Crown Liquor Saloon

ONscotland

Famous for a reason 18th February 2009

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If you have ever planned a trip to Belfast, no doubt some of the advice you will have received is 'you must go to The Crown'. Sometimes places don't live up to the hype but I am happy to say that where The Crown Bar, Belfast is concerned, its reputation is well deserved.

So, what's so great about it?
The Crown Bar is an original slice of Victoriana, lovingly preserved by The National Trust. Ornate tiling and carved wood and gaslamps combine to create a truly unique pub experience.

One of the most pleasing features of the bar are 'the snugs' - when you walk in you will see little carved wood doors all along the side of the bar, with seating and a table. Close the door behind you and enjoy an untroubled pint of Guinness (and it's true - Guinness does taste better in Ireland! And for that reason you'll have to excuse one of two of my pictures...) or one of the local brews on offer.

Upstairs is The Crown Dining Rooms, which serves reasonable pub grub - I really wish I could remember the name of our waitress - she should win a prize for the most effortless, friendly and charming service I have ever experienced. Coming from Belfast it was one of those moments when I felt really proud of the place! I was with friends from London who were very impressed.


The Crown Bar is an institution in Belfast. Visit and see why!

Donal

The Crown 25th September 2008

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The Crown, situated directly across from the Europa bus and train station, is one of the most perfect examples of an Irish pub you’ll find in Belfast, or indeed in most of Ireland. Recently refurbished and professionally restored by history-conscious workers, the bar has been returned to its former glory. On the outside, it’s mosaically tiled in a beautiful manner, and stands out from every other building on the street. Inside, it’s dark, cosy and warm. Exactly as a pub should be! Behind the bar you’ll find a prime range of lagers and ales, and a very well stocked spirit selection. But what makes The Crown so special is the series of snugs, each with their own door, meaning you and your friends can crowd round an old table, close the door, and have a fantastic private party, while being right in the middle of the craic.

Food is surprisingly good, well above average, and caters to the business professionals working nearby. Don’t expect basic pub grub, this is proper gourmet cuisine. Expect very basic toilet facilities however, small and cramped and not very pleasant.

The atmosphere in The Crown is always welcoming, and caters to both sides of the Irish community, which is evident by the story behind the pub’s naming. The founders of the pub, a Catholic man and Protestant woman, came to the peaceline-crossing agreement that the bar would be named after the Queen of England, if the floor would be mosaiced in a crown design so that people would walk over it.

And it worked! There are no religions or sides in The Crown, all you’ll find is people well up for a bit of fun. Come in early, grab yourself a snug, get some friends and beers in, and enjoy a truly special night out.

justRite

A Bar for All 2nd September 2008

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There are few bars like the famous Crown Liquor Saloon. It is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet pint or a satisfying evening out.
The bar is a National Trust property and attracts tourists and locals alike. Even as a customer – with many years of enjoying the Crown’s excellent Guinness and relaxed atmosphere – I am still struck by the many features and detail that stretch from floor to ceiling: the original tiled floor, stained glass, chocolate-hued plaster ceiling and spacious railway carriage type “snugs”.
At any time of the day, The Crown has an easy mix of locals and visitors from afar. It is always a warming sight to watch a first time foreign customer enjoy their first taste of Guinness and marvel at the wonderful interior. Both tourists and locals alike can enjoy each other’s stories and strangers sharing a snug soon get chatting. A visit to The Crown will give you interesting characters, unique surroundings, and good pints served by knowledgeable and friendly staff!

byblox

A classic Belfast bar 26th August 2008

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Beautifully restored by the National Trust, the Crown is a living legend, a place to marvel at. Rather like stepping back in time, this is the genuine article that so many bars try to look like. Dark wood, incredible attention to detail in the carvings, gaslamps, stained glass, mosaics and all genuine to boot. A favourite with tourists sipping a half of Guinness as well as locals having a yarn. A must visit, and the Guinness is fine. Food served during the day, booths are like gold dust but you may get lucky. Busy and all the better for it, a nice place for a leisurely pint and no rubbish music blaring over everything, a real bonus.

colocube

one of the oldest bars 25th August 2008

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great atmosphere - one of the oldest bars in the city of Belfast - real tourist attraction - little coves to sit with friends and have a nice drink and chat.