The first craft brewery to operate in Derry city centre for over 100 years, the Walled City Brewery was launched at the Culturetech Craft Beer Festival in 2014, and - located just across the Peace Bridge from the Walled City area - this ambitious venture is proving a great asset to the city.
Handsomely located in the old military pay office on Ebrington Square, which dates back to 1890 (and has since been joined by the Ebrington Hotel and Spa, next door), this is a craft brewery and restaurant in the same building – which was another first for Northern Ireland.
And it's not just any old restaurant either. With its superb and highly original beer-themed decor and terrific 'local tapas' food to match the beers (thanks to talented family members, along with Chef Chris "Tufty" Moran and a strong team), this atmospheric bar-restaurant is a destination in itself.
The idea behind the business has always been to give both locals and tourists a taste of the north-west ‘through crafting local, authentic, premium quality, flavoursome beer and food’. And they got off to a flying start too, scooping several all-Ireland Awards in their first year of operation - and there have been many more since.
The business is a real family act. Owner James Huey is a qualified diploma brewer. Before launching his own business he worked at Guinness for 12 years doing product development, so there is a wealth of knowledge and experience going into the beers he brews. Meanwhile, James’s wife Louise looks after human resources and his sister, Jill McKillop, plays her part on the food side of the business.
The food is really great and, although the cooking style is eclectic, the heart of this operation is with local producers, so what you get is a lively international menu of small and larger plates, all showcasing seasonal local (and other Irish) produce in dishes that match the beers brilliantly. The big Sunday roast is also a speciality and there's a nice little children's menu offering quality versions of old favourites.
In 2022 the brewery also opened The Taproom, where visitors can drink without necessarily eating. The Taproom has a 'Producers' liquor licence, only allowing the sale of alcoholic drinks that are produced on site - but this is a surprisingly wide range. The three original beers - Boom Derry Pale Ale, Stitch India Pale Ale and Kicks Pilsner - are still available and there are now eight core beers, plus a similar number of seasonal extras (all available on tap), and there is also a rectified spirit range, classic cocktails and even some Austarlian Cabarnet Sauvignon & Pinot Grigio that they have fermented themselves.
Other innovative projects include the HomeBrew Academy, an on-site school dedicated to brewing. There is always something new in progress at this remarkable place - and, for a complete taste of the region, Walled City Brewery is a must-visit.
