Rex Bar, Shankhill, Belfast

As a stranger in town, I stopped for a pint here during a walk down the Shankill Road with some trepidation, given its openly displayed allegiances. It was a hot day, however, and the beer garden, lined with loyalist murals in a closed off side street, looked cool and inviting. And, in fact, it was. Presumably noticing my rucksack and Tourist Information Centre city map, some of the regulars offered me, free of charge, one of the burgers they had been cooking on a barbecue. I also had a cold pint of Tennents lager costing £2.80, considerably lower than city centre prices. Apart from the very cramped toilets, I had no complaints. A nice, ordinary local, although clearly it wouldn't be to everyone's taste.

Love this bar in the heart of Shankhill. Be sure to make a visit!