Boundary Brewing is a cooperative brewery based in East Belfast, established in 2014 by brewer Matthew Dick. Owned by its members and inspired by Matthew's experiences travelling abroad, Boundary combines modern brewing with a strong cooperative and community-focused ethos, operating its brewery taproom and Belfast's historic John Hewitt pub.
Brewery story
Boundary Brewing was established in Belfast in 2014 by brewer Matthew Dick, whose approach to beer was influenced by his travels and experiences abroad. Rather than following a conventional ownership model, Boundary was created as a cooperative, placing its members at the heart of the brewery and establishing a community-focused identity alongside its approach to modern beer.
The brewery established its home at Portview Trade Centre on Newtownards Road in East Belfast, where brewing and hospitality now sit alongside one another. Boundary's cooperative structure remains an important part of the business, with members receiving benefits including discounts on Boundary beer bought to take home or enjoyed directly in the taproom.
Boundary's onsite taproom has developed into a substantial drinking space beside the brewery. Twenty taps are complemented by large fridges filled with Boundary cans and beers from friends, while specially imported Belgian beers reflect some of the international influences behind the brewery. Wine and spritzes broaden the selection beyond beer, and customers can drink onsite or take packaged beer home.
The taproom is designed as an inclusive community space, welcoming families and dogs and providing an area specifically intended for private hire. Boundary encourages the space to be used for events, tastings, classes and meetings, extending the role of the brewery beyond simply producing and serving beer.
In 2022, Boundary took on another important Belfast institution when it assumed responsibility for The John Hewitt in the Cathedral Quarter. One of the city's best-known pubs, The John Hewitt brought Boundary into the centre of Belfast and gave the cooperative an opportunity to build on an established reputation for socially minded, community-based and beer-focused hospitality.
Today, Boundary combines brewing, cooperative ownership and hospitality across its East Belfast brewery and taproom and The John Hewitt in the city centre. Its member-owned structure and emphasis on community distinguish the brewery from a more conventional beer business, while its SIBA Indie Beer status reflects its place within the UK's independent brewing sector.
Taprooms & tours
Boundary has 2 taprooms to visit. Explore each location for addresses, directions and opening-time information.
Brewery tours available
See behind the scenes and discover how the beer is made.
Taproom 1
Unit A5, 310 Portview Trade Centre, Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE
Boundary's taproom sits beside the brewery at Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast. The bar has 20 taps alongside large fridges stocked with Boundary cans and beers from friends, as well as specially imported Belgian beer, wine and spritzes. The family and dog-friendly space is open Tuesday to Sunday and includes an area designed for private events, tastings, classes and meetings.
Taproom 2
Donegall Street, Belfast
The John Hewitt is a historic Belfast pub in the Cathedral Quarter that has been operated by Boundary since 2022. Boundary describes its role as building on the pub's legacy as a socially minded, community-based and beer-focused venue, giving the cooperative a city-centre home alongside its brewery and taproom in East Belfast.
