Camerons brews up Manchester expansion

A North East brewery is set to open in Manchester as it continues to grow its national pub portfolio.

Hartlepool-based Camerons Brewery, one of the UK’s largest family-owned independent brewers, is expanding its popular Head of Steam brand with a new venue in Manchester city centre. 

Located in the former Cottonopolis and Lamb of Tartary site on Newton Street, the bar will be the brand’s 16th venue and its first new opening since 2019.

Spanning 2800sq ft, with seating for 120 and room for 180 guests, the venue will create 14 jobs while bringing Camerons’ signature blend of craft beer and characterful design to the Northern Quarter.

The bar will feature a mix of original Grade II-listed details and Head of Steam’s trademark industrial-meets-contemporary style, complete with exposed brickwork and a circular central bar.

Guests can expect 30 beer lines – 24 keg and six cask – alongside a rotating range of cans and bottles from UK and international breweries. 

The venue will also offer augmented reality darts, live sports across six screens and a new food offering from a local operator.

David Scott, retail director at Camerons Brewery, said: “Manchester has been our number one target city for some time, and we are pleased to have finally found a venue that matches both our design vision and our demographic. 

“At The Head of Steam, our exciting beer range and knowledgeable teams are at the very centre of what we do, so finding a site that allows for a central island bar and literally places the beer and the team at the heart of our guest experience is very exciting.”

Founded in 1995 and acquired by Camerons in 2013, Head of Steam has grown to 15 venues across 13 cities, including its popular Didsbury venue, which has been a firm favourite with South Manchester residents since opening in 2018.

Chris Soley, chief executive of Camerons Brewery, added: “It’s fantastic that The Head of Steam and Camerons Brewery are back on the expansion trail. 

“Following our successful refinance in 2024, we are delighted that The Head of Steam Manchester will be the first venue to open on this next stage of growth.”

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