Belfast Sink

The Belfast sink — also called a butler sink — is a deep, apron-front basin with a wide, flat rim, traditionally made from glazed fireclay. It originated in Victorian kitchen design and has remained a constant in both traditional and contemporary London kitchens for its generous capacity, robust material quality, and timeless visual appeal.

Shaws of Darwen in Lancashire has manufactured handmade fireclay Belfast sinks since 1897, and their products remain the benchmark in this category. Each sink is made by hand, fired at high temperature, and finished with a highly durable glaze that resists chipping, scratching, and staining under decades of daily use. The fireclay material has natural thermal mass that keeps water warm for longer.

Woodalls is an authorised Shaws of Darwen dealer and stocks their Belfast sinks in a range of widths from single bowl to extended double bowl formats. These sinks are popular with customers in Hampstead, Highgate, and Golders Green who are restoring period properties or creating traditional-style kitchens with authentic materials. Visit our NW11 showroom to see examples.