly invested in this area and its small businesses for the long term.”

Red Bank Supertap, Faber Street, Manchester, M4 4HF 19-20 August see below for timings

Supertap FAQs -The Green Quarter indies explain all

When is it?

To keep things nice and safe, and to make sure we don’t disappoint we are splitting up the days into sessions. Everyone gets a seat, slots to suit everyone. Book a table of 2, 4, 6 or even 8. Sessions are:

Friday 20th August: 17:00-21:00
Saturday 21st August: 12:00-16:00 // 16:30-20:30

Can I book a table by phone or over email?

We can only accept table bookings through our online shop. Sorry.

Can I book multiple tables?

Yes. Absolutely. We just can’t move tables around to create bigger groups, but will do our best to seat friends on adjacent tables.

If I can’t come, or change my mind can I get a refund?

Refunds will not be possible under any circumstances. Please check the weather and read the info on how the event will run before booking.

If I can’t make it, can I transfer my tickets to another person?

Yes – absolutely. No problem – just ask them to let us know on the door.

Will there by tickets available on the door?

If there is space left on the day, then we will happily accept walk-ups. If you want to guarantee your spot, we’d strongly advise booking in advance if you can – it also helps us plan ahead ☺

What payment methods are you able to accept on the day?

All payments will need to be by debit/credit card or contactless. Each bar / trader will have their own payment system at point of service. We will not be able to cash or cheque – sorry.

Will you be providing table service?

All orders will need to be placed at the relevant bar / food trader, and payment will be taken at the time of ordering. There will be menus at tables so you can decide what you want before going to the bar, and we’ll deliver your beer to your table to avoid queueing at the point of service. Brewery staff will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about the beer, just like a normal brewtap. Think of it like a downmarket Harvester, but with more beards.

Do you have cycle parking?

There will be space to park/secure your bike at the entrance to the site, but bikes are parked at your own risk. Our neighbours at Pop-up Bikes on Corporation Street can provide secure, overnight bike parking if you need it.

Will there be car parking available on site?

No parking will be provided for this event, We would recommend arriving on foot or by public transport wherever possible. We are only 5 minutes walk from Shudehill (bus/tram) and Victoria Station (rail).

Can I bring my dog?

Well behaved dogs are very welcome at the Supertap. We have a couple of dog bowls for water, but not heaps, so please bring yours with you if you can.

Can I bring my children?

Due to licensing constraints this will be an 18+ event only. Sorry.

Will there be accessible toilets suitable for visitors in wheelchairs?

There will! The Beatnikz taproom has an accessible toilet in Unit 11 which will be reserved for disabled guests and our staff only.

If it rains, will there be cover?

We have collated as many gazebos and parasols as we can get our hands on, so will do our best to keep you dry. However, we can’t guarantee that all tables will be covered, so please check the forecast and come prepared.

Will there be drinking water available?

Yes – absolutely. Each bar will be able to provide water on request free of charge. Keeping hydrated is strongly encouraged.

In what measures will you be serving the beer?

Pints and half pints only. As an outdoor, pop-up event in the time of COVID, we will be using biodegradable, plastic glassware to accord with our hygiene policy and licensing conditions.

What time will the doors open and when will you call last orders?

We’ll open the doors 15 minutes before the start of each session in order to get people seated in time for the start of each session. Last orders will be called 45 minutes before the end of each session, in order to give people time to order, receive their beer, and drink up by the end of each session. The session timings will be strictly adhered to.

Can I buy beer to take away?

You will be able to buy beer from Beatnikz tap room to take away, but please note, open containers will not be permitted to leave the site.

Read next: This charming can: Five of Manchester's best craft beers to drink at home

Read again: Manchester goes soft - the local drinks producers making alcohol-free fun



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