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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Jane Corscadden

Boundary Brewing set to take over running of iconic John Hewitt Pub in Belfast

A local brewery has announced it's set to take over the running of an iconic Belfast city centre bar.

The John Hewitt on Donegall Street, which is named after the famous Belfast poet, first opened its doors in December 1999, and is owned by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.

The centre is retaining ownership of the pub but for the first time it has entered an agreement with a third party, Boundary Brewery, to run the pub.

Read more: Belfast brewery on 'dream come true' opening NI's first permanent taproom

Boundary is a community co-operative that first opened eight years ago on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast. Earlier this year, they announced plans to open their first permanent taproom on the site after years of pop-up events.

But now they have revealed they were offered the opportunity to operate the John Hewitt "two hours, 13 days, and 15 months ago."

In a message shared with brewery members on Tuesday, they said: "We couldn't believe it. It's beautiful. It's iconic. It's jam packed full of potential. It was almost too good to be true.

"We've been absolutely busting to share this news and opportunity with you all."

The brewery's website now has a separate section for the John Hewitt, with further details of some of their exciting plans.

The site now states: "We are really humbled, and equally excited about such an amazing opportunity; to help build on the legacy of the Hewitt as a socially minded, community based, beer centric hub in Belfast, offering world class hospitality!

"The Hewitt focuses on Live Music, support of the Arts, and really really really good beer. With 16 taps, there is something for everyone.

"We will have 8 Boundary Taps, 2 rotating Taps, and a permanent Tap each for our best friends Cloudwater, Verdant, Deya, Kinnegar, Galway Bay and Whiplash.

"All the Craic is had in here. We will eventually look to add a Food Truck outside."

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