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In partnership with Chorlton’s independent Tūn Brewing Company, the Northern Quarter restaurant is serving two exclusive ramen and craft beer pairings this summer.

Maki & Ramen NQ has launched Kanpai (乾杯), a limited-edition ramen and craft beer pairing menu in collaboration with Chorlton-based independent brewery Tūn Brewing, curated by Certified Cicerone and local beer expert Lianne Williams.

Available until 16 August, the month-long collaboration features two signature ramen bowls, each expertly paired with a craft beer for £18 per set, showcasing how well beer and ramen complement each other when carefully matched.

Named Kanpai (乾杯), the Japanese word for “cheers”, the collaboration draws on Japan’s long-standing tradition of enjoying beer with ramen while bringing the concept to Manchester’s Northern Quarter and championing a local independent craft brewery.

Founded by psychiatrist and brewer Richard Alston, Tūn Brewing is built on the belief that great beer should be enjoyed with purpose – a philosophy that naturally aligns with Maki & Ramen’s approach to food, where broths are slow-simmered for more than eight hours and every ingredient is carefully considered.

The pairings

The first pairing matches Maki & Ramen’s Black Garlic Tonkotsu with Tūn Brewing’s Daradach Irish Stout (4.5%). The dish is built on a slow-simmered pork broth, layered with black garlic, chashu and marinated egg, delivering deep umami richness and a creamy, indulgent texture.

Beer sommelier Lianne Williams said: “This is a rich, umami-heavy bowl with real depth from the black garlic and pork broth. The Daradach’s roasted coffee and dark chocolate notes sit beautifully alongside that intensity, amplifying the savoury character while adding a gentle bitterness. Its dry finish and carbonation cut through the creaminess, keeping each mouthful feeling balanced and moreish.”

The second pairing sees Hell Ramen matched with Tūn Brewing’s Lemondrop Dry-Hopped Pilsner (4.7%). Known as one of Maki & Ramen’s signature spicy dishes, Hell Ramen is built around a chilli-infused broth designed to deliver heat, depth and lingering spice.

Lianne Williams added: “With a dish like Hell Ramen, you need something bright and highly refreshing. The Lemondrop Pilsner brings citrus and floral notes that lift the spice rather than fight it, while the high carbonation cleanses the palate between bites. It softens the heat just enough to keep the flavours expressive, without losing the kick that makes the dish so popular.”

The collaboration

The Kanpai collaboration brings together two brands united by a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and flavour. Founded in Chorlton by local psychiatrist and brewer Richard Alston, Tūn Brewing aims to encourage a more mindful approach to beer, focusing on quality and flavour rather than quantity.

Richard Alston, founder of Tūn Brewing, said: “This is our first collaboration with a Manchester restaurant, so it felt important to do it with a venue that really understands craft and detail. At Tūn, we’ve always believed beer should be made to be enjoyed with intention and that sits naturally alongside what Maki & Ramen do with their food. When you put the two together, it just works and, most importantly, it’s really delicious.”

Teddy Lee, CEO of Maki & Ramen, added: “Manchester has always had a strong sense of community. Businesses here support one another, champion one another and celebrate what makes the city special. Partnering with Tūn felt incredibly natural. Richard has his craft, we have ours, and Kanpai is a celebration of the care, time and attention that goes into both.”

Both Kanpai sets are available exclusively at Maki & Ramen NQ, Ground Floor and Basement, The Landmark, 78–88 High Street, Manchester, until 16 August. The menu is available for dine-in only, priced at £18 per set.