Rising costs force Belfast Artisan Distillery & Gin School closure

Belfast Artisan Distillery and its popular Belfast Artisan Gin School have officially closed their doors, citing unsustainable rising costs in the hospitality sector.

The distillery, known for its award-winning premium craft spirits, had become a staple in the city’s thriving artisan drinks scene.

Belfast Artisan Distillery was celebrated for its London Dry Gin, a product that quickly gained a dedicated following due to its unique blend of botanicals, three of which were inspired by the rich heritage and natural beauty of Belfast. Pink heather and rowanberries, both found on Cave Hill, paid homage to the local flora, while flaxseed represented Belfast’s historic linen industry—a trade that significantly shaped the city’s identity during its industrial heyday.

In addition to its iconic gin, the distillery expanded its product range to include Belfast Artisan Distillery Vodka and two distinctive gin liqueurs: Raspberry & Elderflower and Pineapple & Blood Orange. Each of these offerings was crafted with the same dedication to quality and local inspiration that the distillery’s founders envisioned when they first opened their doors.

The closure also marks the end of the Belfast Artisan Gin School, a beloved experience for both locals and tourists alike. The Gin School offered an engaging, hands-on opportunity to learn the art of gin distillation. Participants could create their own full-sized bottle of signature gin using mini copper stills while enjoying a few expertly crafted G&Ts and cocktails along the way. The experience had become a highlight for those seeking a unique activity in Belfast, combining education, creativity, and social enjoyment in a truly memorable way.

The owners have stated that the rising operational costs—exacerbated by inflation and challenges faced across the hospitality sector—left them with little choice but to shutter the business.