This project is about interesting people, from interesting places, doing interesting things today in Northern Ireland. It is funded by the Shared History Fund.
Did you know Northern Ireland has a Kiwi fella selling some of the best beer on the north coast? Neither did we – until now!
Meet Kris Charteris, Owner and Proprietor of Kiwis Brew Bar in lovely Portrush. Kris has been slingin’ some of NI’s best craft beer, barring stag ruffians and becoming as local as possible here over the last seven years.
We just concentrate on creating a comfortable environment – for locals and passers-through – where they can have the craic, enjoy good beer and some quality pub grub. What else does one need?
Northern Ireland’s craft beer scene has exploded onto the world stage in recent years and Kiwis has been at the forefront of that revolution, pushing forward local brands like Portrush’s Lacada Brewery & Co-op, and household names like Hilden and Boundary Brewing.
Not only are frequenters to Kiwis treated to a good time, but they also get to experience a bit of local history. The pub is located in one of Portrush’s oldest buildings, originally opened in 1939 as the locally renown Majestic Cinema. The building was later refurbished, retaining its 1930s art deco style .
Today the cinema is still a main feature of the building and is used to show independent movies, international rugby and football matches, boxing events and live music.
Operating from this historic building is certainly part of our appeal. Portrush – indeed the entire Causeway Coast – has always attracted visitors near and far. The Majestic did this to perfection, entertaining generations of people and we’re continuing that tradition. I’m not afraid to say there is something ‘majestic’ about this part of the world. It sure lured me in, anyway, and I couldn’t be prouder to call this place – and this pub – home.
Kris continued to say that he found solace in the fact that NI and NZ love a good pint and the sense of community one can only find in a good pub. It’s that connection that makes him feel at home despite being on the opposite side of the world – a connection he believes has successfully turned him from a ‘blow-in’ to a ‘blowcal’.
Well Kris, we’re very glad you’re here! And I’m very glad our Videographer drove me home because you certainly do serve up a good pint(s)!
Cheers!
