5 Best Places For The Freshest Beer in Belfast

They say that ladies prefer Milk Tray, but this lady loves a good beer. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree either, my mum was delighted with her gift for Mother’s Day last year of a growler rather than a bunch of flowers.

With the obligatory list of witty names on taps, I give you 5 of the best places to get some of the freshest beer in Belfast.

OUT OF OFFICE

Nestled upstairs in the Ulster Sports Club, Out of Office brewery is quietly ticking away unbeknownst to the revellers beneath. Its decor is in stark contrast to the 1960s vibe downstairs, this white tiled tap room is the perfect place to try some of their beers and as with every tap room, a few of their friends are served up alongside too. 

Top tip - there are brewery tours and an unexpectedly excellent wine list. 

JOHN HEWITT

An oldie, but a goodie! The John Hewitt remains in the ownership of the social enterprise next door, but it’s now being operated by Belfast’s own Boundary Brewing. Nothing has changed internally however the taps are serving up an array of Boundary’s own. 

Top tip - if you need a nice chilled can in the city centre, their off sales is the place to go.

BULLHOUSE EAST

Bullhouse East is situated in the east of the city, between the Newtownards Road and Holywood Road, I have to admit to being a frequent visitor here as it allows me to have a short walk with my dog along the Greenway and then somehow happen through the door for a ‘third’ or even a ‘half’ or maybe three.  I adore their Rolling Papers beer and I defy anyone who enjoys Sauvignon Blanc not to enjoy it. 

Top tip - card only and you can bring your dog so long as they don't drink too much. 

THE DEERS HEAD

Holding the only copper tanks in Europe, not only does The Deers Head hold Bells Brewery, but it's also a gastro pub, and they serve an all day Ulster Fry... form an orderly queue!  The beers are named after lost pubs of Belfast, so sit back and savour their Monkey Shaving the Goat - not only a great bar, but a history lesson too.  Live music galore here, it's got something for everyone, even a speakeasy upstairs with the best martini in Belfast... I digress!

Top tip - the place to pick up your very own growler... sure beats flowers!

BOUNDARY BREWING

Another East Belfast establishment (they really are like buses), Boundary Taproom has been revamped and granted a licence to thrill!  Call in on your way home, bring your mates to play boardgames or watch the queue over at, the now legendary, Flout Pizza as you enjoy their vast range of beers on tap. 

Top Tip - once you have secured your slice of heavenly Flout, bring it into the taproom and enjoy!

Words by Caroline Wilson.