The Northern Whig, Belfast

The Northern Whig is a large pub that had a few pissheads sat in the Astroturf seating area on the path out front when I visited late on a recent midweek afternoon. Inside there is an open plan seating area and steps lead up to more seating on a mezzanine level. This area was completely empty of customers. Steps lead up to a long L-shaped bar towards the rear where there were a handful of people, including a couple of dining families. Down the left under the windows is banquette seating and down the right, behind the bar, is some raised seating. There’s more seating at the rear and some background music was playing. Unfortunately only standard keg was available from the bar. I think this place is more popular with tourists than locals.

Official site of The Northern Whig - www.thenorthernwhig.com

This bar is housed in an old newspaper office building and has a rather unremarkable exterior. However the interior is quite impressive and has a Soviet theme with a few massive statues of their glorious leaders dotted around. It's a bit of a foodie place but big enough so that there is enough traditional bar space for those just wanting to drink. Seemed to be one of the up and coming places to be seen in Belfast when I visited in 2008.

Official site of The Northern Whig - www.thenorthernwhig.com