Carringtons

This place is quite unassuming and I didn’t really know it was there until I walked past it.
Inside, so much booze! It’s like a booze warehouse almost. We were greeted by a very chatty and helpful man, although he did feel the need to greet us as ‘kids’ although he didn’t appear too much older than either of us.
I’ll forgive him for this as he knew his beer, and was more than happy to offer up tips and advice and personal opinion. We were focused on beer but from looking around I could see that they also sold a lot of wine and a decent selection of spirits.
Two bottles of beer came to £4.99. There is a card limit of £5 but thankfully I was let off for that extra penny.
I would definitely head back here next time I want some nice beers for myself or if I’m getting booze in for a party.

There comes a time in every young adult’s life when they realise they’re simply not a student anymore, and your standard 3 for £12 plonk or multipack beer from Bargain Booze ain’t going to cut it. You need something special. Why, you’re a grown-​up, you’ve a good job, you pay bills, you rent your own place, you’re in a proper relationship and you’re having people over. You want these people to have something a bit different to remember your soirée by. Well thank you Carringtons for shouldering that responsibility.
Walking around this shop is like being six again and cooing over the Pick ‘n’ Mix at Woolworths, only this time you know how much everything costs because you’re paying for it yourself. Yep, the rush of guilt from tugging on Mum’s hand and whinging at her way back then comes soaring over again. Anyway, during my first introduction to Carringtons, I had a request that was both specific and vague in equal measure. I needed local beers, European beers, some nice Prosecco and a good gin. I had bugger all to worry about in the very capable hands of Rosco. He immediately packed up a couple of bottles of Prosecco into a box for me, took me round the shop pointing out some great beers, and when it came to the gin he said, ‘Can you come tomorrow or do you need this for tonight? We’ve got a Brockmans delivery coming and that’s great gin.‘
I was most certainly free the next day, and any Unilocaler who made it to the Unilocal Summer Stunner (
) will know how amazing that is. Thanks to the introduction from Carringtons, we brought Brockmans to the Manchester masses! They’ve a spot in Didsbury Village too, and they’re certainly the place to go if you love your Brewdog beers (I know several Mancunians who do). The service is great, the staff are knowledgeable and they love what they do. Can’t say fairer than that for a great independent booze specialist!

If you’re tired of smart price vodka and wine in cartons just labelled ‘Australian Red Wine’ then I can definitely recommend a trip to Carringtons. Stocking a range of boutique beers, handpicked wines and high-​end spirits there is something here to suit all tastes. It may be a little bit pricey, as has been noted, but for that special occasion, gift or even a little treat for yourself (Just a couple of well-​deserved bottles of Konig Ludwig Weissbier) Carringtons is perfect.
The staff are knowledgeable about what they’re selling — I know because I once worked at an off licence at home and I had absolutely no clue about what I was selling. I can sense the genuine opinion in their voice. They’re not pushing three for twos or trying to make you buy lager by the case, they are happy to make recommendations according to your budget and personal taste. They run wine tastings and even a blog, how many branches of Threshers or Bargain Booze do you know that can say that.

This is an off-​license with a difference. No constant £3 off offers on wine, no multi packs of Carling, no fluorescent signs in the windows.
Carrington’s is a classy off-​license selling wine, beer and spirits. The décor is all wooden with the original crates displaying the goods. I’ve only ever been in here for beer, but they also stock a good range of wines, which the staff are happy to make recommendations for, according to your budget.
When I lived in Germany for a year I made it my mission to try every beer that my local supermarket had on offer. I was surprised at just how drinkable even the 39 cent bottles were. I think if I made this my mission in Carrington’s I would probably be skint and possibly be dead, but it is nice to pop in to buy a bottle of some of my German favourites such as Jever Pilsner, along with strong Belgian beers such as Duvel. Expect to pay between £1.50 and £2.50 a bottle.
There is another Carrington’s on the high street in Didsbury village, which the owners are apparently considering reopening as a bar.