Launched at the Culturetech Craft Beer Festival in 2014, the Walled City Brewery is an ambitious new venture and the first craft brewery in the city centre for over 100 years.
Handsomely located in the old military pay office on Ebrington Square, which dates back to 1890, this is a craft brewery and restaurant in the same building – which is 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 (all thanks to talented family members), this atmospheric bar-restaurant is a destination in itself.
The idea behind the business is to give both locals and tourists a taste of the north-west ‘through crafting local, authentic, premium quality, flavoursome beer and food’. And what with 2016 being the Year of Food and Drink in Northern Ireland, it couldn’t have arrived at a better time. They’re off to a flying start too, scooping several all-Ireland Awards in their first year of operation.
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, is the executive chef in the restaurant.
The food is really great and, although Jill's cooking style is eclectic, her heart 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. There's also a nice little children's menu offering quality versions of old favourites - the chicken goujons, for example, are homemade and free range.
The brewery currently produces three beers: Boom Derry Pale Ale, Stitch India Pale Ale and Kicks Pilsner.
A recently-launched innovative project is the HomeBrew Academy, an on-site school dedicated to brewing.
For a complete taste of Northern Ireland, Walled City Brewery is a must-visit.
