Question for NI Members

[Davybarman]

Hi Folks

Wonder if any fellow brewers this side of the water can help me out.

Am trying to expand my brewing horizon and purchase more equipment. But were do others buy from?.
I usually go to Natures Way in Belfast, however after that I am at a bit stuck. I like to shop around and get a bargain, but now realise I may have to go down the mail order route.

Where do my fellow Home Brewers get there epuipment supplies from?

Cheers :drink:

 

[BigYin]

'fraid I can't help you, but have you had a look at the forum map? : http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/map.php

actually, having a look at that, it only lists one shop in NI, and that's the one you mentioned!!

Internet wise, I bought most of my plastic fermenters from http://www.biggerjugs.co.uk/?ref=10 (awesome name!) , for your grain it might pay to buy in reasonable bulk from someone like http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.php?as=hbf so you get best value from the shipping costs??

Happy shopping :drink:

 

[operon]

I've ordered off the Home Brew West http://www.homebrewwest.ie/, they have a UK site but its cheaper to order from their Irish site as the delivery is cheaper and sterling is nice and strong compared to the euro at the moment. Delivery was prompt and they were easy to deal with.

 

[Gayle]

I've only ordered big things from Homebrew West too, (get subscribed to their emails as sometimes they have 10% off weekends and such) for smaller items like yeasts and finings it can be cheaper to order off ebay or Amazon. I've tried placing wanted ads on gumtree for second-hand stuff, but have not had any replies so far. I wish there were more little homebrew shops about the place, I bet there used to be loads!

 

[Davybarman]

Hi been looking at homebrew.ie and seems good.

Just bad that tescos dont stock hb kits in NI.

Have to admit I struck it lucky on gumtree last week. 100 bottles fv with tap, little bottler, all the odds n ends and 3 cans of coopers stout for £50. Expaned my kit and made me hungrey for more. Have to justify it with the Mrs by brewing more lol.

In the meantime im close eough to nstures way for kits for the time being.
:drink:

 

[kitoog]

I use thehomebrewcompany and they are great to deal with. They are a forum sponsor of this site too. It is run by brewers who know their stuff not like some other sites who are really clueless. Others on boards have complained about shortdated products/past expiry from homebrew.ie, so hard to recommend.

 

[Davybarman]

What do they charge for delivery to NI.

Want to support the local shop, but want to price around for premium/ unusual kits equipment etc :thumb:

 

[operon]

Tesco's in carrickfergus does some home brew, some coopers stuff, woodfordes wherry a few demijons. though last time I was there it was during the great tescos sale so a call would be a good idea if ypu were going

 

[Gayle]

When i first started brewing my "brewing for dummies" book kept telling me to ask my local chemist for homebrew stuff, unfortunately not one sells it anymore, but one did say they'd look into getting some in the future if they thought there was more of a market. Maybe if I round up a lot of my friends and get them to go in and ask too, they might get some in. It's a PITA having to pay postage prices each time I need some yeast or finings, or if I need something in a hurry. We don't do much beer brewing apart from "add water" kits when we get them from Homebrew West, I imagine it might be difficult to do all-grain brewing when there's no easy access to a LHBS and everything has to be bought online.

 

[Davybarman]

I suppose the best idea would be get a NI homebrew club :drunk: started then we could order in Bulk and reduce costs. :thumb:
However I believe others have tried to start this and it has not got of the drawing board as such.
I dont believe any petioning on our end would force Tescos or any other retailers to stock HB :pray: unless they see money in it

 

[kitoog]

What do they charge for delivery to NI.

Want to support the local shop, but want to price around for premium/ unusual kits equipment etc :thumb:

Delivery from http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie is 4.95 euro or free for orders over 65 euro. Have a great selection of hops/grains too which is great for AG brewers too :