Independent beer

we are bullhouse

Bullhouse is an independent brewery from Belfast, brewing bold beer and building welcoming spaces. Driven by community, creativity and an independent mindset, we're here to do things differently, and bring people together over great beer.

It all started in a cattle shed.

10 years of brewing

Bullhouse started on a family farm outside Belfast, where our founder Willy Mayne discovered homebrewing after a road trip along the west coast of the US changed the way he thought about beer. It wasn't just about what was in the glass, it was about the people, the places and the communities built around it.

Back home, Willy converted an old cattle shed into a tiny brewery, fuelled by second-hand equipment, late nights and plenty of determination (plus plenty of snacks provided by mum of course). In 2016, Bullhouse poured its first commercial beer, El Capitan, and has never really looked back.

From brewing after work until the early hours to opening Belfast's first permanent taproom, Bullhouse have always done things our own way. Independent, creative and always focused on making great beer (while having a bit of craic along the way).

Today, Bullhouse is pouring across the UK, Ireland and Europe, but our mindset hasn't changed. We're still here to brew bold, flavour-packed beer, create welcoming spaces, and build something people genuinely want to be part of.

OUR APPROACH

Beer is at its best when it brings people together.

We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do take what we stand for seriously.

Bullhouse has always been about doing things differently. That means brewing great beer, creating welcoming spaces, backing independent hospitality, and speaking up when the industry needs to change. From campaigning for licensing reform to opening Northern Ireland's first Living Wage accredited venue, we're proud to be part of moving things in the right direction.

At the end of the day, it's all about people. From the beer we brew to the taprooms we build, bringing people together is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you're a seasoned hop-head or ordering your very first IPA, there's a place for you at Bullhouse.

Our Mission

To challenge the status quo.

From the beginning Bullhouse was on a mission to do things our own way. Through great beer, inclusive spaces and an independent mindset, we're challenging the status quo and helping build a better beer and hospitality culture for everyone.

Independently Rebellious

We challenge the status quo, protect community assets and lead industry reform.

Open and
welcoming

We’re never pretentious, build authentic human connections, and make our brand accessible to everyone.

Quality
Driven

We hold ourselves accountable to high standards, continuously refine and prioritise practical solutions.

Brewed right, right here

This is where it all starts; right here in our Belfast brewery, brewing world-class beer our way.

Inside the brewery

Where the pints meet the people

Our taproom, Bullhouse East. Built around the beer, the space and the people who come to enjoy it.

Visit Bullhouse East

Our craft recognised

A few awards here
and there

We brew beer because we love it. The awards are just a bonus.
Still, we're proud to have picked up recognition from some of the most respected competitions and festivals around.

Hospitality Champion UK

Living Wage Foundation

2025
Best Independent Bar in the UK - Bullhouse East

Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Business Awards

2025
UK Brewery Business of the Year - Bullhouse Brew Co.

Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Business Awards

2025
Best Drinks Producer in the UK

BBC

2024
Community Engagement - Bullapalooza

Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Business Awards

2024
Best Independent Bar in the UK - Bullhouse East

Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Business Awards

2023

Willy Mayne

Founder & MD

Road Trippin' is the beer of choice. A fair-weather cricketer and heavyweight sound system enthusiast that's forever trying to convince the family that an obscure trip to a brewery makes for the perfect day out.

Optimistic Collaborative Unconventional Informal

Tom Ray

Brewery Manager

SUDS every time. When he's not running the brewery he's usually off exploring the outdoors, listening to post-rock, or learning the ropes as a softball rookie.

Dry Bitter Chaotic Stout

Brent Nielsen

Sales Manager

Reaches for Dead Ball during the Six Nations and anything fresh the rest of the year. When he's not BBQ-ing or kayaking, he's busy improving your beer listings.

Dedicated Driven Explorer Thirsty

Caroline Cummings

Marketing Manager

Road Trippin' is always the go to (once the tea's finished). Usually planning the next adventure, squeezing in a yoga class, or getting stuck into a good book.

Creative Reliable Organised Chill

Mark Doak

Production Operative

Usually found sipping Frank The Dank when he's not packing your orders. Strong opinions on 90's indie music, loves a cycle and hanging out with the kids.

Funny Passionate Grouchy (only sometimes) Simcoe