The ‘true Manchester icon’ is currently having a big resurgence
Boddingtons’ return to the city has been hailed as a great success(Image: Boddingtons/JW Lees)
It’s the drink that’s been hard for Mancunians to get a taste of in the last month.
When the ‘Cream of Manchester’ relaunched in a new cask form after 13 years, fans of Boddingtons struggled to find a pub or bar in the city centre – and parts of Stockport – that had supplies left following a big turnout.
But, this weekend, not only will the Boddingtons be flowing, but there will also be free pints of the golden nectar available. Taking place across four hours on Saturday (September 27), a select number of city centre venues will be offering up a chance to claim a pint on the house.
Each of the 10 venues will have up to 50 pints to give away on the day – meaning there will be around 500 pints available to claim. The free Boddingtons pint giveaway will take place at bars and pubs including The Egerton Arms, Sam’s Chop House, and Gullivers.
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The revival of Manchester beer Boddington’s has gone down well with locals(Image: JW Lees)
Piccadilly Tap and Victoria Tap, which – as their names suggest – are beside Piccadilly and Victoria stations – will both also be offering free pints. The two venues were amongs some of the first to report having sold out of the drink within hours during its first weekend back.
The offer will also be available at The Millstone, Stables Tavern, Micro Bar, Circus Tavern and the Oxford Road pub. The free pint offer will run between 12pm and 4pm but it won’t be as easy as just turning up for and asking behind the bar for a freebie.
Available on a first-come, first-served basis, drinkers will first be required to find the Boddingtons mascot near participating venues and collect a voucher to claim their pint of Boddingtons Cask Ale. Updates and clues will be provided throughout the day on social media.
The Boddingtons mascot will be out and about with free pint vouchers(Image: Boddingtons/JW Lees)
First brewed back in 1778, Boddingtons earned a reputation for its bright-yellow tins and its creamy head. Marketing campaigns featuring the likes of Melanie Sykes and Anna Chancellor also gave it a big boost in popularity.
Its return on cask – after a 13-year cask hiatus – was sparked by a new partnership between Budweiser Brewing Group and Manchester’s own JW Lees, the city’s oldest brewer, which sees a new 4.0% ABV recipe served fresh from the cellar, naturally conditioned, and “hand-pulled to perfection”.
Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese ambassador to the UK, was amongst some of the first to get to try the new Boddingtons and was pictured almost downing a full pint after negotiations in the city marked the signing of a new trade and cultural exchange between Manchester and Osaka.
Gullivers in the Northern Quarter will be offering free Boddingtons pints on Saturday(Image: Manchester Evening News)
William Lees-Jones, Managing Director of JW Lees, said: “Boddingtons is a true Manchester icon, and we’re proud to bring back its famous cask beer for the community to enjoy. To celebrate, we’re inviting locals and visitors alike to join us in the Northern Quarter for a pint on us. It’s our way of saying thank you to the city where it all began.”
Brian Perkins, President of AB InBev Western Europe, added: “We are excited to relaunch Boddington’s Cask Ale in partnership with JW Lees. Founder’s Hall was just the first step – the demand we’ve seen already highlights the potential as we bring this iconic beer to more venues across the UK.”
As always, it’s important to drink responsibly – whether it’s a free beer or not.
The pubs and bars participating in the free Boddingtons giveaway on Saturday (September 27)
- Piccadilly Tap
- The Millstone
- Gullivers
- Micro Bar (Manchester Arndale)
- Victoria Tap
- Sam’s Chop House
- The Egerton Arms
- Stables Tavern
- Oxford Road
- Circus Tavern
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