Bar pub in Belfast

“Make sure you book a table as it gets busy and rightly so. Great atmosphere, friendly servers. The food and tapas selection is great. If I had the belly space I would have ordered everything. Also if you have a late booking they have Happy hour on some amazing cocktails from 10 - 11pm. Highly recommended a visit.”

“Exceptional I can’t believe this was our first time at this lovely bar/restaurant. It’s some h character and history all over the building with it being the oldest pub in Belfast. But aside from the venue itself the staff and food was absolutely amazing. Their beer garden is fantastic with lots for kids to play with also. We will definitely be back”

“A brief visit to this pub which we liked a lot. Lovely staff and enjoyed listening to the guitarist/singer. We visited 3 pubs in the Cathedral Quarter and they were all great. Looking forward to going back and spending more time there.”

“Just a fabulous bar- great indie music, delicious cocktails such as a French Martini and Rhubarb Gin, fast and friendly service, lovely decor and lighting, and great atmosphere! It will be my regular when we are in Belfast!”

“The Rock Bar on the Falls Road is a must-visit after a Troubles tour. With its dark history tied to Belfast’s past, this traditional pub offers a unique atmosphere where history and hospitality meet. Once a hotspot during the conflict, it now serves as a welcoming local bar with a great pint of Guinness and friendly patrons. The walls whisper stories of the past, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in Northern Ireland’s history. A proper Belfast experience—rich in character, culture, and a reminder of the city’s resilience.”

“I was back in the Empire for the first time in over twenty years and what a nostalgia trip it was! I did not realise that they served food now and I must admit that I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of it. We had fish and chips, the Empire Burger and the Mexican Chilli Chicken burger, all with generous portions of chips or wedges. We were all very impressed. I had the chicken burger and it was so tasty! As we ate, we were entertained by the talented Jackie Rainy. Her acoustic set was just perfect and not loud which meant we could still have a conversation and enjoy the music at the same time. Overall we had a great time in the Empire and we would be very keen to return soon and do it all again!”

“We were in on Saturday past for a birthday celebration - 18 of us. We had the armoury pre booked with food platters included. Prie was out host for this, she was absolutely fantastic - Made sure everyone was happy with their food and drinks and everyone really enjoyed. The platters had so much food on them all fresh and hot. We then had table booked in the courtyard - again no issues other than we had to move after a few hours which we weren't aware of (possible mix up in communication). But Tina in the stock exchange worked her magic and swapped a few tables around to accommodate us. She was fantastic, so friendly and helpful and again checking everyone was happy. We had the best nights craic and would definitely recommend for a good night out! We will be back!”

“Had a burrito with my son yesterday and the young lad, Dara, that served us was just a lovely lad. Friendly and could wrap a burrito in a way this 40 year old woman still hasn't managed. Credit to the business and his parents.”

“Great pub right in the heart of the Shankill Road. Friendly staff and customers. Love all the history on the walls. Best pint of Guinness you will ever have.”

“One of the best liquor stores in Northern Ireland. Great selection of craft beers at great prices, wonderful choices of wine, nice that you can drink in and pay a corkage. And did I mention they have big bags of Keoghs crisps! Worth the track from Belfast.”

“Great wee spot for a beer. Best to go early to start your day time drinking. Lovely place to get chatting to people from all over the world. Molly was a great bartender. Good company. Tell Grace it was Annie Lennox!! My memory was awful!”

“Food was incredible, great portions, definitely be back!”

“Thanks to Cathy and her welcoming clientele for making my first ever pint(s) in Belfast a warm, welcoming and memorable experience!! Stay safe guys until we meet again.”

“Staff were really pleasant food was great would highly recommend”

“Craic always good in here staff very friendly”

“Great staff, live sports on TV, jukebox, friendly customers, amazing pints, right next to the bus station and a pool table. What more could you possible ask for!”

“Absolutely amazing! The beef burger was delicious as were the fat chips. The white chocolate cheesecake is to die for with its honeycomb ice cream and strawberries. Great staff too. Relaxed atmosphere and funky decor. Made in Belfast had been recommended and I’m so glad I visited.”

“Friendly atmosphere, good set of drinks.”

“Brilliant craic in bar. Bar is also very nice. Toilets very clean, only issue was every time we wanted to pay by card, the barman had to go next door to get the card machine (we were in the buffet room), also had to go next door for certain mixers and other alcoholic drinks. But this did not take anything away from the bar experience which was excellent. Staff very friendly.”

“Phenomenal food in the heart of Belfast. Order lots of bites for a medley of tastes and textures. The haloumi fries are seriously good. You won't be disappointed.”

“All food is great here. But today, I tried the curry burger... spiced beef pattie, grated cheddar, sautéed onions with magno chutney and rocket, coleslaw and chips on side. I am delighted with the wild ideas that come out of here Its like a party in my mouth, and everyone's invited Extremely good looking staff”

“Heard good things and it lived up to the hype. Vibrant atmosphere (piled up after we arrived), and the food was plentiful, reasonably priced and tasty. Service was quick and there were no delays getting the bill. The only gripe is the coke is minimal per glass. Overall, a worthy stop for a decent lunch.”

“Best bar on the Shanklin, clean, great staff & superb Guinness. Jukebox is pretty great too Easy 5 Stars *****”

“Was looking for a good Sunday lunch in Belfast and saw a review for McHughs and thought we would try it. We didn’t have a booking and they managed to fit us in. The Sunday beef roast was fantastic alongside the Guinness. Highly recommended and will visit again when back in the city”

“Really good food, proper home cooked and service was amazin. Such big portions. Was previously at Fountain Lane and the service was atrocious. We stumbled here by mistake and so glad we did. Brilliant pub, down to earth and amazing service and food. Thank you.”

“I had a wonderful first date here at Muriel's, and the ambiance and selection of this establishment undoubtedly contributed to its success! The pear-tini in particular is excellent and refreshing, and the spicy margaritas pack an excellent punch as well! Would recommend this place to all :)”

“Had lunch here on 02/09/2025. Marvellous variety on the starters/lightbites menu - loads of unusual dishes, so we were spoiled for choice. Chose beef nachos and the crab claws in an Asian sauce with a cheese and onion bap. Everything was delicious, well presented and great portions. The sauce with the crab was so tasty, I used my teaspoon to eat it like a soup. Excellent altogether.”

“First time I’d been here and not disappointed. It was a group dinner, 50 or so of us, and everything was delivered swiftly, all the mains were hot, all the puddings hot or cold as they should be, and everything looking as fresh as though it was the only meal they’d prepared. It was all delicious and very well cooked and presented. The atmosphere was beautifully calm for such a large area and the staff were so friendly and helpful. Although we were in a big group I felt as personally cared for and valued by the staff as though I was the only person there, and others in the group agree. Highly recommended, and a big thank you to all the lovely staff.”

“Lovely place seen on social media and rarely they live up to a description. But it did, very friendly staff, we arrived just before lunch but they allowed us to order early from that menu. Food was excellent and I doubt you’d go home hungry from it. Well priced too. Well done”