The N. Ireland Guide to Pubs of Interest.
 BELFAST SOUTH
*- pubs with real ale.

Belfast has been split in a North-South arbitrary line at the City Hall - this is South - try NORTH
Wetherspoon's Free House, *
 SEE THE WETHERSPOON'S PAGE
The Crown Liquor Saloon, *
46 Great Victoria Street.
(028) 9027 9901
A prime example of a Victorian gin palace and a firm favourite of visitors, past and present. The Grade A listed building is from the 1840's and it was originally the Railway Tavern in 1849. The owner (Michael Flanagan) initiated the refurbishment in 1898 and (probably) changed the name to The Crown about 1885. Tiled outside ground floor walls and tiled mosaic entrance lead to a lush interior of rich woodwork, coloured glass. The bar is long with three dividers and a black & white tiled floor. Intimate snugs with bell pushes, mirrors and (surprisingly) doors, each  guarded by a gryphon and a lion. 		The Crown
It is often used as a location spot for films and plays. It has been in and out of the GBG with cask Bass Ale and Whitewater's Belfast Bitter. Well remembered for its architecture, it should also be remembered for its basic pub food and seasonal oysters, normally washed down with liver crippling draughts of Guinness.

Busy during the day, it comes into its own at night when the gas lamps play their wan light over the wide cross section of regulars and visitors from all parts of the globe. Look for the electric signalling system linked to the booths.

Sadly, the supply has changed from town gas to cylinder but the homely atmosphere remains. The upstairs lounge, once housing a roaring fire and memorabilia of the maritime history of the town, now goes under a theme name but still is worth a visit. This is the only pub in the City centre that never needs a doorman (except Christmas Eve and that is only to keep people out!).
The ceiling is to undergo refurbishment soon.
The Jharna Jharna, 
133 Lisburn Road.
(028) 9038 1299
The two brothers who run this upstairs restaurant always have great smiles and serve excellent food in a great atmosphere. It is easy to relax in the sumptuous surroundings, but be warned! The portions are big!
 
 

 

Bithika, 
133 Lisburn Road.
(028) 9066 0233
If you liked the food in the restaurant then go for a carry out next door. Same friendly people, same excellent food. They also do a delivery service.

   

  

 
Bithika
Ryan's Bar & Grill *
116-118 Lisburn Rd.
TEL: (028) 9050 9850
FAX: (028) 9050 9858
WEBSITE
Once an old family run pub (the Hunters) it is now another martyr to development and has lost one of the last meaningful pub signs. However, the decor is not OTT, dark but not dreary and it is relaxing. Good food with spicy chicked wings to die for. Upstairs restaurant open until 11:00. Bar snacks downstairs. Good atmosphere mid week, can be very busy. Disabled lift at back of bar near the toilets (ladies upstairs). The staff are friendly and pleasant. 
NOW SERVING BELFAST BITTER! 		The Four in Hand
Winner of "MARKSALEHOUSE" award 2005/6
Robinsons Robinson's, 
38 Gt. Victoria Street. 
028) 9024 7447
Still the most popular bar in Belfast after so many years. This pub will be packed when other close-by bars have solitary customers. Assorted music, dances and good food keep the customers happy. Crowded theme bar at the rear. A meeting point for all (except me!), especially at the start of the weekend. Not my choice most times as I think there are better places now in the city centre, but I bow to popular demand, and I do mean popular!

 

 

Morrison's Spirit Grocer,
 21 Bedford Street. 
(028) 9024 8458
Originally themed on the original grocery store come liquor vendor, it is now a cafe style bar. A two storey premise with wood floors, booths,  cast iron ceiling supports.  

 Morrisons
BBC The BBC,  *
Linenhall Street
Not open to the general public, but if you know someone that works there then you could maybe get in to sample some ales from Whitewater Brewery. Associate membership may be available. Very comfortable and relaxed old fashioned style lounge. Low lighting and non smoking area beside the fireplace. Some Samuel Smith's products available. 
The King's Head, *
829 Lisburn Road.
Belfast
BT9 7GY
(028) 9050 9950 - (028) 9050 9958 (FAX).
WEBSITE
EMAIL 		King's Head
A spectacular change, but still keeping the public bar in its original style. The premise is a walk-around with various styles of seating including some very plush armchairs. The room decor has been upgraded in the old wing but many of the original features still remain. The new wing sports a long fresco and is open and airy. Upstairs is modern and very large. The menu is good (upstairs and down) and the beer list very extensive ("beers from around the world"). Two cask ales are available, one will change monthly. The only bad part is the fact that the entrance uses steps and is not wheelchair friendly, especially the patio/beer garden, which is strange as they have dedicated invalid parking outside and a lift inside.
Cayenne Cayenne, 
7 Lesley House, Shaftsbury Square. 
(028) 9033 1532
Very busy restaurant but well worth trying. Lots of noise and the occasional celebrity. Excellent food and attentive and pleasant staff. Book early and enjoy. Watch out for media "personalities".
Cutter's Wharf, 
Stranmillis.
(028) 9066 3388
Refurbished and now brighter, with good food in the upstairs restaurant. Great music at the weekend and very enjoyable on a balmy summer evening standing on the patio just watching the river flow. Not far from buses and the river taxi. The music here can be great, especially the R&B.		 Cutters Wharf
The Botanic Inn The Botanic Inn,  *
23-27 Malone Road.
(028) 9050 9740
This has undergone many renovations in its day, but the original public bar is still there. Serves food and has a dance upstairs. Noisy and very busy at nights, the crowd spills onto the road at closing and it is best to find another route past it if you are driving. 
Cask ale can be questionable at times.
E-mail: info@botanicinns.com 
The Grand Opera House, 
Great Victoria Street.
(028) 9024 1919
http://www.goh.co.uk 
e-mail: info@goh.co.uk 
Another of Belfast's Victorian pleasures, courtesy of Frank Matcham, lovingly restored in 1980. Most people think to go there for a show but there is nothing better than grabbing a window seat in the Interval bar and just watching life go by on the streets. 		 Grand Opera House
Yes, the shows are excellent but the bar does not close during a performance (front doors do, so be in early!). 
Legends Legends, 
133 Lisburn Road.
(028) 9066 1652
legpizza@aol.com
Licensed pizza place but doing excellent steaks and other dishes. Take away available. Small intimate booths and open tables for couples or larger parties. Lots of star studded pictures - good guessing games. Great food and friendly staff. Good atmosphere, food  & wines.
The Wok, 
126 Great Victoria Street.
(028) 9023 3828
Lovers of great Chinese dishes will spot this as once being The Summer Palace when Helen owned it. It is now an upmarket restaurant with fine food. It can be very busy so book.		 The Wok
Green's Pizza Green's Pizza, 
549 Lisburn Road, BT9 7GQ
(028) 9066 6033
Very popular family restaurant with more than pizzas on offer. Always busy, so book. When really busy, they will lend you a pager while you wait in the bar across the road. Excellent food and friendly service. Not licensed, so bring your own. Toilets at top of narrow stairs. Carry-out service. Busy road so parking can be difficult at times.


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