In the heart of Belfast, opposite the Opera House and the famous Europa Hotel, is Northern Ireland’s most famous pub - “The Crown Liquor Saloon” ( known colloquially as “The Crown Pub”).
Originally built in 1826 (making it Belfast’s oldest pub) by Felix O’Hanlon, in the Victorian style, it was known then as “The Railway Tavern.” O’Hanlon sold the pub sixty years later to Michael Flanagan, who renamed it “The Crown Liquor Saloon” and began renovations. Flanagan persuaded many of the Italian craftsmen, who had been brought to Ireland to build its many new churches, to work on his pub after hours. This level of craftsmanship cemented the pub’s reputation as one of “...the finest Victorian Gin Palaces of its time.” Northern Ireland’s National Trust bought the property in 1978 in order to preserve it as a historical site, and funded a nearly half-million dollar refurbishment to restore the pub to its original Victorian appearance. The Trust leases the property to Mitchell’s and Butler’s restaurant management chain, who run it as “Nicholson’s Pub” ( although everyone knows it as The Crown Pub).
An impressive mosaic tile floor, depicting a monarch’s crown, greets customers/visitors at the main entrance. The ground floor bar has a heated foot-rest and is lit by gas lamps. What really impressed us were the ten fully enclosed booths which afforded the conservative Victorian customers some privacy while imbibing alcohol. These booths were elegantly wood-carved structures and included an antique bell service to alert staff to needed “refreshments.” Upstairs was a luxurious area for dining. We were delighted to have taken the opportunity to explore this wonderful venue.
Originally built in 1826 (making it Belfast’s oldest pub) by Felix O’Hanlon, in the Victorian style, it was known then as “The Railway Tavern.” O’Hanlon sold the pub sixty years later to Michael Flanagan, who renamed it “The Crown Liquor Saloon” and began renovations. Flanagan persuaded many of the Italian craftsmen, who had been brought to Ireland to build its many new churches, to work on his pub after hours. This level of craftsmanship cemented the pub’s reputation as one of “...the finest Victorian Gin Palaces of its time.” Northern Ireland’s National Trust bought the property in 1978 in order to preserve it as a historical site, and funded a nearly half-million dollar refurbishment to restore the pub to its original Victorian appearance. The Trust leases the property to Mitchell’s and Butler’s restaurant management chain, who run it as “Nicholson’s Pub” ( although everyone knows it as The Crown Pub).
An impressive mosaic tile floor, depicting a monarch’s crown, greets customers/visitors at the main entrance. The ground floor bar has a heated foot-rest and is lit by gas lamps. What really impressed us were the ten fully enclosed booths which afforded the conservative Victorian customers some privacy while imbibing alcohol. These booths were elegantly wood-carved structures and included an antique bell service to alert staff to needed “refreshments.” Upstairs was a luxurious area for dining. We were delighted to have taken the opportunity to explore this wonderful venue.
Officially known as “The Crown Liquor Saloon,” locals know it as “ The Crown Bar.” (This view is from in front of the Opera House across the street.)
However, since the Mitchell’s and Butler’s Restaurant Management Corporation took over the lease from the National Trust in 1978, they have called it “Nicholson’s Pub” (confusing, isn’t it?).
The second owner of the pub, Michael Flanagan, persuaded Italian craftsmen, who had been imported to work on new churches throughout the country, to refurbish his newly acquired establishment, after hours.
With heated footrests and gas lamps, the bar area is a resplendent piece of architecture.
What really impressed us were these ten fully enclosed booths which allowed the very conservative Victorian customers, a modicum of privacy while they imbibed. (Unfortunately for us, when we were visiting this establishment, they were doing some electrical work, so nothing was “officially” open (but they did allow us in for pictures).
Each booth had an antique bell service which allowed customers to notify staff that they required refills, without having to get up and go to the bar themselves.
While the upstairs dining rooms were not as luxuriously appointed as the downstairs bar...
...they were still pleasant and comfortable.
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