Updated on:
by
Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
The Deer’s Head has long been a fixture in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, but it wasn’t always the bustling brewpub we know and love today. Tracing its origins back to the 1800s, this historic establishment has evolved from a mere public house to one of the city’s most celebrated destinations for craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
The Deer’s Head’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation sets It apart. As Belfast’s first brew pub, it has spearheaded the local craft beer movement, offering a rotating selection of unique, small-batch brews crafted on-site by its talented brewmasters. From bold, hoppy IPAs to smooth, sessionable lagers, each pint is a testament to the venue’s passion for the perfect pour.
Beyond its impressive liquid offerings, The Deer’s Head has also carved out a reputation for its warm, convivial atmosphere and delectable traditional British and Irish fare menu. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pint after work or settling in for a leisurely evening of live music and good company, this iconic establishment promises to deliver an experience that is quintessentially Belfast – rich in history, steeped in local pride, and overflowing with character.
The Deer’s Head
On the streets of Belfast’s historic brewing district stands The Deer’s Head, a modernised brew pub concerning its historic routes in Belfast’s beer history. This traditional pub has been transformed by a massive renovation in recent years while keeping its charm and adding some beautiful additions. For example, their large glass walls give you a view of their in-house brewery equipment, where the pints you will enjoy will find their start. This beautiful Belfast pub is home to some of the best craft beer Belfast has to offer.
Want to learn more about Northern Ireland Breweries and brewing history? Check out our article here.
Where Is The Deer’s Head? When Is The Deer’s Head Open?
The Deer’s Head is still in its original location from the 19th century at 1-3 Lower Garfield St, Belfast BT1 1FP, just across from Belfast’s busy CastleCourt Shopping Centre. This slightly hidden gem is the only pub on Belfast’s historic brewery lane.
Their opening hours are:
- Monday – 12–10 pm
- Tuesday – 12–11 pm
- Wednesday – 12 pm–12 am
- Thursday – 12 pm–12 am
- Friday – 12 pm–1 am
- Saturday – 12 pm–1 am
- Sunday – 12–11 pm
The Deer’s Head serve food and drink daily.
What Is The Deer’s Head All About?
The Deer’s Head is a brewpub owned by Bell’s Brewery, meaning it makes and serves beer in-house. It is eager to recreate the brewing culture of Belfast’s history, encourage more local breweries to create and sell their beer, and encourage people to try local brews.
In addition, they aim to provide top-quality food, drink, and entertainment throughout their venue, including their Music Hall, where you can attend live music events. The Deer’s Head takes pride in its bar’s history and architecture while offering modern comfort and stylish finishings.
Bell’s Brewery
John Bell created Bell’s Brewery after changing careers from wine and spirits merchant in the 18th century. Starting in 1778, this historic brew house increased the popularity of beer in Belfast, changing the course of food and drink history in the city. Lower Garfield Street, where The Deer’s Head still sits, was once called Bell’s Lane after John Bell himself.
Due to the popularity of Guinness brewing in Dublin, Belfast became less well-known for brewing and breweries in Belfast died out. Bell’s remains today as a company shaping the name of beer brewing in Belfast, proudly maintaining that tradition. While you enjoy a pint in the Deer’s Head, you can watch a piece of that history and tradition right from your seat as you witness the brewing process through the glass walls.
Brewiks Equipment
The Deer’s Head Brewery for Bell’s Brewery uses state-of-the-art equipment from Brewiks, which caters to small breweries worldwide. The Deer’s Head is the first in Belfast to use Brewiks, with their beautiful chrome-finished brew tanks displayed in the bar. Check out the video above to learn more about the process and use of this specialised equipment.
What’s on offer at The Deer’s Head?
The Deer’s Head offers top-quality beer brewed in Belfast and has a packed social schedule with something for everyone.
The Music Hall
Head upstairs to The Deer’s Head Music Hall and enjoy a variety of performances, from punk bands to Rodd Stewart tribute acts. Also held in their Music Hall are events such as The Deer’s Head Beer Festival. This event is a great way to try some of what they do at The Deer’s Head as you attend a session of your choice, collect a commemorative glass filled with a beer, and sample a selection of local brewery offerings.
This event also features live music, a snack menu where attendees can sample food and high-quality beer, and talks from local brewers about their processes and products.
Entertainment in the Bar
If live sport is your thing, you can enjoy it at the Deer’s Head. They show all the main fixtures on one of their big screens. They offer football and American football, and you can watch NFL games at the Deer’s Head all through the season on Sundays.
The Deer’s Head also has live music in their main bar with a traditional Irish music session and local musicians every Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm, original music from local songwriters performed on Thursdays from 8 pm with special guests changing every week, and rewind DJ’s on Saturday nights from 9 pm. If you are looking for a unique live music experience, you should attend the Belfast Ukulele Jam on Wednesdays from 7 pm, and if you know the ukulele, why not join in?
Belfast Ukulele Jam
A real highlight of the Deer’s Head entertainment offerings is their weekly session with the Belfast Ukulele Jam. Starting in 2015, this informal and friendly group creates fantastic music together in various musical styles and genres. If you know the ukulele, you can even join in. Head to the Deer’s Head on Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to experience the truly magical atmosphere this lovely group of local musicians provides.
Read more about this unique live music experience here.
What beer is served at the Deer’s head?
The Deer’s Head serve a rotating selection of their in-house beers, some local lagers from other breweries, and classic pints for those not interested in craft beer. Their regular beers on tap from their range are Black Bull Stout, Monkey Shaving the Goat IPA, and North Star Lager. Beyond these regular customers is a range of exciting beers, lagers, IPAs, etc. You can choose from the Bell’s Brewery catalogue listed below:
- North Star Lager
- Monkey Shaving the Goat IPA
- Black Bull Stout
- Elephant West Coast IPA
- White Cross Cherry Sour
- Red Cow Red Ale
- Peggy Barclays Session IPA
- Blouse Club Elderflower & Hibiscus Saison
- Garfield New England IPA
- Wheatsheaf Weissbier
- Hounds & Hare Mango IPA
- Rotterdam Double IPA
- Plough Pumpkin Pale Ale
- Capstan Australian Pale Ale
- Seven Stars Italian Pilsner
- Auntie Annie’s Raspberry Sour
- Widow Partridge’s Winter Spiced Ale
- Star and Garter Talus Pale Ale
- Horse Fair Rhubarb & Ginger Sour
- Linen Hall Tayberry sour
- Sign of the Sun Citra Pale Ale
- Elbow Gooseberry And Elderflower Sour
- Bodega Blueberry Sour
Seasonal Offerings At The Deer’s Head
You may notice a few seasonal selections on the Bell’s Brewery beer list; these autumnal or advent beers are a perfect treat for the time of year. Check out their social media pages to ensure you don’t miss out on a Halloween treat like their Pumpkin Spice Pale Ale or a Christmas Holiday warmer like Widow Partridge’s Winter Spiced Ale. They may even come up with something new for the holidays this year, as they are constantly formulating new craft beers for you to try.
How to choose your pint
With so many choices, picking a single pint to try while visiting the Deer’s Head can be challenging. You could always come back another day, as the comfortable atmosphere will make you want to become a regular, but there’s another way. The Deer’s Head also offers a beer flight menu that allows you to try a third of a pint in three different varieties, allowing you to try something from across the board of their offerings.
Want to pick just one? Talk to their friendly and knowledgeable staff about what’s on tap, and ask to try a little bit of one you might like before settling on a pint. Want another pint? I don’t blame you; just flick the switch in your booth to turn on a light to alert the staff you want to be served or make your way to the bar for a chat with the bar staff.
What food is served at the Deer’s Head?
The Deer’s Head menu is bursting with traditional Northern Irish classics such as boxty, Ulster Fry, Belfast Bap, vegetable broth with wheaten bread, and champ. Beyond this and their other pub classics such as curry and fish and chips, they have a unique offering you don’t see daily. The Deer’s Head pie flight is a treat to go perfectly with your flight of fantastic local beers. Enjoy a selection of three pies, all made with local ingredients, and with three pies to enjoy, you will find the perfect pairing for your pint.
Find their whole food menu here.
Why go to The Deer’s Head?
The Deer’s Head is an excellent example of the fantastic brewing industry in Northern Ireland. Whether you want a pint and a spot of lunch, try a beer and pie flight to taste something new, or experience live sport or music, this pub has it all. Take a trip into the brewing history of Belfast and enjoy a pint while you’re there.
Are you looking for more bars that serve craft beer or offer live traditional Irish music? Check out our other articles to find out more!
