The Wharf, a pub in Castlefield, Greater Manchester, will officially introduce its own IPA this weekend, created by Manchester brewery ShinDigger. The pub, situated by the junction of the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals, is known for its suntrap beer garden, vast drinks menu, pies and Sunday roasts.
Launch weekend celebrations
To mark the launch, ShinDigger will hand out samples of the new Wharf IPA at the pub this weekend. The barbecue grills will also be fired up for freshly-cooked delights to accompany the pours. Special cocktails will be on offer just for the weekend, alongside live music from local artists.
General manager Lloyd Bennett said the IPA has already gone down well with those who tried it early. The pub, which recently underwent a refurbishment earlier this year, is popular all year round.
Pub's history and notable guests
Bennett, who has worked in hospitality since age 15, explained the pub's history. The site was used in the late 19th century as an open wharf, where travelling cranes stacked goods and unloaded cargo onto barges. The pub was purpose-built in 1998 as Jackson's Wharf, closing in 2005. After a planning battle over proposals to replace it with apartments, local opposition helped defeat the plans, and following extensive refurbishment, the pub reopened in 2012 as The Wharf.
Notable guests over the years have included James Morrison, Little Mix, Fleur East and Nathan Sykes. Bennett said the mix of local regulars, canal-side visitors, families, dog walkers, workers and people coming into Castlefield for the atmosphere is what he loves most about the community.
Best-selling drink and support
Bennett said the best-selling drink is the ShinDigger IPA, branded as Wharf IPA. He noted no two days are ever the same at the pub, with every day bringing its own stand-out moments. He said he has never heard of any ghost stories or haunted encounters associated with The Wharf.
To support the local pub, Bennett suggests visiting regularly, bringing friends and family, eating as well as drinking there, supporting events and recommending it to other people. The Wharf is on Blantyre House, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST.
