Belfast’s best speakeasy bars

One of Belfast’s newest bars, Angel and Two Bibles is an absolute must-visit while in the city. A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away at the top of a staircase, this is the perfect spot for a date night or a catch-up with friends. Whether you want to cosy up by the fire or head on up to the beautiful heated rooftop, Angel and Two Bibles is a great spot for all occasions. Following the theme of their name, their creative drinks menu is split into two separate sections, namely The Old Testament and The New Testament. Within The Old Testament, you’ll find a fantastic array of classic drinks from the Golden Age of cocktails in the 1870s to the Prohibition era to the Tiki Movement and right up to the new wave cocktails of the 1980s. For those with more curious tastes, The New Testament is a more experimental, rule-breaking menu, with creative cocktails inspired by iconic musicians from throughout the years.

A refined and cosy cocktail den hidden away on Franklin Street, Rita’s offers an atmosphere that is hard to beat. With an impressive glowing wall of spirits, the guys here can rustle up almost any cocktail you request. A long-time favourite of Belfast locals of all ages, this quirky speakeasy-style bar boasts a sense of elegance and sophistication with its dim lights and dark moody interiors. Still, there remains a sense of playfulness with the deep coloured furnishings and striking wall art. With a weekly cocktail club, during which all cocktails are just £7, and a very tempting light bites menu, this city centre spot is a must-visit for after work drinks. With an in house DJ entertaining guests from 9 pm, there isn’t much not to love about this popular spot.

Set on the edge of the bustling Cathedral Quarter, Bert’s Jazz Bar is part of the upscale Merchant Group and is one of the most prestigious cocktail bars in the city. Less of a speakeasy and more, as the name suggests, of a Jazz Bar, this place is still reminiscent of the 1920s Prohibition era with its deep red velvet interiors and live jazz music seven nights a week. Featuring some of the very best musicians from all across Northern Ireland and further afield, this is a jazz lover’s dream and needs to be on your bucket list if you’re visiting the city. With a relatively strict dress code, ensure you dress smart if you’re deciding to visit or risk being refused entry. They offer an extensive drinks menu of expertly crafted cocktails inspired by jazz capitals of the world that are sure to please even the most refined tastes. So, what are you waiting for?

Last but most certainly not least, no list of speakeasy-style bars in Belfast is complete without giving mention to the fantastic Liquor XXX on Dublin Road. Not far from the university quarter, this spot is popular with both students and city workers alike. A Latin-style cocktail bar with a twist, Liquor XXX is open seven nights a week and friendly bartenders are ready to serve up your favourite drinks whenever you are. With a focus on spirits such as rum, tequila, pisco, and cachaça, this lively bar has a cocktail to suit all tastes. With moody velvet interiors, exposed brick walls, and an intimate feel, walking through the secret back door entrance will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1920s. At the weekend, various DJs take to the stage offering everything from South American tunes to Latin house music.