It’s all in the family as Walled City Brewery opens its doors

It’s beer, Jim, but not as we know it. Craft beer to be precise - brewed on Ebrington Square to be consumed on Ebrington Square.
Pictured at the official opening of the Walled City Brewery at Ebrington Square on Friday were, from left, Philip Flynn, Chair of ILEX, James and Louise Huey, proprietors. INLS2415-131KMPictured at the official opening of the Walled City Brewery at Ebrington Square on Friday were, from left, Philip Flynn, Chair of ILEX, James and Louise Huey, proprietors. INLS2415-131KM
Pictured at the official opening of the Walled City Brewery at Ebrington Square on Friday were, from left, Philip Flynn, Chair of ILEX, James and Louise Huey, proprietors. INLS2415-131KM

The Walled City Brewery is the first commercial business to open its doors on the historic former army base and is already creating a buzz as the go-to spot for a night out on the town.

But to be clear, it’s not a pub, nor a restaurant. It is a fully operational brewery where discerning customers can consume the produce on site.

The whole thing is the brainchild of former Foyle and Londonderry College man James Huey who has devoted the past 18 months to realising his dream of opening up his own brewery in his home town.

Walled City Brewery at Ebrington. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 30.04.15Walled City Brewery at Ebrington. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 30.04.15
Walled City Brewery at Ebrington. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 30.04.15

“The response from the public has exceeded all my expectations,” he said.

People are coming here and they can see the brewing experience happening in front of them.”

From the outside little has changed at Building 70, the one in between the former Culture Company office and the Clock Tower.

But inside it’s a brave new world indeed. The building has been carefully designed and restored and works both as a working brewery but also as a venue for a very different kind of evening out.

“It’s the perfect location for this business. It fits Ilex’s vision of what they want to do and it fits ours - there’s a lot of synergy about it,” added James.

“We are taking a risk in terms of being the first commercial tenant - but we couldn’t find a better location.”

So far James has developed four different flavoured beers - including a wheat beer - but plenty more will be introduced over the next few months.

To compliment the beer James’ wife Louise’s range of tapas-style food completes the picture.

Philip Flynn, Ilex’s Chair said: “I wish to congratulate James Huey on the opening of this fantastic business.

“The brewery will attract visitors from near and far to Ebrington to see the brewing process first hand as well as trying the local foods available.”

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