Bittles Bar, Belfast

A proper locals bar in the city centre with a bunch of regulars leaning on the bar, a few shoppers and us two tourists. It's an unusual anvil shaped building similar to the Baltic Fleet in Liverpool. The ornate bar is at the wide end and there are a couple of raised areas up a few steps. Paintings from local artists of very variable quality around the walls. I have a 4 year old in my class at school who could paint that better quoth Ms CAMRA. Apparently has over 100 whiskys available, it also has a good selection of bottled beers, but sadly no cask ale. There was a strange antiseptic smell in the bar when we called in, probably some kind of floor cleaning fluid which wasn't very pleasant. However my pint of Guinness was good as was the other halfs cider, so all in all a decent enough bar.

A traditional Irish bar and on reflection one of my favourites in Belfast. It's very small being at the tip of an iron shaped building but there's plenty of character packed in. The landlord John was always buzzing around chatting to customers recommending beers and making sure everyone, locals and visitors, were OK. There is no cask ale but they do have a range of bottled beers including many from local breweries - try Molly's Chocolate Stout or Headless Dog from the College Green Brewery. Also serves an excellent Irish Stew. The bar has an arty theme with paintings and drawings of famous Irishmen by local artists.