Joseph Holt land £1bn airport microbrewery deal

The Bridgewater Exchange pub is being opened by Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt in conjunction with the Restaurant Group (TRG).

A special airport brew will also be created to celebrate the partnership.

And although the recipe for the ale is yet to be finalised, Richard Kershaw, chief executive and fifth generation of the family brewery, hinted that the beer itself is likely to be honey-based as a nod to the city’s iconic symbol – the Manchester bee.

Beer insight

Located behind a glazed wall in full view of drinkers, Kershaw said it will provide an insight into how Joseph Holt make their award-winning beers.

He added that it will also “doubtlessly consolidate” Manchester’s position as one of the country’s leading brewing centres.

“We’re very proud of the ales and lagers we already produce and to go into such a development with a microbrewery on site will really show our passion for brewing beer,” he enthused.

“As the capacity of terminal two increases, so too will the number of people from all over the world who can enjoy a taste of Manchester’s finest ales.”

Spring opening

Concluding, Kershaw explained that the microbrewery, which opens next spring, will comprise everything needed to produce beer, but will simply be on a "much smaller scale".

Manchester’s new ‘super terminal’ – an extension of its second terminal – aims to reflect the city’s “thriving” food and drink scene with other coffee shops and eateries.

The billion pound project also aims to slash off-peak security queues, double airport jobs and add 10m passengers over the next ten years.

Nick Ayerst, managing director of TRG, said the aim of his company was to offer passengers the “ultimate food and beverage” experience before and after their flights.

Huge footfall

Airport bosses say they will be able to handle around 35m passengers a year when the new terminal is opened – resulting in great footfall for the proposed microbrewery.

Manchester Airport chief executive Andrew Cowan added: “We have worked hard to identify partners that represent the strength and depth of the region’s food and drink scene and it is great to be working with so many brands that started life here in the north.”

Joseph Holt itself is currently celebrating its 170th anniversary and the opening of the new microbrewery represents its 127th outlet.