Lidl’s first Northern Ireland pub moves ahead after six-year process
- Love Ballymena
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
L-R: Martin McGrogan, Managing Director of MMG Contracts Ltd and Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland at the site of the new public house
Lidl Northern Ireland has begun construction on a landmark new public house and associated off-sales beside its long-established Dundonald store in County Down, marking the retailer’s first venture of its kind and bringing its full award-winning range of wines, beers and spirits to the local community for the first time.
The development, now under way at premises adjacent to the existing supermarket and with separate access, is set to open later this summer, subject to completion and final approvals.
For Dundonald shoppers and residents, it represents the end of a long-running six-year planning and licensing journey that Lidl says will finally remove longstanding restrictions that have prevented the store from offering its full product range.
The project also brings an immediate economic boost, with 15 jobs currently being supported during the construction and build phase and a further eight permanent roles to be created once the venue opens, increasing the Lidl Dundonald workforce to 27 employees.
A first for Lidl in Northern Ireland
At the heart of the development is Lidl’s first public house, a 60 sqm hospitality space with seating for up to 60 people.
The venue will form part of a wider 84 sqm development that also includes an associated off-sales, giving customers access to the retailer’s full selection of wines, beers, ciders, spirits and liqueurs.
Visitors will be able to sample products from Lidl’s established drinks range, including wines selected by the retailer’s Master of Wine Richard Bampfield, alongside beers and spirits with a strong emphasis on Northern Ireland suppliers and local brewers.
Lidl said the new public house is designed to offer a professionally managed hospitality experience while also serving as a new social space for the Dundonald community.
The premises is being built by longstanding construction partner MMG Contracts.
Six years in the making
Floor plan and elevations for Lidl’s first pub in Northern Ireland positioned at the west side of the Dundonald store
The announcement follows a protracted six-year planning process, with planning approval for the public house and off-sales formally granted in January 2025.
The licensing aspect of the development has also now been cleared, with Lidl confirming the scheme has progressed in full compliance with the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
The project operates under the established surrender principle and received approval from the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland in January 2025.
That legal milestone was key to enabling the development to move forward.
Lidl says community has waited more than 20 years
Commenting on the start of construction, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director Gordon Cruikshanks said the development addresses a longstanding gap in the retailer’s Dundonald offering.
“Lidl has been a part of the Dundonald community for more than 20 years and in that time our shoppers and residents have been unable to avail of Lidl Northern Ireland’s full product range due to licensing restrictions.
“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 which will enable customers to enjoy access to our award-winning range of wine, beer and spirits, some of which are crafted right here in Northern Ireland.
“With the rising cost of living, many more shoppers are voting with their feet and choosing to shop at Lidl and, within the Dundonald community in particular, shoppers and residents deserve equal access to our full range of products. Today’s announcement and our investment in realising this project over the last number of years reflects our long-term commitment to Northern Ireland and our loyal customer base in Dundonald.”
His comments underline Lidl’s positioning of the scheme as both a commercial expansion and a response to growing local demand.
Responding to Dundonald’s rapid growth
Lidl has also pointed to the area’s recent population growth as a major factor behind the investment.
“Dundonald is a thriving town which has experienced a significant population boost of more than 20% in recent years, placing extra demand on the need for a public house in the locality. Alongside our off-sales, we’re excited to launch a public house offering at the new premises, providing the local community with a place to connect and enjoy a quality hospitality experience”, continued Gordon Cruikshanks.
The reference to a population increase of more than 20% in recent years places the development within the wider context of Dundonald’s expanding residential footprint and the changing needs of the town.
The addition of a new hospitality venue is likely to be seen as a significant new amenity for local residents, particularly given its separate premises and dedicated social setting distinct from the supermarket itself.
Opening expected this summer
External and internal works are now ongoing, with Lidl expecting the new public house and associated off-sales to welcome customers in summer 2026.
The retailer said further details, including the confirmed opening date and operational arrangements, will be announced in due course.
Lidl also confirmed that both the retail and hospitality elements of the new venue will operate under its established responsible retailing framework, including robust age-verification measures such as Challenge 25.
This will apply across both the off-sales and the public house operation.
For Dundonald, the development marks a notable first — not only a new local pub and off-sales, but Lidl Northern Ireland’s first public house concept anywhere in the region.
At a glance
Lidl Northern Ireland has started construction on its first-ever public house
The development is beside its existing Dundonald store in County Down
Separate off-sales will also be included
Total development size is 84 sqm
Public house floor space will be 60 sqm
Seating capacity will be up to 60 people
15 construction jobs are currently supported
8 permanent jobs will be created on opening
Total Dundonald workforce will rise to 27
Opening is expected in summer 2026, subject to approvals