Staff at Head of Steam have been pouring pints for eight months at the Grade II-listed former Cottonopolis site on Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The venue was taken over by Hartlepool-based Camerons Brewery, which also operates the original Head of Steam in Newcastle that opened 21 years ago, as well as a Didsbury pub of the same name.
The 2,800 sq ft pub is the sixteenth Head of Steam in the UK, welcoming people from all walks of life with its industrial character, huge beer choice, and good vibes in a historic Manchester setting. North west support manager Kieran Cant spoke to the Manchester Evening News for its regular Pub of the Week feature.
History and Significance
The venue was previously home to Japanese-fusion restaurant Cottonopolis for eight years until early 2024, and briefly housed the Lamb of Tartary pub that same year. Cant said: 'We knew it as Cottonopolis and as a Manchester icon, but we always thought the outside of the venue leant itself to becoming a pub. When the opportunity came to take it, we jumped at the chance! The original concept for the Head of Steam was to provide great pubs near train stations, and a nod to the Industrial Revolution of the north, this really made Manchester a perfect location for us!'
Cant started in an industrial job before moving into hospitality, wanting a role focused on people. 'I really enjoyed creating experiences for people and having a job where every day was different. I quickly realised I loved the challenges that come with this industry and the opportunity to make a difference to people's experiences, and I've stuck with it ever since!'
Best-Selling Drinks
The pub has 30 lines serving 24 kegs and six casks, with a strong non-alcoholic range. Cant noted: 'With the warmer weather, the Hugo Spritz has been flying out, but when it comes to pints, the Jellyfish Nebula IPA by Tooth & Claw has been a real favourite and is proving incredibly popular!'
Famous Visitors
Head of Steam has welcomed Jodie Comer and the Manchester City Women's team. 'It's always great to see familiar faces, we honestly appreciate anyone that chooses to walk through the door,' Cant said.
Community Support
Cant praised the local community: 'We've been so fortunate to have been welcomed into such an unreal city with open arms. The support from the local community has been immense. Manchester folk are unmatched in bringing the community together and we love being a space where we can be a part of this.'
When asked about haunted tales, Cant replied: 'We wouldn't say there's any spooky goings on but it's an incredible building and we're very fortunate to exist in an area that is so rich in history!'
How to Support
Cant encouraged people to visit: 'Honestly the best way is just to come and experience it. The pub is such a varied space, with cocktails, speciality beers, sports, darts, and a very engaging team. We offer flights of beer and flights of wine, or we offer a standard pint of lager and a packet of crisps. The way the venue and team are set up we can offer a tailored experience to everyone, and it thrives on being a hub for people. The atmosphere is made by the people in the pub and coming along and contributing to that and making us a place to be in Manchester is the best support we can ever get.'
