Business Details
Your Trusted Family-Owned Brewery & Pubs in Manchester Since 1828
Established in 1828, we are a seventh-generation family-owned brewery and hospitality leader rooted in Manchester. Our heritage spans nearly two centuries of brewing excellence, combining traditional methods with innovation to craft iconic beers like our Core Range and seasonal ales. We operate 49 managed pubs, inns, and hotels across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North Wales, alongside 100 pub partner sites, offering vibrant spaces for community connection. Our commitment to quality extends to food menus that celebrate seasonal British cuisine, complemented by award-winning ales brewed at our Greengate Brewery.With over 1,500 employees, we blend family values with professional expertise to deliver authentic experiences in every pint and venue. Our dedication to sustainability, local partnerships, and customer satisfaction ensures we remain a trusted name in hospitality while embracing modern challenges. From historic pubs to boutique hotels, we create environments where tradition meets contemporary comfort, ensuring every guest feels at home.
Services
Core Range Beers
Seasonal Ales
Pub Management
Hotel Accommodations
Brewery Tours
Wedding Venues
Seasonal Menus
Beer Gardens
Craft Beer Production
Pub Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We have over 195 years of brewing expertise since 1828.
- Our family-owned ethos ensures authentic, quality-driven hospitality.
- Award-winning beer range brewed using traditional methods.
- Diverse pub estate catering to urban, rural, and coastal communities.
- Sustainable practices across brewing and hospitality operations.
Services
Core Range Beers
Our Core Range embodies nearly 200 years of brewing heritage, featuring iconic bitters, pale ales, and lagers crafted with traditional methods. These year-round beers showcase consistent quality using time-honoured recipes passed through seven generations. Perfect for cask ale enthusiasts seeking reliable, full-flavoured brews in pubs across the North West.
Seasonal Ales
Rotating seasonal ales complement British weather patterns, from citrus-infused summer beers to spiced winter warmers. Each limited-edition brew leverages local ingredients and innovative techniques while maintaining our signature quality standards. Available in managed pubs and partner venues throughout the year.
Managed Pubs
We operate 49 managed pubs across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North Wales, offering diverse experiences from cosy country inns to canal-side beer gardens. All venues serve our award-winning beers alongside seasonal menus featuring hearty British dishes and contemporary culinary creations in welcoming, family- and dog-friendly environments.
Boutique Hotels
Our collection includes destination hotels like The Alderley Edge Hotel and Trearddur Bay Hotel, combining historic charm with modern comforts. Guests enjoy seasonal dining, scenic surroundings, and unique amenities such as coastal views or countryside walks, all maintained to high hospitality standards reflecting our brewing legacy.
Pub Partnerships
We support 100 pub partner sites through flexible agreements, offering business development assistance and supply chain access. Licensees benefit from our brewing expertise, marketing support, and 195-year heritage while maintaining operational autonomy in community-focused venues across the North West and North Wales.
Questions
What makes JW Lees Manchester's oldest brewery?
Founded in 1828 by John Lees, we've maintained continuous family ownership across seven generations, surviving industrial changes and world events while preserving traditional brewing methods at our Greengate Brewery site.
Where can I find JW Lees pubs?
Our 149-strong pub estate spans Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North Wales, including 49 managed venues and 100 pub partner sites, ranging from community pubs to destination inns with rooms.
Do your beer menus change seasonally?
Yes, our Core Range remains year-round while Seasonal Ales rotate quarterly, offering weather-appropriate brews like citrus summer ales and spiced winter warmers across managed pubs and partner venues.
What food options do you offer?
Menus feature hearty British classics with seasonal updates, including Sunday roasts, locally inspired dishes, and modern creations. Options vary by venue but always prioritise fresh, seasonal ingredients in managed pubs and partner sites.
Can I stay overnight at your venues?
Yes, we operate 11 boutique hotels and countryside inns including The Alderley Edge Hotel and Trearddur Bay Hotel, offering accommodation with dining, scenic views, and event spaces across North West England and North Wales.
How do you support pub licensees?
We provide dedicated Business Development Managers, training programs, marketing support, and supply chain access to our 100 pub partner sites while offering flexible agreement structures that balance autonomy with expert guidance.
