5 Must-Visit Natural Wine Bars in Manchester
If you didn’t know already… Manchester has been showcasing some serious potential in what has been a brilliant effort towards becoming a global powerhouse regarding its food and wine culture. Here is a quick, must-visit roundup of five natural wine bars contributing towards Manchester becoming a powerhouse in the UK and global gastronomy scene.
Isca | Levenshulme
Isca combines natural wine with supreme deli goods, celebrating the connection with the source of their offerings and the person behind them.
Sustainability and transparency is at the forefront of everything they do—so whether you grab a bottle to takeaway, or sit in with a couple of small plates, you can do so with a clear conscience.
825 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3PN
Empowered by an all-female squad, Isca is run by Caroline Duboise and Isobel Jenkins which opened just before the first Covid-19 lockdown. Unlike most, Isca flourished through lockdown, thanks to Caroline’s uncanny knowledge on what it means to sell natural wine and of course, thanks to Isobel’s outstanding culinary skills behind the deli counter.
Flawd | Ancoats Marina
Flawd is a natural wine bar with a side focus on modern deli cuisine that’s run by five close friends, working together as a collective. They began their journey together under the title “Higher Ground,” which was a pop-up restaurant paired with a strictly natural wine list, which bounced through different locations as a pop-up in 2020 and 2021.
The team earned their plaudits the hard way by going out and proving themselves, producing some of the finest, cutting-edge British cuisine in Manchester.
Flawd is easily one of my favourite wine bars in Manchester, without a shadow of a doubt. Their selection of wines to choose from is high quality, the space is beautiful and the scenes looking out on the Marina is a candid snapshot into European-inspired alfresco dining.
Erst | Murray St, Ancoats
A minimalistic, high-end venue tucked away in the cool neighbourhood of Ancoats, Erst puts their collection of natural wines at the centre of everything they do, combining them with delicious, seasonal small plates to enjoy while catching up with new and old friends alike. Every glass they serve is au naturelle, with upmarket dishes such as sea bass crudo, grilled pork collar and more to accompany.
Having recently provided Jay Raynor “one of the best meals this year” quoted in a glowing write up for The Guardian, you already the team at Erst do not mess about. Combine their ever-evolving wine list with the humble staff and relaxing interior-feel, and it is near impossible to not have a great time at Erst.
Le Social | Pollard Yard
Drinks-wise, the shelves are stacked with a diverse range of unique and quirky wines – all handpicked with excellent taste, individuality and character in mind. Guests are welcome to try any bottle they like for the usual retail price, plus a £5 corkage fee.
Bottles will be rotated regularly, including different options at various styles and price points to make sure Le Social’s incredible wines are accessible to everyone – no matter their budget.
Le Social to me truly represents what it is to be a part of the growing food and wine scene here in Manchester. Ran out of a stylishly converted shipping container, Le Social are all about providing the people of Manchester with the best minimal-intervention wine experience paired with a very friendly atmosphere. Watch this space…there are big things ahead for Le Social in my eyes.
KERB | Ancoats
Offering a curated selection of natural wines, Mancs will be able to shop beautiful creations from homegrown producers of England & Wales, as well as hand-picked winemakers across Europe (and beyond). If that wasn’t all, KERB will also offer Natty wine on tap, too, making it easier than ever before to knock back a glass or two.
Priding themselves on their passion alone, KERB promises no pretentiousness and no exclusivity – just really good wine.
Imagine the brand Aesop having a baby with any given natural wine shop, then sprinkle a bit of Manchester in the mix, I am certain you will come out with KERB in Ancoats. KERB is a cool, modern, yet warming natural wine bar loaded with some top class natural wine, some of which can be really hard to come by. A new kid on the natural wine block here in Manchester that you must visit if you’re ever in town!