Phoenix Brewery

Phoenix Brewery traces its modern history to August 1982, when founder Tony Allen opened Oak Brewery on an industrial estate in Ellesmere Port. The brewery developed a strong reputation for traditional beer and became one of the early pioneers of the modern microbrewing movement in the Manchester and North West beer scene.

After nine years in Ellesmere Port, Tony moved the business to Heywood in 1991, closer to its main trading areas. The brewery took over a striking historic red-brick brewery site on Green Lane and adopted the Phoenix Brewery name.

The Heywood site itself has a much older brewing heritage. Phoenix Brewery was originally registered there in 1874 and once brewed directly from its seven-storey brewery tower, supplying an estate of more than one hundred pubs in the surrounding area. That history remains visible in the character of the brewery today.

Under Tony Allen, Phoenix became known for a range of dependable and distinctive beers that built a loyal following across the North West. The brewery continued to produce these established classics while also developing new beers and expanding into bottled formats.

Following Tony's death in 2021, Phoenix entered a new chapter. The brewery was saved by a family team and continued operating from its historic Heywood home, preserving Tony's beers while introducing new ideas and investing in the future of the business.

The current brewery team combines established experience with newer members of staff, including Head Brewer Andrew and fellow brewers Steve, Lucy and Graeme. Together they continue to develop Phoenix's range while maintaining the character and consistency associated with its long-standing beers.

Phoenix is also working towards opening its brewery site to the public for the first time in its modern history, with plans for a new brewery tap and courtyard. Until that opens, the brewery remains primarily a production site, with its beers available through pubs, retailers and its online shop.