Ep42 — Marble Brewery and the (Recent) History of Beer in Manchester
Jun 5, 2023
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Join Jason Menzies, events manager at Marble Brewery, Stephanie Shuttleworth, a beer writer and PhD student, and John Clarke, CAMRA Chair with extensive experience in the Manchester beer scene, as they celebrate Marble's 25th anniversary. They share personal anecdotes and insights on the vibrant history of Manchester's brewing culture, discuss the rise of hazy beers, and explore the relationship between beer and local identity. The trio reflects on the evolution of craft brewing, community support, and the creativity that defines the region's beer scene.
Marble Brewery has played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester's beer culture since its establishment in 1997, showcasing innovation in brewing techniques and styles.
The evolution of Manchester's beer scene, with around 90 breweries, reflects both a rich historical backdrop and a modern spirit of creativity and collaboration.
Cask ale signifies Manchester's brewing heritage, fostering community and quality expectations that support both traditional and innovative beer practices.
Deep dives
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Celebrating Marble Brewery's Legacy
The panel discussion commemorates Marble Brewery's 25th anniversary and reflects on its significant influence in shaping Manchester's beer scene. As one of the pioneering breweries established in 1997, Marble has not only introduced innovative beer styles, such as the Double Dry Hop Dobber, but has also been pivotal in promoting the use of American hops. The brewery's commitment to quality has helped solidify its reputation as an inspiring force in the craft beer movement within the UK. This anniversary serves as a reminder of Marble's enduring legacy and its role in advancing beer culture in the region.
The Evolution of Beer Culture in Manchester
The panel delves into the evolution of Manchester's beer scene, discussing how it has recently grown to encompass around 90 breweries. The area's rich history, combined with a spirit of innovation and enterprise, has fostered a vibrant craft beer culture that stands out on a national level. The discussion highlights Manchester's unique position within Greater Manchester, marked by its diverse brewing landscape and thriving drinking establishments. This emergence showcases the area's resilience and ability to cultivate a dynamic beer environment despite economic challenges.
Cask Ale and Community Values
The significance of cask ale in Manchester’s beer heritage is a recurring theme, connecting traditional brewing practices with the present craft beer movement. Panelists emphasize how cask beer represents a communal experience, often enjoyed in characterful pubs that have survived the decline of larger corporate chains. This tradition fosters a culture where local drinkers have high expectations for quality, encouraging pubs and brewers to continuously elevate their offerings. The mutual support between local breweries and establishments ensures that both classic styles and innovative new beers thrive in the region.
The Future of Brewing in Manchester
Looking ahead, the discussion reflects on the continuous ambition of Manchester's breweries to innovate while honoring their roots. With a number of new breweries emerging despite economic hardships, the spirit of creativity and community remains strong. The interconnectedness of the brewing scene is highlighted, where knowledge and experience are shared among brewers, creating a rich environment for growth. This commitment to collaboration ensures that the Manchester beer scene not only survives but also evolves, poised for even greater achievements in the future.
Manchester has a fascinating beer history, stretching back well over two centuries, and into the industrial revolution. What’s remarkable is how that history still influences the northwestern city’s beer culture today, whether via one of its four, storied family brewers like Robinson’s or JW Lees, or one of its modern trailblazers such as Track or Cloudwater.
One of the city’s most unquestionably influential breweries is Marble, which was originally established in the Marble arch pub in 1997. The brewery has since gone through two expansions, its most recent in 2019 when it relocated from Manchester to Salford (the difference of which is very important to locals). The latest episode of our podcast takes place here at the brewery, where we hosted a panel discussion in front of a live audience, and delved into the recent history of the Manchester beer scene, as we joined in Marble’s 25th anniversary celebrations, which took place towards the end of 2022.
Hosted by our very own Matthew Curtis, the panel features a host of luminaries from within the Manchester beer scene, including Jason Menzies, Marble’s events manager. We’re also joined by Stephanie Shuttleworth, a former Marble employee who has worked in and around the Manchester beer scene for over a decade, and is currently working on a PhD centered around pubs and brewing. Last but not least we’re joined by John Clarke, chair of Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA, who has been living and breathing beer in Greater Manchester for over three decades.
It’s a fantastic discussion, and one of our lengthiest to date, as there was so much interesting history to talk about. Thanks again to Marble for inviting us to host this talk, and to our guests for providing such great insight.
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