Background

Cask

Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.

4.6

Nestled on the scenic New Islington Marina in Ancoats, Cask is a vibrant bar renowned for its extensive selection of craft beers, cask ales, and international brews. Housed in the modern Cottonfield Wharf development, it offers a spacious interior with beerhall-style tables, board games, a pinball machine, darts, and a jukebox for entertainment. Patrons can enjoy simple snacks like crisps and nuts or bring their own food. The canal-side location provides outdoor seating with views of passing narrowboats, blending urban regeneration vibes with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for groups or solo visitors in Manchester's up-and-coming district.

A brief summary to cask

  • Cottonfield Wharf, 2 New Union Street New Islington Marina, Manchester, Ancoats, M4 6FQ, GB
  • +441613920809
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-11:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-11:30 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Check the frequently updated beer menu online before visiting to spot rare cask ales or seasonal specials.
  • Bring your own takeaway food from nearby spots, as the bar focuses on snacks like crisps and nuts.
  • Arrive early for outdoor canal-side tables, especially on sunny days when they fill fast.
  • Challenge friends to darts, pinball, or board games for added fun during your visit.
widget icon

cask location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

Unlock the Best of cask

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about cask

Canal-Side Haven in Regenerated Ancoats

Perched at Cottonfield Wharf on New Union Street, Cask occupies a prime spot along the New Islington Marina, where the Ashton Canal weaves through Manchester's revitalized Ancoats neighborhood. Opened in November 2018 as the sister venue to the original Cask on Liverpool Road, it embodies the area's transformation from industrial past to trendy waterside living. The bar's modern setting within a contemporary wharf development contrasts with the historic canal, creating a dynamic backdrop of glass-fronted apartments and gentle waterway ripples.

Beer Paradise with Global Flair

Cask distinguishes itself through an ever-rotating lineup of beverages, featuring hand-pulled cask ales alongside draught lines and fridges stocked with vibrant canned crafts from local breweries and beyond. This beertopia caters to enthusiasts seeking unique pours, with menus updated frequently to highlight seasonal and rare finds. The emphasis on quality taps reflects Manchester's thriving craft scene, drawing those who appreciate nuanced flavors in a casual environment.

Spacious Interiors and Playful Entertainment

Inside, the bar unfolds into a light-filled space with high ceilings and communal beerhall tables ideal for gatherings. Entertainment abounds with a retro jukebox spinning classics, a Ghostbusters pinball machine, dartboard, and eclectic board games for impromptu challenges. Simple food keeps things straightforward—crisps, nuts, olives—while the policy of allowing patrons to bring takeaways or order in from nearby spots enhances flexibility amid the lively hum.

Outdoor Vibes Overlooking the Marina

When Manchester's weather cooperates, the outdoor terrace steals the show, offering canal views where narrowboats glide past under bridges. Tables fill quickly on sunny afternoons or balmy evenings, fostering a sociable scene as locals and visitors unwind by the water. The marina's calm waters and surrounding greenery provide a serene counterpoint to the bar's energetic interior.

Ancoats' Evolving Urban Pulse

Cask thrives in Ancoats, a district once dominated by mills and warehouses, now buzzing with new builds, cafes, and green spaces. Its location fosters easy integration into walks along the canal or explorations of nearby parks, capturing the neighborhood's aspirational, pressure-washed appeal for modern urbanites. The bar's presence underscores how craft drinking spots anchor community revival.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near cask

Popular Hotels near cask

Select Currency