This week on pastiebap we’re looking at the best of what Belfast has to offer, both old and new. Sure what better way to start things off than by looking at the thing that Belfast does best, PUBS! The city keeps changing and as one pub closes another opens, it’s a revolving door. So here are, in my humble opinion, the best of the old traditional pub and the best of the new up and coming pub. Cheers.
Best old: McHughes, Queen square
“Situated at Queen’s Square, McHugh’s bar dates back to 1711, making it the oldest surviving building in Belfast.” Situated near the Docks, Albert Clock and the Titanic quarter, this pub is certainly in good company as far as history is concerned. Having been a pub for nearly 300 years the phrase “if these walls could talk” never seemed so apt. McHugh’s has a charm and an old worlde feel from the moment you see it. When you go it in it’s filled with nooks and crannies. There’s a basement where I recently discovered some of the best (free) jazz on offer in the city. Every Sat from 5:30-7:30 the dimly lit basement is crammed with visitors and locals alike enjoying some unique local beers and some great music. In the upper floor they serve excellent hearty food, both traditional and more modern. There’s a great view of the bar below from up there or out the windows you can see the river lagan and custom house square. Of course there’s an open fire and comfy seating downstairs where you can also get a great pint of Guinness. The thing about McHugh’s is that it’s not a tourist pub and it’s not as well-known as others like the Crown, but it’s place where people can meet and have some craic and at the end of the day that’s really what pubs are for.
Best New: The Hudson Bar, Gresham Street
In the midst of everyone getting excited about the Cathedral Quarter a few years ago a few guys decided to go out on a limb and open a bar in a distinctly different part of town. Whilst not a million miles away from the Cathedral quarter itself (but then where in Belfast is very far from anywhere else really), the reputation of the Gresham street area wasn’t a great one. But the Hudson opened and soon word of a different kind of bar trickled through the town. Known for its wings, selection of exotic beers, Whiskeys and the great atmosphere, the Hudson feels somewhat unique. They even have their own beer on draft “Hudson Craft”. The bar is small but has 3 floors and a recently opened beer garden which takes up about half of the courtyard of the Haymarket arcade. The bar staff are friendly and there always seems to be something going on – club nights, quizzes, beer tastings. When I last popped in there was a home brew club brewing in the beer garden! They’ve helped spear head rejuvenation in the local area as well with clothes shops, cafes, butchers and all sorts popping up around this once languishing area. If you haven’t been yet you should head down and have a pint.
