Scotland's popular craft brewery, BrewDog, is set to open its first bar in Northern Ireland, marking a significant expansion for the company.
The new bar will be located within Belfast's soon-to-open Grand Central Station, the largest public transport hub in Ireland. The station is set to begin a phased opening from 8 September, with the initial phase seeing the relocation of operations from Europa Bus Centre to Grand Central Station.
Translink, the company responsible for Northern Ireland's public transport, has confirmed that the railway operations will move shortly after, with a date yet to be announced. The final phase of the opening is subject to a safety authorisation process.
BrewDog's decision to open a bar in Belfast follows previous hints in 2021 that the firm was eyeing up the city as a potential location for one of their around 40 new pub openings. The company has also been linked to several other locations in Belfast over the past few years.
With one large bar in Dublin and dozens across the UK, BrewDog's foray into Northern Ireland signifies a concerted effort to expand its footprint across the island of Ireland.
The new Grand Central Station is set to be a hub for both transport and hospitality, boasting a range of retail offerings in addition to BrewDog, including Marks and Spencer and Pret A Manger. This new development is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing regeneration of Belfast.
Translink's Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway, described the new station as âthe largest integrated station on the island of Irelandâ and highlighted its modern, accessible design, as well as its new retail offerings. He emphasised the importance of these amenities in enhancing Belfast's overall revitalisation efforts.
BrewDog's arrival at Grand Central Station is anticipated to be a welcome addition to Belfast's vibrant pub and hospitality scene, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of the popular craft brewery's unique offerings.
