Guild Member Invite: Maki & Ramen NQ Launches Limited-Edition Ramen and Beer Pairing Menu Curated by Manchester Beer Sommelier
- Guild Secretary
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
We'd love to have you join us at the media launch event on Monday 13th July from 6pm - 8pm to experience the pairings for yourself. Lianne will be there to guide you through each pairing and explain first-hand why each beer was chosen, alongside Tūn Brewing founder Richard Alston, who'll be sharing the story behind the collaboration. If you'd like to come along, just drop me your best availability and I'll get you on the guest list - izzy@scooppr.co.uk
In partnership with Chorlton's independent Tūn Brewing Company, the Northern Quarter restaurant is launching two exclusive ramen and craft beer pairings this summer
Maki & Ramen NQ has announced the launch of Kanpai (乾杯), a limited-edition ramen and craft beer pairing menu in collaboration with Chorlton-based independent brewery Tūn Brewing and curated by Certified Cicerone and local beer expert Lianne Williams.
Available from Monday 13th July until Sunday 16th August, the month-long collaboration features two of its signature ramen bowls each expertly paired with a craft beer for just £18 per set, designed to show how well beer and ramen work together when they’re chosen with care.
Named Kanpai (乾杯), the Japanese word for “cheers”, the collaboration draws on Japan’s long-standing culture of enjoying beer with ramen, while bringing this to the Manchester’s Northern Quarter and championing a local independent craft brewery.
Founded by psychiatrist and brewer Richard Alston, Tūn Brewing is built on the belief that great beer should be enjoyed with purpose - a philosophy that naturally aligns with Maki & Ramen's approach to food, where broths are slow-simmered for over eight hours and every ingredient is carefully considered.
THE PAIRINGS
The first pairing matches Maki & Ramen’s Black Garlic Tonkotsu with Tūn Brewing’s Daradach Irish Stout (4.5%). The dish is built on a slow-simmered pork broth, layered with black garlic, chashu and marinated egg, delivering deep umami richness and a creamy, indulgent texture.
Beer sommelier Lianne Williams, said: “This is a rich, umami-heavy bowl with real depth from the black garlic and pork broth. The Daradach’s roasted coffee and dark chocolate notes sit beautifully alongside that intensity, amplifying the savoury character while adding a gentle bitterness. Its dry finish and carbonation cut through the creaminess, keeping each mouthful feeling balanced and moreish.”
The second pairing sees Hell Ramen matched with Tūn Brewing’s Lemondrop Dry-Hopped Pilsner (4.7%). Known as one of Maki & Ramen’s signature spicy dishes, Hell Ramen is built around a chilli-infused broth designed to deliver heat, depth and lingering spice.
Lianne Williams, explained: “With a dish like Hell Ramen, you need something bright and highly refreshing. The Lemondrop Pilsner brings citrus and floral notes that lift the spice rather than fight it, while the high carbonation cleanses the palate between bites. It softens the heat just enough to keep the flavours expressive, without losing the kick that makes the dish so popular.”
THE COLLABORATION
The Kanpai collaboration brings together two brands united by a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and savouring. Founded in Chorlton by local psychiatrist and brewer Richard Alston, Tūn Brewing is on a mission to change how Britain drinks, moving away from excess and towards a more mindful approach where beer is enjoyed for its flavour, not just its volume.
Richard Alston, founder of Tūn Brewing, said: “This is our first collaboration with a Manchester restaurant, so it felt important to do it with a venue that really understands craft and detail. At Tūn, we’ve always believed beer should be made to be enjoyed with intention and that sits naturally alongside what Maki & Ramen do with their food. When you put the two together, it just works and most importantly, it's really delicious.”
Teddy Lee, CEO of Maki & Ramen, added: "Manchester has always had a strong sense of community. Businesses here support one another, champion one another and celebrate what makes the city special. Partnering with Tūn felt incredibly natural. Richard has his craft, we have ours, and Kanpai is a celebration of the care, time and attention that goes into both."
Both Kanpai sets are available exclusively at Maki & Ramen NQ, Ground Floor and Basement, The Landmark, 78–88 High St, Manchester, M4 1ES, from Monday 13th July until Sunday 16th August. Dine-in only, £18 per set. For more information visit makiramen.com.
About Maki & Ramen
Founded in Edinburgh in 2015 by chef and CEO Teddy Lee, Maki & Ramen is the UK's leading Japanese restaurant chain, with 19 locations across Scotland and England including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Nottingham, and London.
Inspired by the ramen-yas (ラーメン屋) or ramen shops of Japan, the brand is built on a commitment to authentic, accessible Japanese cuisine - with every noodle handcrafted daily and broths slow-simmered for eight hours at its Edinburgh factory.
Maki & Ramen's inclusive menu spans signature ramen, freshly made sushi, and a full range of halal, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Named ‘Scotland’s Best Japanese Restaurant by Deliveroo’, the brand serves over 40,000 guests each month and continues to expand through both owned venues and franchise partnerships.
For more information, visit makiramen.com
Instagram: @makiramen
TikTok: @makiramen
Facebook: Maki & Ramen
About Tūn Brewing Company
Brewing has been part of Richard Alston’s life since his teenage years. What began as a hobby later became a form of creative expression and fulfilment during a period of personal mental health challenges. Today, that passion has grown into Tūn Brewing Co., a microbrewery that is as much about community and creativity as it is about great beer.
Our Ethos: Drinking with purpose — to connect, to celebrate, and to savour — can foster healthier habits and deeper enjoyment, moving beyond the culture of drinking to excess. We want our beer to be accessible to as many people as possible, which is why our range is both vegan friendly and gluten-free.
Website: tunbrewing.com
Socials: @tunbrewing
About Lianne Williams
Lianne Williams is a beer writer and Certified Cicerone based in Manchester. She has led brewery tours, guided tasting and food pairing events and judged at beer festivals including Chorlton Beer Festival and SIBA BeerX.
*T&Cs Apply
Valid at Maki & Ramen NQ (78–88 High St, M4 1ES) only
Dine-in customers only
Available Monday 13th July – Sunday 16th August 2025; promotion may be amended or withdrawn without notice
Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
Promoter: Maki & Ramen NQ, The Landmark, 78-88 High St, Manchester, M4 1ES
For press enquiries, or to arrange a visit, please contact: makiandramen@scoopagency.co.uk
Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.
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