Belfast Brewpub – The Deer’s Head
The first Brewpub in Belfast is the Deer’s Head conveniently located 1-3 Garfield Street, Belfast, this area is steeped in brewing history and it has got the potential to make more history. We are excited to see this project evolve and we’re very grateful to the Owner for allowing us to help with this project and install the beautiful Brewiks brewing equipment.
What is a Brewpub?
Simply put it’s an establishment that sells beer that’s been brewed on the premises
What about the brewing History in this area?
There where 12 pubs and 4 spirit dealers on North Street in 1819, now only one pub remains, the Deer’s Head, established in 1885 as a traditional Saloon bar and brewery its being reinvigorated and going back to its roots of brewing beer on site and becomes the first modern brewpub in Belfast.
Bells Brewery is the name of the Brewery within the premises at the Deers Head. In 1819 Lower Garfield Street was formally known as Bell’s Lane which we like to think is in honour of the founder and brewer John Bell . Formerly a wine and spirit merchant, John Bell lived worked and brewed here since 1778, directly adjacent to the Deer’s Head.
During the 18th century, the Irish government encouraged brewing at the expense of distilling, reasoning that beer was less harmful than whiskey and from 1790, it is argued that the decline of manufacturing industries was due to the expansion of other industries including milling, brewing and distilling.
At the time when John Bell was in operation there was several breweries on neighbouring streets including North Street, Royal Avenue and Smithfield. Today the Deer’s Head are passionate about reviving what was once considered the brewery quarter of Belfast.
Why is it important to have a Brewpub in Belfast?
To many they won’t initially see the potential impact of this project. At Geterbrewed we see this as being a huge step forward as this will change the landscape in the local brewing scene. Craft beer is still a very juvenile market in Northern Ireland and the launch of the first Brewpub in Belfast will help escalate the growth.
The experience of enjoying a quality beer packed with flavour onsite whilst overlooking the brewery equipment isn’t just authentic, it’s putting the consumer back in touch with the brewer. An intimacy with the process of making beer. We want consumers to regain the connection and support their local brewers. We want you to support the Deers Head!
The Brewpub experience is about using your senses, you should be seeing, smelling and tasting. At the Deer’s Head your senses are in for a treat . You will see the visually striking Copper Brewiks Microbrewery behind glass allowing you to observe the full brewing process. Thoughtful design by Oscar and Oscar allows your senses to be stimulated and the owners have been researching, experimenting and designing beer recipes to excite your palate.
If your in the brewpub during a brewday you will get to smell the malt being mashed and the hops being added to the boil. Often the unsung hero of taste is that of aroma, so try this new experience and immerse yourself in a sensory experience at The Deers Head. A good brewer will layer aromas and flavours and from what we have tasted so far you are sure to impressed with the flavours and aromas in the Bells Brewery Beers.
This is pioneering by the owner of the Deer’s Head, its going to be a great tourist attraction for Belfast City Centre and its going to help develop the local craft beer scene.
When is the Brewpub Opening?
With all that is going on at the minute with government restrictions its going to be a short wait until the time is right and safe, but soon, real soon….
We look forward to joining our customers there for a beer and urge you to follow them on their journey and show them some love on their social channels which will keep you up to date with opening times