LATEST NEWS
After two years
working with Cask Marque and Paul Nunny to have the award scheme started in the
province Cask Marque assessor, Raymond Beaton, completed his work and Paul Nunny
awarded all bar one of the local JD Wetherspoon outlets with a certificate.
News in detail on
the
CASK MARQUE page.
 The Bridge Bar *
35-43 Bedford Street,
(028) 9072 7890.
A big change since the no smoking. Patio doors at the front allow access for the smokers under a canopy. The premises has large fire exit doors (ramped for wheelchairs), disabled toilet, and a low level public phone. There is a lift to the upper floor for the disabled (ask at bar for details).
Downstairs has large front windows, low and high tables, comfortable sofas with coffee tables and lots of modern paintings. Money has been spent here, and it shows. Lavish toilets includes a baby changing area (ask at bar for details).
Beer & food quality and prices are the usual Wetherspoon's consistency. The barstaff are well trained and friendly. Very busy most nights with a great mixture of people of all ages. Good, everchanging range of ales and the odd Beer & wine festivals.
Winner of this year's "MARKSALEHOUSE" award -
SEE
IT
 The
Old Courthouse *
Castlerock Road,
Coleraine, BT51 3HP.
(028) 7032 5820
I personally believe this to be the best refurbishment of a licensed
premise in the province. The front of the building, steps, patio and porch
are gleaming. Walking in through the front door is breathtaking, trying to
take in the lounge, circular wooden stairway, balcony and overhead windows
all in one go. Both
downstairs and up has an embarrassment of wood with a lingering
(imagined?) smell of government polish going back to schooldays. A rich
carpet and good seating lends an air of relaxation probably not
experienced in its days as a court house (built 1852). Food is the usual
standard from JDW and the ales are good quality. "I will be
back!"
 The
Central Bar *
13-15 High Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7AN
(028) 9335 7840
Very good refurbishment of an existing bar. A great view from upstairs, overlooking the
12th. century castle and
Belfast Lough with its busy ferries and other marine craft. Friendly staff, the standard Wetherspoon's fair and the
ales are good. Toilets on both floors.
 The
Linenhall *
11-13 Townhall Street,
Enniskillen
(028) 6634 0910
Multi level bars with
entrances on Main Street and opposite bus depot at rear. Painted white
with black surrounds, large windows, rear balcony and brick and stone
archway. The name reflects the once main business in the county. Usual Wetherspoon's food and drink. Good parking at rear (pay,
but free further up road).
 The
Spinning Mill *
17-21 Broughshane
Street, Ballymena, BT43 6EB
(028) 2563 8985
Excellent town centre pub with no music or TV's . The main bar in long and narrow with an upstairs bar and
balcony. The front (listed) straddles an entrance to the beer garden with a third bar to
the other side. Lots of brick, stone and reclaimed wood. Uplighters give a good
airy feel to the place. Spot the leaded windows. Both bars have real ale with five
hand pumps serving two guest beers. Standard JDW
fare but very tasty.
Winner of the first
"MARKSALEHOUSE" award -
SEE
IT.
 The Diamond
*
23-24 The Diamond,
Londonderry BT48 6HP.
(028) 7127 2880
A bit like Dr. Who's TARDIS, much larger on the inside than you would expect.
This former furniture shop is nicely laid out with large opening windows along the front giving a semi
alfresco effect. Seating is well spaced out and the upper floor has a square
balcony well. The only toilets are on the first floor but there is a lift for
disabled access. Parking close by can be difficult. Staff are friendly and
helpful.
 The Ice Wharf
*
(Lloyd's
No.1 Bar)
22-24 Strand Road, Londonderry.
(028) 7127 6610
The first of the
Lloyd's chain to open here. With a multi storey car park to the rear and large
exterior glass panelling, it is easily distinguishable. Unlike the other outlets it has music and pop videos
all day, plasma screens and a dance floor. Also a special menu.
 Tuesday Bell *
Market Square, Lisburn.
(028) 9262 7390
This bar, a beautiful new two storey premise
only opened, did not get off to a good start. The clientele has mainly changed and it
is now quite a mixture of ages. It has a large downstairs lounge
with stairs and a lift leading upstairs to another large lounge. Toilets are in
the basement. It is named after the market bell (now in the local museum)
which announced Tuesday trading. great staff and a good selection of ales.
 The Spirit Merchant *
54-56 Regent Street, Newtownards.
What would appear
to be a small premise on the main street is in fact quite substantial. Toilets
on the upstairs (I did not notice a lift). The place gets very busy at nights so
get food orders in early. It has the same theme as most of the other
establishments and the beer is good. Apparently the local militia appear later at
night! Be advised!
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