The Head of Steam Confirms Northern Quarter Opening Date – and is Giving Away 1,995 Free Pints

The iconic craft beer brand is marking its 1995 origins with an epic pint giveaway as it opens its first Manchester city centre venue, complete with epic burgers, AR darts, and a stellar beer line-up

Craft beer pioneer The Head of Steam has announced that its first venue in Manchester city centre will open its doors at 3pm on Friday 28th November, unveiling the transformation of the Grade II listed building at 16 Newton Street, right on the edge of the Northern Quarter.

Marking its 16th venue nationwide since being established in 1995, The Head of Steam is celebrating the milestone by giving away 1,995 free pints* – a nod to the year it all began and the brand’s long-standing ethos of making craft beer accessible, relevant and fun.

Craft beer fans can be in with a chance of winning a free pint of the Head of Steam’s own IPA, Lager, or Gold by signing up via the link here.

The new 2,800 sq ft venue, with space for 180 guests, will feature a striking central island bar and restored industrial features, bringing an extensive beer selection to the Northern Quarter, with 30 lines serving 24 kegs and 6 cask options. Guests can look forward to expertly selected brews, including Belgian favourites such as Delirium, Brugse Zot, and La Chouffe, alongside The Head of Steam’s own British-brewed range and other exceptional beers from top breweries around the world.

A considered cocktail menu and premium spirits range will also be available, complemented by a bespoke wine list created exclusively for the venue. Visitors will be able to make the most of wine tasting boards, offering the chance to sample any four wines from the menu for just £15.

Adding to the excitement, The Head of Steam will also be home to a pop-up kitchen from Salford legends That Burger Place, bringing the brand’s award-winning burgers to Manchester city centre for the very first time. Founded in 2016, That Burger Place has built a loyal following across Greater Manchester with its bold, California-inspired smash burgers.

Food will be served daily from 12–9pm, with guests able to get their hands on the twice National Burger Awards finalist ‘California Dreamin’ Burger’, along with favourites like The New Yorker, Bacon Jam Burger, and Chicken Sandwiches, plus new exclusives including the TBP Platter Board, Mozzarella Dippers, and Nashville Tenders.

David Scott, Retail Director at The Head of Steam, said: “We’re incredibly proud to confirm our opening date in the Northern Quarter - it’s one of the most vibrant areas in Manchester and the perfect place to bring our craft beer community together. With some fantastic West Coast beers on offer, partnering with That Burger Place, a food brand who share that love for bold West Coast flavours, just made perfect sense.”

Ryan McDermott, Co-Owner of That Burger Place, added: “We’ve always loved The Head of Steam brand. I grew up in pubs as my parents ran several sites, so hospitality has always been in my blood. When the opportunity came to bring That Burger Place into The Head of Steam, it was a no-brainer. Working with the team feels like a perfect match, and we can’t wait to share our burgers with Manchester city centre for the first time.”

Guests can expect a warm welcome, regular live music and DJ sets, pub quizzes, and augmented reality darts (available to book from £18 an hour), as well as live sport throughout the week, with all major sporting events shown across multiple screens. A weekday £9.99 burger and fries deal also makes it the best-value smash burger lunch in the Northern Quarter.

The opening will create 14 new jobs locally, with The Head of Steam set to bring its trademark blend of industrial character, craft innovation, and Northern hospitality to Manchester’s thriving hospitality scene.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

Website: https://www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

About The Head of Steam:

The Head of Steam is all about making craft beer accessible, relevant, and fun. 

Established in 1995, it is one of the UK’s original craft beer bars and a pioneer in the UK craft beer scene - 20 years ahead of the wider craft beer movement.

Part of Camerons Brewery, one of the UK’s largest family-owned independent breweries established in 1895, The Head of Steam currently operates 15 venues across the country, from Newcastle to Cardiff, including its popular Didsbury site in Manchester.

The brand is known for its inclusive, innovative approach to craft beer, offering an extensive range of keg, cask, bottled, and canned beers, alongside a considered selection of cocktails and spirits. 

Its venues combine industrial heritage and contemporary design, creating spaces that are perfect for after-work socialising, weekend catch-ups, and immersive craft beer experiences.

With knowledgeable teams, live sports and competitive games like augmented reality darts, The Head of Steam delivers an engaging, welcoming high street experience for a broad audience, from craft aficionados to casual visitors.

About That Burger Place: 

That Burger Place is all about bringing bold, California-inspired flavour to the North West with crispy-edge smash burgers, loaded fries, and authentic West Coast flair.

Established in 2016 in the backstreets of Swinton, Salford, That Burger Place began life as a 40-cover diner inspired by the owner's trip to America in 2016. Founded by Ryan and Megan McDermott, the duo have built a cult following across Greater Manchester.

As National Burger Awards finalists, That Burger Place has earned a reputation for creativity and consistency, serving up smash burgers that celebrate simple ingredients done exceptionally well.

The brand continues to grow, driven by its passion for community, flavour, and the laid-back energy of America’s West Coast - all while staying true to its Salford roots.

T&Cs

*Free Pint Giveaway

Entrants must be 18+ and UK residents. By signing up via the link, participants are in with a chance of winning a free pint, limited to The Head of Steam IPA, Lager, or Gold. Pints are limited and awarded at The Head of Steam’s discretion. Prizes are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and must be claimed in person. The Head of Steam reserves the right to amend, suspend, or cancel the promotion at any time.

High-res images HERE

For more information and images or to arrange an interview, please contact

tom@scooppr.co.uk / 07300828312

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