The Deer's Head, Belfast

Although not planning a visit, you really shouldn't walk past a place proclaiming itself to be an "imbibing emporium"... so I didn't. Once inside, one finds an attractive line of booths beside the windows along the main façade. There is also a large raised area towards the back with signage indicating some decent pub food is on offer. The solidly-imposing counter and bar-back are amongst a number of Victorian-era features remaining. No real ale, unfortunately, but I'm glad I found the time to pop in for a quick pint of Smithwicks.

Large pub with booths running down one side under the windows, a raised seating area set up for dining at one end and a couple of small snugs at the other end. They have all kinds of music played in here in the evenings over the week, but we called in early afternoon when it was nice and peaceful. Standard range of Irish kegs on the bar so I had a Guinness, which was fine. It's a pleasant enough pub is this one, a little off the beaten tourist track and all the better for it.

Bills itself on the signage as an ‘Imbibing Emporium’ which I think is wonderful. Nice looking traditional pub with a long bar and a number of booths running alongside the windows. Friendly staff and easy to get chatting to the other customers. Had my first pint of Guinness in Belfast here on a visit back in 2008.