Northern Ireland's pubs celebrate drinking law change for Easter weekend
Cheers! 🍻
Pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland were today (Friday) expecting trade to be busier than usual this Easter.
That is because new licensing laws mean they can now extend their drink-up hours for the first time during this period.
Previously, bar owners faced opening hour restrictions throughout the Easter period but the new legislation means they can operate like any other normal weekend.
The change is the biggest in licensing laws in Northern Ireland in half a century.
Manager of Rosie Joe's bar in Derry-Londonderry, Decky Jordan - says it's something the hospitality industry's been calling for for a long time.
"I do believe that behind the scenes - I think this may have taken nine or 10 years to actually come into effect,
"I think it was very much embarrassing on our behalf that anybody that was coming - tourists for example - were left bewildered as to why they could not enter premises that served alcohol on Easter weekend due to these outdated laws."
If you're out and about this Easter weekend, why not visit some of Belfast's best beer gardens 🍻
The Bone Yard
This Bedford Street venue popped up last summer and took social media by storm. A quirky neon entrance opens up to a wide courtyard filled with picnic tables and even food trucks from Pug Ugly's and Tribal Burger.
The Perch Rooftop Bar
Part of the Linen House complex of bars, 'perched' on the fifth floor you'll find this charming and comfy spot. From the pretty drinks to the 'Instagrammable' décor, you'll be left swooning.
Cutters Wharf
Sip on cocktails and enjoy delicious food on the banks of the River Lagan. Grab a table and simply watch the world go by.
The Parlour
Located next to Queens University, The Parlour converted its smoking area out back into a colourful oasis. This is the perfect place to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.
The National
One of Belfast's most popular spots for food and cocktails, doors open from 12pm and there is no need book - it is first come, first served. Yay!
Kelly’s Cellars
In the heart of the city, Kelly's Cellars is one of Belfast's oldest traditional Irish pubs. Although technically not a beer garden, the front of Kelly's Cellars transforms in good weather with picnic benches, beer barrels and bar stools.
The Dirty Onion
Just around the corner from The Duke of York is The Dirty Onion. The owners of this venue have refurbished one of Belfast's oldest buildings and turned it into an authentic Irish pub with an excellent outdoor beer garden.
The Jailhouse
Nestled beside Joy's Entry, The Jailhouse offers a cosy outdoor seating area that's often seasonally decorated. This venue offers a great vibe, with even Instagram-worthy spots.
The Hatfield House
Sit among the chimney pots and enjoy a view over the city when you visit Hatfield House's rooftop garden on the busy Ormeau Road. Their garden has its own dedicated bar with full draught facilities and a separate smoking area. What else do you need?!
Lavery’s
Lavery's on Bradbury Place has got everything that you'd need for alfresco drinks in Belfast. Their outdoor bar has a modern feel with edgy artwork and lively atmosphere.
Filthy McNasty’s
This popular Dublin Road hangout is a great find. Their courtyard is stripped back and layered in festoon lighting, bringing you craft beers, live music, pizza and more.
Union Street Bar
Expect beer buckets, alcoholic slushies and cocktail jugs at Union Street's rooftop bar. This is one of Belfast's most popular bars!
The Thirsty Goat
Just next door from The Dirty Onion is The Thirsty Goat. Their outside beer garden has incredible live music throughout the week.
Town Square
One of the coolest bars on Belfast's Botanic Avenue, Town Square swiftly adapted their intimate bar/restaurant services during lockdown to cater for outdoor dinner and drinks. With an array of picnic benches and heaters, you'll love this chic spot.
Horatio Todd’s
When the sun's out, East Belfast's Horatio's Beer Garden is hard to beat. Complete with retractable roof, this venue offers first class drinks, snacks and service.
Thompson’s Terrace
A clubbing institution in the city that like many other venues were forced to switch things up to allow for social distancing. It's now a fun cocktail bar & pizza restaurant, with a sweet summer soundtrack of Ibiza beats.
Ollie's Garden
Ollie's is one of Belfast's most sophisticated nightclubs located next to The Merchant Hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Their outdoor garden offers chilled house vibes, including tempting cocktails and drinks promotions.
Or if it's a club you're after - we've got a handy guide for that too 👇
Ollie's
One of Belfast's most exclusive clubs, Ollie's can be found in the basement of the five-star Merchant Hotel. It actually used to be a bank's vaults, so the décor oozes elegance and opulence. Another popular spot on the busy cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter.
Alibi
Alibi is a three-floor venue with a terrace right in the heart of Belfast's Queen's Quarter. Showcasing the very best in local talent and guest DJs from around the world. Doors open at Alibi on November 6th, be sure to book a table asap before it sells out.
Kremlin
Kremlin is Northern Ireland's largest LGBTQ+ nightclub, hosting everything from guest appearances to first-class drag acts. It's well known across NI for its amazing music, and daily events - Nadine Coyle is one of the first to take to the stage on November 6th.
The National
Perhaps a more chilled vibe, The National is an intimate and unique cocktail bar, restaurant and nightclub. Seven days a week, you can soak in the very best in local live music, DJs and artists.
Cuckoo
Popular with students and locals across the city, Cuckoo offers something that little bit different. This club has a variety of special features, from cheap mason jar cocktails to retro dance floor tunes. There's even an arcade in the bar, with ping pong tables and vintage gaming stations.
Thompsons
Some of the biggest names in dance music have performed at Thompson's Garage over the years, including MK, Zane Lowe and Gerd Janson. They're a 'bona fide Belfast Clubbing Institution', what's not to love!
21 Social
Another popular spot in the Cathedral Quarter, 21 social has it's own private bar called Cigarette Girl on the top floor of the PortHouse Building. They're well known for their speciality cocktail lists, inspired by prohibition era of the 1920s and the cocktail revolution that followed.
Limelight
One of Belfast's hottest live music venues, Limelight consists two spacious suites (Limelight 1 and Limelight 2) plus a traditional pub next door called Katy's Bar and an outdoor terrace called The Rock Garden. Endless fun awaits around every corner!
The Botanic Inn
Affectionately known to locals as 'The Bot', there's plenty to see and do here. There's the traditional front bar complete with cosy corners, then there's the main bar and club, as well as the Boho Garden outside. It's super handy location to Queen's University, make this a busy spot at the weekends and in particular 'Bot Wednesdays' with students.
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