Sloggers and Betters in Belfast — postponed?

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Unfortunately, and due to the usual ‘circumstances beyond our control’, our visit to Belfast has been postponed. So neither Dave Tilley nor I will be there this weekend. We don’t yet have a date when it will actually happen, but we’re told it is likely to be in March.

Really sorry about this, folks. As soon as we hear more, I will let you know. Please don’t let it discourage others from meeting up!

 

12 comments on “Sloggers and Betters in Belfast — postponed?”

  2. Sounds great. I don’t go to Belfast very often other than to pass through airports or ferry ports so I’m not too familiar with what’s available. But I do know that there are “a million” pubs around the (in)famous Europa Hotel which is always a great starting point. I’ll ask around and see if anyone has suggestions.

    Where, roughly, are you likely to be?

  3. Thanks, Kenmac. I don’t know Belfast at all, so would appreciate some guidance. We haven’t got details of the hotel yet, but should know very soon. Assume anywhere reasonably central and accessible from stations etc will be best.

  4. I won’t be in Belfast, but seeing as I grew up there I thought I’d chime in with some pubs to seek out, off the top of my head: The Crown, White’s Tavern, McHugh’s, Kelly’s Cellars, The Morning Star, The Front Page – more info here: http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/10-great-belfast-pubs-83794072-237683811.html

    If you’re looking to do some sight-seeing, take a black-taxi “Troubles Tour” – it only takes a couple of hours. The Ulster Museum is worth a visit, as are the Botanical Gardens; avoid the Titanic Museum. If you need any further details, drop me an e-mail – and have fun!

    Cheers,

    Hieroglyph

  5. Probably the best bet is to start at The Europa – drinks may be a wee bit more expensive there but at least it’s easy to find. I’ll probably travel by bus or train. Europa is right next to both bus and train stations.

    You’ll be able to get to Europa easily from wherever you are since “everyone” knows it and certainly all cab drivers do. It’ll likely be walking distance, anyway.

    Opposite Europa are Robinson’s Bar and The Crown Bar and a wee bit up the road is Brennans’ Bar as can be seen in this street view image. Turn through 180 degrees to see Brennans’. I was in Brennans’ a few years ago and I seem to remember that there were plenty of tables and it’s fairly bright.

  6. Thanks, Hieroglyph and Kenmac

    I have been checking out some pubs that sell interesting beers and ciders, and there are various recommendations here:
    Craft Beer In Belfast

    This one looks worth a visit (and sells the cider I like), though I will take the advice of people who know Belfast better than I do.
    The John Hewitt

    If it’s not suitable for an S&B event, I have other time to visit it.

  7. Showing my age – craft beer was never a thing when I was growing up in the 90s, and I don’t think the John Hewitt had opened yet… 😉

  8. If you do find some good pubs while you’re there, Jane, do let us know for next year. 😉 Best of luck!

  9. Just picked up on this.

    If you can commandeer one of the snugs (doored booths) in The Crown it would be perfect for about 8 bodies.

    Please advise me of your intensions

  10. hi Jetdoc
    Im not sure i will be able to make this but thought I would offer some local opinion of the places mentioned in other posts.

    The Europa Hotel is pretty soulless much like a Holiday Inn or something ( and expensive ) although they do have a good blues session on a Saturday featuring Rab Braniff.

    The Crown Bar is very touristy – well worth a look but there are more Americans and Germans taking selfies than locals enjoying a pint ( and their Guinness is stinking )and is usually standing room only on Saturday afternoons. Robinsons and Brennans on either side of the Crown are both dumps.

    The John Hewitt does indeed have a great selection of beers and cider and the food is excellent on Saturday they have a traditional session starting around 5pm when it gets packed but earlier than that you should be able to find a quiet solving spot.

    I wouldnt bother with White’s Tavern, The Morning Star or The Front Page.

    McHughs has good food and a big beer selection and a trad session on Saturdays.

    Kellys Cellars is the real deal a genuine old Belfast institution. They usually have a session on but it can be a bit raucous late at night. Their food is limited to just Irish stew – though it is great stew and they serve the best Guinness in town – but there is a very good and reasonably priced seafood bar next door.

    A few others worth a google are The Dirty Onion, Maddens Bar, The Duke of York and The Sunflower Bar.

    I too would avoid the Titanic Museum and reccommend the Black Taxi ” troubles ” tours.

  11. Thanks for that, Stiofain. The John Hewitt does look a reasonable prospect for a daytime session.

    As you will see, our visit has been postponed, but should eventually go ahead. Let’s hope we can meet up then.

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