Introduction
Middlesbrough, a vibrant city in the northeast of England, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of craft beer. However, this bustling city is home to a thriving craft beer scene that is worth exploring. Supporting local breweries is not only a great way to taste unique and delicious beers, but it also helps to boost the local economy and create a sense of community. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Middlesbrough’s craft beer scene, from its history to the best breweries, bars, and events in the city.
Discovering Middlesbrough’s Thriving Craft Beer Scene
Beer has a long history in Middlesbrough, dating back to the 19th century when the city was a major industrial hub. The growth of the steel and chemical industries brought an influx of workers to the area, and with them came a demand for beer. Local breweries sprung up to meet this demand, and Middlesbrough became known for its ales and stouts.
In recent years, the craft beer movement has taken hold in Middlesbrough, with a new generation of brewers pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles. These brewers are experimenting with different ingredients, flavors, and brewing techniques to create unique and exciting beers. The craft beer scene in Middlesbrough is now thriving, with a wide range of breweries and bars offering a diverse selection of beers to suit every taste.
From Ales to Lagers: A Guide to Middlesbrough’s Best Brews
Middlesbrough’s craft beer scene offers a wide variety of beer styles to choose from. From traditional ales and stouts to hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers, there is something for everyone. One of the best breweries in Middlesbrough is The Twisted Lip, which offers a rotating selection of beers from local and national breweries. Another popular brewery is Truefitt Brewing Company, known for its innovative and experimental beers.
If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, you won’t want to miss out on the offerings from Double Brew Co. Their IPAs are bursting with flavor and aroma, and they often collaborate with other breweries to create unique and limited-edition beers. For those who prefer something lighter, Alchemy Brewing is a great choice. They specialize in brewing lagers and pilsners that are crisp, clean, and refreshing.
The Best Bars and Pubs to Sip and Savor in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is home to a number of fantastic bars and pubs where you can enjoy a pint of craft beer. One of the most popular spots is The Chairman, a cozy bar with a rotating selection of beers on tap. They also offer a wide range of bottled beers from local and international breweries. Another great option is The Nuthatch, a stylish cocktail bar that also serves a selection of craft beers.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, head to The Twisted Lip. This quirky bar is known for its extensive selection of craft beers, as well as its vintage decor and relaxed atmosphere. For a taste of Middlesbrough’s history, visit The Isaac Wilson. This traditional pub has been serving beer since the 19th century and offers a range of local and regional beers.
Exploring the History of Beer in Middlesbrough
Beer has a long and rich history in Middlesbrough. In the 19th century, the city was a major industrial hub, with a thriving steel and chemical industry. The growth of these industries brought an influx of workers to the area, and with them came a demand for beer. Local breweries sprung up to meet this demand, and Middlesbrough became known for its ales and stouts.
One of the key moments in Middlesbrough’s beer history was the opening of the Cleveland Brewery in 1868. This brewery quickly became one of the largest in the region and played a significant role in the city’s beer industry. Another important moment was the rise of microbreweries in the late 20th century. These small, independent breweries focused on producing high-quality, handcrafted beers, and helped to revive the city’s beer scene.
Pairing Beer with Local Cuisine: A Foodie’s Guide to Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is not only a great destination for beer lovers, but also for foodies. The city offers a wide range of local cuisine, from traditional British dishes to international flavors. When it comes to pairing beer with food, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re in the mood for some classic British fare, head to The Curing House. This restaurant specializes in cured meats and offers a selection of craft beers to complement their dishes. For a taste of the Mediterranean, visit Olivello. This Italian restaurant serves delicious pasta and pizza, which pair perfectly with a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA.
From Microbreweries to Taprooms: A Tour of Middlesbrough’s Beer Scene
Middlesbrough is home to a variety of different types of breweries, from small microbreweries to larger production breweries. One of the best places to visit for a beer tour is Truefitt Brewing Company. This microbrewery offers tours and tastings, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample their range of beers.
Another great option is Double Brew Co, which has a taproom where you can enjoy their beers straight from the source. They often have limited-edition and experimental beers available, so it’s a great place to try something new. If you’re interested in learning about the history of beer in Middlesbrough, a visit to The Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum is a must. This museum explores the history of the local ironstone mining industry, which played a significant role in the city’s beer industry.
The Rise of Independent Beer in Middlesbrough
In recent years, there has been a rise in independent breweries in Middlesbrough. These small, independent breweries focus on producing high-quality, handcrafted beers that are full of flavor and character. One of the best independent breweries in the city is The Twisted Lip. This brewery offers a rotating selection of beers from local and national breweries, as well as their own creations.
Another great independent brewery is Alchemy Brewing. They specialize in brewing lagers and pilsners that are crisp, clean, and refreshing. They also have a taproom where you can enjoy their beers straight from the source. Supporting independent breweries is a great way to taste unique and delicious beers, while also supporting local businesses and the local economy.
Beer Festivals and Events in Middlesbrough: What to Expect
Middlesbrough is home to a number of beer festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Middlesbrough Beer Festival, which takes place annually and showcases a wide range of beers from local and national breweries. The festival also features live music, food stalls, and other entertainment.
Another great event is the Middlesbrough Craft Beer Expo, which celebrates the best of the city’s craft beer scene. This event brings together local breweries, bars, and beer enthusiasts for a weekend of tastings, workshops, and live music. It’s a great opportunity to discover new beers and meet the people behind them.
Supporting Local Breweries: A Guide to Buying Beer in Middlesbrough
Supporting local breweries is not only a great way to taste unique and delicious beers, but it also helps to boost the local economy and create a sense of community. There are several places in Middlesbrough where you can buy local beer. One of the best options is The Twisted Lip, which offers a wide range of beers from local and national breweries.
Another great option is The Chairman, which has a bottle shop where you can buy a selection of craft beers to take home. If you prefer to shop online, there are several websites that specialize in selling local beer, such as Beer Hawk and Honest Brew. These websites offer a wide range of beers from breweries across the country, including Middlesbrough.
A Beer Lover’s Itinerary for a Weekend in Middlesbrough
If you’re a beer lover planning a weekend in Middlesbrough, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:
Day 1:
– Start your day with a visit to Truefitt Brewing Company for a brewery tour and tasting.
– After the tour, head to The Twisted Lip for lunch and a pint of their rotating selection of beers.
– In the afternoon, explore the city’s history at The Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum.
– Finish off the day with dinner at The Curing House, where you can enjoy delicious cured meats paired with a local craft beer.
Day 2:
– Start your day with a visit to Double Brew Co’s taproom for a tasting of their hoppy IPAs.
– After the tasting, head to The Nuthatch for lunch and a cocktail made with local craft beer.
– In the afternoon, take a stroll along the River Tees and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
– Finish off the day with dinner at Olivello, where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine paired with a local craft beer.
Conclusion
Middlesbrough’s craft beer scene is thriving, with a wide range of breweries, bars, and events to explore. Supporting local breweries is not only a great way to taste unique and delicious beers, but it also helps to boost the local economy and create a sense of community. Whether you’re a beer lover or a foodie, Middlesbrough has something to offer. So next time you’re in the area, be sure to visit the city’s breweries, bars, and pubs, and support the local beer scene. Cheers!