Blackedge Brewery is an independent microbrewery in Horwich, Bolton, founded in 2009 by Shaun and Wayne. Based close to the Lancashire and Greater Manchester border, the brewery combines traditional British brewing methods with modern craft beer influences, producing hop-forward pales, dark beers and stronger releases across cask, keg, bottle and can. Its 10-barrel brewhouse sits beneath the brewery's own bar and supports a core range alongside seasonal and limited beers.
Brewery story
Blackedge Brewery was founded in Horwich in 2009 by Shaun and Wayne, born from their shared passion for good beer. From its base in Bolton, the brewery has grown into an established part of the North West's independent brewing scene while retaining the small-scale character of a local microbrewery.
The brewery operates a 10-barrel brewhouse at Moreton Mill in Horwich, with the brewing plant visible through a viewing window beneath the Brewery Bar. Blackedge produces a broad mix of styles using traditional brewing methods, with beers ranging from light and sessionable pale ales to dark beers and stronger double IPAs.
While its brewing techniques draw heavily on British tradition, Blackedge has also been influenced by modern American craft brewing, particularly the hop-forward beers of the US Pacific West Coast. The brewery describes its approach as a balance between traditional British beer and contemporary craft, using malt, hops and yeast to build beers with plenty of body and flavour.
Blackedge's range includes a core selection supplemented by seasonal and limited releases in both cask and unfiltered keg formats. Many of its beers are also canned on site, helping the brewery reach drinkers throughout North West England and further afield.
The brewery has developed a direct connection with drinkers through its own venues. The Brewery Bar opened above the Horwich brewery in 2015, followed by a second Brewery Tap in Westhoughton in 2019. Together they provide dedicated spaces for fresh Blackedge beer and form an important part of the brewery's local presence.
Taprooms
Blackedge has 2 taprooms to visit. Explore each location for addresses, directions and opening-time information.
Taproom 1
Moreton Mill, Hampson Street, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7JH
Blackedge's Brewery Bar sits directly above the brewery in Horwich and opened in February 2015. Housed in a former engineering works, the bar retains an industrial character while providing a relaxed space to drink Blackedge beers close to where they are brewed. The dog- and child-friendly venue also has a large covered outdoor area and serves fresh artisan pizza alongside the brewery's award-winning beers.
Taproom 2
Market Street, Westhoughton, Bolton
Blackedge's Brewery Tap in Westhoughton opened in September 2019 as the brewery's second tap room. Created from a former carpet shop and first-floor flat, the venue combines a fresh modern interior with traditional touches and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere. It serves Blackedge beers with occasional live music at weekends, while an upstairs seating area is available for private functions and group bookings.
Independent
