Ancoats has long-since blossomed into a self-sufficient urban village, and it could never hope to claim such a title without an excellent wine merchant. Enter KERB, which marries a hand-picked retail selection of natural clarets, whites, roses and fizz, alongside craft ales and beers, with an inviting hangout ready to serve customers by the glass or bottle. Dedicated to presenting the “purest, most authentic use of the grape in a way that can be enjoyed and understood by everyone”, this place is about the journey “from soil to glass”.
To give an idea of the choice, there are more than 150 varieties available, either to drink in or take away. All of which are presented in a stunning, minimalist space, main tasting table in the round looked on by an audience of vino. At any one time, KERB offers five wines on tap, which rotate monthly, while different bottles are opened daily to keep every glassful varied. Many of the suppliers are smaller operations, so the team here have close relationships with a number of them, elevating an already-extensive knowledge of produce, and arming them with plenty of back stories to share with customers as they peruse, pour or purchase from the proverbial cellar.
Similar care and attention is taken with the hops. Craft beers at the bar are on rotation, and cover pale ales, DIPAs, mixed fermentations and, of course, high quality lagers and pilsners, to name but a few. KERB is also home to a great events programme, with free entry wine tastings every Thursday (pay only for what you drink or walk home with), weekly tasting flights focused on specific winemakers, importers, and regions, and regular art exhibitions. Work on display changes each month, with a free launch party kicking off the individual residencies. Not quite limited to this site, you can also catch the operation at pop up spaces across the city and working in collaboration with other events and businesses.
