Playlisting with... Manchester Union Lager: The Tap Room Jukebox

Introducing, Skiddle's all-new music playlist feature - Playlisting with...

Delving into the music taste of the people behind some of the UK's best and most sought-after independent brands, the series will present a collection of themed playlists, specially curated by musically informed designers, creators and producers from across the UK.

Accompanied by a concise interview, covering everything from upcoming events and product launches, to artist recommendations, and tips on how to build the perfect playlist, each feature will give you the opportunity to learn more about your favourite independent businesses and the tracks that keep them going.

Over the coming weeks and months, we'll be getting track recommendations from a host of upcoming fashion brands, brewers and distillers, party throwing collectives, artists, venues and more.

Kicking things off and celebrating the return of the pubs this week, we spoke with Jamie Scahill, co-founder of Manchester's first and only craft lager brewery - Manchester Union Lager.

Founded and situated in the city of Manchester, the popular brewery has been crafting artisan lagers since 2019. Using brewing methods unique to the UK, the fervent team behind the brand are dedicated in producing only the finest of beers, with a Mancunian swagger to boot.

With special thanks to the pioneering engineers of the Victorian era, the brewery is able to create a lager like no other, using the UK's softest water, delivered straight from the Lake District 156km away, developing ales which rival the very best on the market.

Jamie kindly took the time to share the brewery's Tap Room playlist with us, reflecting the tracks used to open the on-site Manchester Union Tap Room, each and every week.

Check out the playlist below and hear what Jamie had to say about live music, beer festivals and more...

What three records have helped you get through the unprecedented past twelve months?

"Ben Howard has been on repeat, DJ mixes by Hot Chip for the night time and the Hustle Reggae Disco playlist on Spotify always helps when feeling a bit low."

Have you got any artist recommendations for us? Anyone you think we really ought to know about?

"McCool. He's a Manchester lad who is definitely one to watch for the future. Pure soul!"

Top things to consider when creating a first-rate playlist?

"Make sure you mix up the old and new. There’s so much good new stuff out there as well as some banging classics."

What’s the one thing you miss most about live music?

"The buzz of that first song when a band comes on."

First festival or live event you want to attend when all lockdown restrictions are lifted?

"Don’t mind. Just make it loud!"

Any local artists, venues, businesses or brands you’d like to give a shout out to?

"Hikerdelic for the tees. All Manchester breweries for keeping on in difficult times and Great North Pie for producing the best pies around (they also use our lager)."

Tell us about any exciting news, upcoming events or launches you have planned?

"We have a new beer festival happening in June and our tap room opens back up on Saturday 22nd May with DJs performing each week. We’re also going to be pouring our lager again at Lancaster's Highest Point Festival."

All this talk of beer got you in the mood for a cold one? There are countless, COVID compliant beer and cider festivals set to take place throughout 2021. Check them out here on our Things To Do Page