|
The N.
Ireland Guide to Pubs of Interest. |
 |
Bittles
Bar, Victoria Square. (028) 9031 1088 John Bittles, another real character, has done away the the Irish Literary & old Belfast themes that were well loved and respected, only to move into the "club" scene. £5 lets you drink here until 4 in the morning. But who would want to? Sorry John, it does not work for me. Still worth a visit during the day though. |
| McHugh's, * 29-31 Queen's Square. (028) 9050 9990 A fascinating part of Belfast's history is in this area. This pub has been gutted and rebuilt. However, the original house, fireplace and street level have been discovered and listed so time and care has gone into the renovation. Given that Botinns has also taken over the next door property, once infamously known around the world as DuBarry's - a house of ill repute known by many a sailor |
 |
| around the globe (and quite a few young people strapped for cash!),
this will be a must for visitors. Glad to see that the cask ale
is back. It is a real pity that the collectibles have long since disappeared when
DuBarry's shut down years ago! EMAIL: mchughs@botinns.com |
|
 |
Portside Bar, Dargan Road, BT3 9JU,. (028 9037 0746). A very high roofed, horse shoe bar serving excellent food every day. Very popular with people from the local industrial estate, houses and ferries. Can get very busy. This pub started in the middle of nowhere and has now built up a reputation for good food. |
| The
Rotterdam, 54 Pilot Street. (028) 9074 6021 One of the few remaining back street bars not raped by the superpub group. Almost claustrophobic inside, it hosts great music from traditional folk to blues. The tiled floor is a bit uneven. The pub has been sold so we shall have to wait and see what happens to it. |
 |
 |
Pat's
Bar, 19-22 princes Dock Street. (028) 9074 4522 Around the corner from the Rotterdam with the tramlines still embedded in the street, stands Pat's Bar. Another old fashioned street corner pub not vandalised by the big players. Friendly owner. New section to rear. Look out for the old railway tracks at the front of the pub. Again, more rumours of it being up for sale.
|
| The Roost, 46 Church Lane, BT1 4QN. (028 9023 3282). Refurbished and looking well, the pub still caters for lunchtime food. However, its tendency to close early at nights while those around enjoy crowds into the small hours makes one wonder if it will continue its viability. |
 |
 |
Morning Star, 17-19 Pottinger's Entry. (028) 9032 3976 Dating back to the early 1800's, this pub has been tastefully renovated recently and has become a Mecca for good food aficionados who queue up to sample the cuisine at the special gourmet nights. Good lunches and fine Guinness mean that this place is always well frequented. |
|
The
Mermaid, 5-7 Wilson's Court. (028) 9032 7829 One of Central Belfast's last alleyway pubs that has not been renovated, except for some cae-bar style doors that lead onto the entry patio and caters mostly for smokers, though great on a summer's day. Still showing its 60's decor but serving great lunchtime food. The staff are very friendly and always helpful. It is a haven of peace in a bustling shopping centre. Popular with local office workers, it still has its many regulars and those who take respite from shopping madness. It closes early at nights unless there are customers there to keep it open. By the way, it is bigger than you think when you first walk in. Winner of "MARKSALEHOUSE" award 2006/7 SEE IT |
 |
 |
Ba
Soba, 38 Hill Street, BT1 2LB. Now changed hands and needs to be checked out again! |
| The Duke
of York, 7-11 Commercial Street. (028) 9024 1062 Sitting in an entry where one end has Nick's Warehouse and the other end leads to what was once the "Fleet Street" of Belfast. Beloved of the hacks from the local press and aficionados of good music. Two rooms downstairs and one upstairs. Brewery memorabilia including a Worthington Green Shield beer mat!
|
 |
 |
Nick's
Warehouse, 35-43 Hill Street, BT1 2LB. (028 9043 9690). Said to be built on the site of the gaol that housed felons prior to their journey to Van Diemen's Land, Nick Price certainly serves up a better selection of food today. Award winning chef, he is also keen on great wines (weekly specials) and beers and is a supporter of CAMRA. The restaurant serves a German beer once found only in Nick's. His latest choice is Sam Smith's "Old Brewery Bitter" (keg) at an astonishly low price of £2.10 per pint. YUMMY! Situated in a quiet, daytime backwater of Belfast the area comes alive at night helped by the presence of five nearby pubs. Book your table and enjoy! |
| Kelly's Cellars, Bank Lane. (028) 9032 4835 One of Ireland's oldest bars still retaining a 17th. century feel with its vaulted ceilings, low whitewashed arches, old barrels and low counter. Basic bar food downstairs, but upstairs has more variety. A haunt of visitors from all over the world savouring the bustle of a pub little changed from 1720 when Henry Joy McCracken hid from the redcoats. |
|
 |
The
John Hewitt 51 Donegall Street, BT1 2FH (028) 9023 3768 E-mail: manager@thejohnhewitt.com WEBSITE Named after Belfast Poet, John Hewitt, this is one of Belfast's newer pubs but with a real old fashioned style. A high-ceilinged bar with wood & stone floor and panelled walls. Large front windows with low frosted glass screens and decorative lead window panels. There is a small snug lounge to the right. A mix of clientele. Everchanging selection of artwork. A mixture of music at night; some jazz but mostly trad Irish. Good food during the day, worth seeking out. It has increased the range of draught and bottled beers to include (gasp) Hilden Ale in perfect condition SPBW POTY WINNER - 2007 |
|
|
|
