Track Sonoma

Manchester has become one of the strongest beer cities in Britain, and Track sits firmly among the breweries responsible for that reputation.

Founded in 2014, the brewery started life with a simple focus on hop-forward beer and gradually developed into one of the UK's most respected modern brewing operations. The name itself comes from founder Sam Jones’ background in professional cycling, which explains why the branding occasionally looks like it might also be sponsoring a mountain stage somewhere in the Alps.

Pale ales and IPAs remain the backbone of the range. Bright citrus, tropical fruit, soft texture and expressive hop character all feature heavily, but the beers usually retain enough structure to stop things drifting entirely into fruit smoothie territory.

The brewery has steadily expanded its range into lagers, stouts, mixed fermentation projects and collaborations while maintaining a remarkably consistent standard throughout. The taproom near Manchester Piccadilly has also become one of the city's key beer destinations.

Track feels like one of those breweries that grew because people genuinely enjoyed drinking the beer rather than because it mastered social media first. That remains a useful quality.