Manchester has always been a city with a proud beer heritage, from the industrial revolution’s porter breweries to the modern wave of craft. Among the new generation, Balance Brewing & Blending stands out — a small independent operation with a big vision: to brew beer rooted in tradition but elevated by patience, experimentation, and flavour.
A Brewery with a Difference
Founded by friends Will Harris and James Horrocks, Balance Brewing & Blending doesn’t follow the path of most modern craft breweries. While many focus on fast-turnaround pale ales and IPAs, Balance specialises in beers that take time. Their focus is on mixed fermentation, barrel-aging, and blending — techniques inspired by Belgian lambic brewers but given a distinctly Manchester twist.
This approach means their beers aren’t churned out in weeks, but carefully aged for months or even years before being released. The results are complex, nuanced, and designed for slow drinking and sharing.
What’s in a Name?
The name Balance reflects both their philosophy and their beer. For Will and James, brewing isn’t about chasing extremes — it’s about finding harmony. Whether blending a sharp, tart barrel-aged beer with a softer, rounded one, or balancing malt sweetness with funk and acidity, every decision is guided by equilibrium.
The Beers
Balance’s beers are often released in small, limited batches. Highlights have included:
- Blended Saison – A farmhouse-style ale aged in oak, combining spice, fruit, and funk.
- Wild Ale with Fruit – Beers re-fermented with locally sourced fruit such as cherries, raspberries, or damsons, creating vivid colour and layered flavour.
- Special Collabs – Balance has worked with fellow breweries across the UK, bringing their expertise in blending into unique projects.
Drinkers often compare the beers to fine wine or cider, making them popular with enthusiasts who enjoy complexity and depth.
A Different Pace in a Fast Industry
In today’s beer market, where trends move fast and new releases hit weekly, Balance Brewing & Blending deliberately slows things down. Their model relies on patience, craft, and storytelling. Each release is an event, often paired with tastings at their Manchester base or at specialist bars across the UK.
This slower, artisanal approach has struck a chord with drinkers looking for something beyond the latest hazy IPA or pastry stout.
Building a Community
Balance also champions local connection. From sourcing fruit from nearby farms to hosting intimate tasting sessions, the brewery fosters a sense of community around their beers. They’ve become part of Manchester’s thriving independent drinks culture, standing proudly alongside pubs, bottle shops, and breweries that put the city on the craft beer map.
The Future of Balance
Looking ahead, Balance plans to expand its barrel program, experiment with more fruits and wild yeast strains, and continue developing its reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative small breweries.
For fans of thoughtful, patient brewing, Balance Brewing & Blending represents the best of what craft beer can be: creative, rooted in tradition, and made to be savoured.
