Bullhouse Brew Co

Bullhouse began on a family farm outside Belfast after founder Willy Mayne discovered homebrewing following a road trip along the west coast of the United States. The trip changed the way he thought about beer, not only in terms of flavour but also the communities, venues and experiences that could grow around it. Back home, he converted an old cattle shed into a small brewery using second-hand equipment and began developing the project alongside his day job.

In 2016, Bullhouse poured its first commercial beer, El Capitan. Those early years involved long evenings and small-scale production on the family farm, but the brewery gradually developed a reputation for bold, flavour-packed beer and an independent approach to brewing and hospitality. As the business grew, Bullhouse eventually moved production into Belfast, establishing the brewery at Balmoral Road.

Community and hospitality have become as important to Bullhouse as the beer itself. The brewery describes its approach as building welcoming spaces around independent beer, with an emphasis on making them accessible rather than intimidating. That philosophy led to the opening of Bullhouse East on Newtownards Road, described by the brewery as Belfast's first permanent brewery taproom.

Bullhouse East has developed into a major part of the business, with 20 taps pouring Bullhouse beers alongside limited releases, small-batch specials and guest beers from other independent producers. The venue also serves wood-fired pizza, hosts music and events and operates as an independent off-sales, creating the kind of community-focused beer space that originally inspired Willy during his travels.

Bullhouse has also become active in wider hospitality and industry issues. The brewery has campaigned for licensing reform and has used its venues to demonstrate a different approach to independent hospitality. Bullhouse East became Northern Ireland's first officially accredited Real Living Wage bar, while the brewery has also supported community projects and local charities through events, fundraising and partnerships.

Recognition has followed that growth. Bullhouse East was named SIBA's Best Independent Bar in the UK in both 2023 and 2025, while Bullhouse Brew Co was named SIBA UK Brewery Business of the Year in 2025. The brewery also received recognition as Best Drinks Producer in the UK in 2024 and for its Bullapalooza community engagement work.

Today, Bullhouse distributes beer across the UK, Ireland and Europe while maintaining the independent and community-driven outlook that shaped its beginnings. From a converted cattle shed to a Belfast production brewery and nationally recognised taproom, the business continues to centre its identity on bold beer, welcoming spaces and challenging conventional approaches to brewing and hospitality.