Manchester’s Oldest Brewery is Having a Mega Year, Bringing Boddingtons Back to the Cask and Delighting Drinkers
Manchester, a vibrant city in the North West of England, is known for its rich history, iconic football teams, and of course, its love for beer. And at the heart of this love for beer lies JW Lees, the oldest brewery in Manchester. This year, the brewery has been making headlines with its impressive achievements, including bringing back the beloved Boddingtons to the cask and delighting drinkers all over the city. To get a taste of their success, we joined JW Lees’ boss for a pint at their historic Greengate site, complete with its own quirky pub inside.
As we walked into the Greengate Brewery, the air was filled with the familiar aroma of hops and barley. Located in the heart of Salford, this site has been home to JW Lees since 1828. Its history is evident in every corner, from the traditional brick buildings to the vintage brewing equipment. But one thing stood out – the passion and dedication of the people who work here.
We were greeted by William Lees-Jones, the Managing Director of JW Lees, who has been at the helm of the company for over 30 years. He led us to the brewery’s very own pub, The Greengate Brewery Tap, where we settled in for a pint and a chat about the brewery’s incredible year.
First on the agenda was the highly-anticipated return of Boddingtons to the cask. For those who are unfamiliar, Boddingtons is a golden, creamy ale that was a staple in Manchester pubs for over 200 years. However, in 2005, it was moved to a keg format, much to the disappointment of traditional cask ale lovers. But thanks to the determination of JW Lees, Boddingtons is now back where it belongs – in the cask.
Lees-Jones explained, “We saw a gap in the market for a classic cask ale like Boddingtons, and we knew that it was something that our customers wanted. So, we worked tirelessly to recreate the original recipe and bring it back to the cask. And the response has been incredible – we’ve had feverish demand from drinkers all over Manchester.”
And indeed, as we took a sip of the freshly poured pint of Boddingtons, we could taste why it was so highly sought after. The creamy texture and smooth finish were unmatched, making it clear why this beer has stood the test of time. The Greengate Brewery Tap even has a special pump dedicated to Boddingtons, making it a must-try for any beer lover in Manchester.
But Boddingtons is not the only success story for JW Lees this year. The brewery has also won numerous awards, including the prestigious International Brewing Awards for their Manchester Craft Lager and Manchester Craft Stout. “We’re incredibly proud of these awards,” Lees-Jones beamed. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who are constantly pushing the boundaries to create unique and high-quality beers.”
As we chatted over our pints, we couldn’t help but notice the warm and welcoming atmosphere of The Greengate Brewery Tap. With its exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and cozy seating, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint with friends. And it’s not just a pub – it also serves delicious pub food made with local ingredients, adding to the overall experience.
Lees-Jones shared his vision for the brewery, saying, “We want to continue to push the boundaries and create innovative beers while staying true to our roots. We’re also committed to supporting our local community and being a part of the Manchester culture.” And indeed, JW Lees has been an integral part of the city’s culture for almost two centuries, with its beers being enjoyed in pubs, bars, and homes all over Manchester.
As we finished our pints and bid our farewells, it was clear that JW Lees’ success is not just about their delicious beers, but also about their passion for their craft and their community. And with their determination and drive, it’s safe to say that this mega year for Manchester’s oldest brewery is just the beginning. So, if you ever find yourself in Manchester, make sure to stop by The Greeng
