Live Music — Pubs in Belfast

Stokers Halt Belfast

199 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JB

NO LONGER SERVING REAL ALE (September 2017) The Stoker's Halt is a recent (May 2017) convert to real ale. It is a modern craft beer orientated bar situated in the increasingly fashionable area of Ballyhackamore. The main bar has one hand pump serving beers from Sharp's. Downstairs there are a variety of tables to sit at and a sweeping staircase leading to the upstairs restaurant. Sports TV and live bands feature regularly.

Poet

King's Square, Belfast BT5 7EA

The Poet, formerly the Lonely Poet, is a modern bar, grill and live music venue in the east of Belfast. It is located in the King's Square shopping district about four miles from the centre of the city. It is bright and spacious with comfortable sofas. The staff are friendly and a noticeable feature is a school desk with two old typewriters to keep children amused. Although it is a little out of the centre, it is easy enough to get to as the number 19 Metro bus goes right past the bar.

Errigle Inn

312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE

Built in 1935, much extended in the 1970s and refurbished in 1998 there are now 5 distinct bars. The Oak Lounge has remained little changed since it opened in 1936 with its Art Deco glass-work, panelled walls, Irish Oak floor and the original Lloyd Loom tables and chairs. Having sold real ale for a number of years, the handpumps were moved to the Oak Lounge in 2016 and you will find up to five selling real ales, and occasionally a cider, from both Northern Ireland and Britain. From mid-evening you can sit down in the Oak Lounge and receive table service - something that's always happened here, but a rarity in pubs these days. Another rare survivor is the tiny room now called 'The Bunker' which was originally a ladies' snug and is accessed from a door at the end of the Jameson Street side of the building. Open daily it also retains old fittings and is served from a hatch to the side of the Oak Lounge. Sports TV is a big feature, along with traditional music, salsa classes, and a quiz. (Thanks to Mick Slaughter for the description.)

Brennan's

48 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BB

Duke Of York

7-11 Commercial Court, Belfast BT1 2NB

Garrick Bar

29 Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4JB

*** REAL ALE NO LONGER AVAILABLE *** Possibly not named after the Shakespearean actor, the Garrick Bar is a long established (1870) public house very close to the centre of the city. It has a pleasingly traditional style front bar and a more modern lounge at the back. There is a collection of barometers to see in the lounge. There is a selection of craft beers available, but no real ale. The food is good and available in both bars. Sports TV is a major feature along with live entertainment, either bands or a DJ, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

John Hewitt

51 Donegal Street, Belfast BT1 2FH

Northern Ireland's first Social Enterprise bar was named after the poet John Hewitt. This is a popular bar, near St Anne's Cathedral. It does not have TV or piped music but concentrates on live music and events including quizzes and art exhibitions. It is owned and run by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre and helps to fund the organisation's work. High-quality food is served at lunchtime with specials on the blackboard. There is one hand pump mainly serving ales from Shepherd Neame, although there are occasional guests from local breweries such as Hercules. Not open until the evening on Sunday.

Kellys Cellars

32 Bank Street, Belfast BT1 1HL

Kitchen Bar

1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG

The Kitchen Bar has recently started selling real ale again after a few year's absence. It is a large modern pub attached to the Victoria Shopping centre. Its centrally positioned bar has one hand pump exclusively selling Whitewater beers. There is some exposed brickwork and interesting riveted metal pillars. Food, music, and sport are big draws here attracting daytime shoppers and night-time drinkers alike. A popular location often extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Laverys

12-16 Bradbury Place, Belfast BT7 1RS

Maddens Bar

74 Berry Street, Belfast BT1 1FJ

McElhatton's Bar

106-110 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GX

McHughs

29-31 Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3FG

Long-established, traditional hostelry that has been sympathetically upgraded and extended to incorporate the adjacent premises, formerly a renowned brothel. Accommodation comprises a basement function room, a ground floor bar of cosy interlinked drinking spaces and a galleried restaurant on the first floor. The main public bar has a handpump exclusively dispensing ales from Whitewater Brewery. Patrons include dedicated regulars, tourists and visitors to nearby music venues. Live folk and traditional music is played on Wednesday Fridays, and Saturdays.

Morning Star

17-19 Pottingers Entry, Belfast BT1 4DT

Robinsons Bar

Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BA

Ronnie Drew's

79-83 May Street, Belfast BT1 3JL

Ryan's

116-118 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AH

This pub is situated on the corner of the Lisburn Road and Wellesley Avenue, about a mile south west of the city centre. It is modern looking inside, with several different drinking areas surrounding a central bar. There is one handpump on the bar and there is a restaurant upstairs. Patrons are generally students, locals or sports fans. A general knowledge and music quiz are held every week, it is a popular pub and can get crowded.

Whites Tavern

6 Winecellar Entry, Belfast BT1 1QN

King's Head

829 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GY

Formerly a mansion house, the King's Head is now a bar, restaurant and music venue. It used to sell real ale in the public bar, with one hand pump serving a variety of Whitewater ales. There are two other drinking areas, an open-plan space, while on the other is a comfortable lounge. The restaurant is upstairs, serving quality food with excellent service. Bar bites are also available. Well worth a visit, with bus and rail stops nearby.

Sunflower

65 Union Street, Belfast BT1 2JG

This is a traditional corner pub, converted to real ale. It is situated north of the city centre, behind Belfast Central Library. The bar downstairs is cozy and has one hand-pump, usually serving ales from Hilden Brewery. The owner has a pedigree in real ale, having managed the near by John Hewitt. There is a display of of beer mats to admire The pub has become known as a live music venue with acts in the bar and in the lounge upstairs. A spacious beer garden has been added where pizza is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. A candidate for CAMRA's "hidden treasures".