Lidl starts building first ever pub
Discount supermarket chain Lidl has begun to build its first ever boozer in east Belfast – a year after winning a long-running licensing spat regarding the pub’s construction.
Northern Ireland operates under strict licensing laws, where a new licence to sell and serve alcohol can only be granted if another is surrendered.
So, when a nearby pub was destroyed in a fire in 2019, the German discount supermarket chain saw an opportunity, securing planning permission for a 45-cover public house inside its store in Dundonald, Northern Ireland.
However, local off-license chain Philip Russell once again objected to the request, arguing that Lidl had found an unlawful loophole to run an off-licence – and had failed to show that the area lacked pubs. Lidl subsequently withdrew its application.
However, in 2025, the rivals’ claims were dismissed by Mr Justice Colton, who argued that the law did not prevent businesses from taking an innovative approach.
“The fact that the application is a novel one is not a reason for refusing it,” he said at the time.
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After nearly six years, Lidl had the green light to launch its very own boozer.
The pub is expected to launch to the public in summer, and will serve “selected lines” from GB Lidl’s wine, spirits and beer range, which includes popular dupes like Bitterol Spritz, Excelsior Lager and Perlenbacher Pilsner.
Local suppliers will also be spotlighted at the new pub, which will be able to fit 60 punters at a time, according to the company.
Lidl’s managing director for Northern Ireland Gordon Cruikshanks said: ‘After six years in the planning process, we’re delighted to today confirm the development of a brand new public house and associated off-sales located adjacent to our Dundonald store.’
In 2025, db reported that the supermarket chain was set to plough around £410,000 into the new pub.
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