Guide
The Ultimate 2025 Dining Bucket List
03 Dec 2024
03 Dec 2024
The Belfast guide to celebrating the end of Dry January
After the festive season, many of us are left feeling like we’ve gone a bit too hard on the rich food and drinks. From work Christmas parties to catching up with friends, New Year’s Eve celebrations to Christmas Day with the family, it can often feel like December is just a month defined by overconsumption. Thus, by the time January rolls around, we feel strongly that it is time to turn our lives around and get back into a healthy routine so we can start the New Year off as we mean to go on – hence Dry January. With many good intentions, by the end of the first four weeks of the year, we won’t blame you if you are desperate for a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a cheeky cocktail. Thankfully, the Northern Irish capital is home to plenty of fantastic bars and restaurants that are more than happy to cater. So, if you’ve made it to the end of Dry January and just really want to celebrate, then read on for Dish Cult’s ultimate roundup of amazing spots for drinks in Belfast.
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Located on the Lisburn Road, the Crafty Vintner Wine Merchant is an absolute wine lover’s paradise. Aside from the gorgeous array of delicious eats, available all day, this spot is also home to state-of-the-art wine dispensers, as well as a collection of over 500 bottles of wine. So, whether you’re opting for red, white or rosé, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. The unique self-serving wine dispensers offer a truly unique and interactive way to taste a wide variety of wines from all around the world. Great for a girls’ night out or a unique date idea, this is the perfect way to celebrate the end of Dry January.
Fancy some creative cocktails to celebrate the end of Dry January in style? If so, then there is nowhere better to visit that the brilliant Angel & Two Bibles. A relatively recent addition to the city’s nightlife scene, this quirky spot has already taken Belfast by storm. A hidden speakeasy bar located at the top of a staircase, this place has a trendy feel that is perfect for that Insta-worthy night out. Whether you’d rather cosy up by the fire or enjoy a drink on the heated roof terrace, this place caters for all tastes and occasions. Sticking with the theme, it offers two cocktail menus: The Old Testament and The New Testament. Each offers a range of classic and more daring drinks. So whether you’re opting for a classic Cosmopolitan or you’re in the mood for the wackier Monkey Wrench, which features Chocolate Infused Roe and Co, Peanut Butter Syrup, or Amaro, there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy.
This rustic two-floored bar, located beside the popular Lavery’s Bar and Restaurant, is the perfect place to try a fantastic selection of craft beers. With a wide array of offerings on tap, craft beer fans will delight in the many options available from all around the world, from fruity drinks to more earthy and bitter flavours. If you’re more of a fan of the classics, you’ll be glad to know there’s also drinks such as Guinness, Carlsberg and Rockshore on draught, alongside bottled beers such as Peroni and Heineken. So, no matter what it is you’re in the mood for, if beer is your drink of choice, then make sure to check out The Woodworkers.
Housed in one of Belfast City Centre’s most distinctive buildings, Bittles Bar is known for its fantastic pint of Guinness and its varied selection of whiskey. This historic, family-owned bar boasts a lively atmosphere and unique interior decor, as the walls are lined with stunning paintings of well-known Irish personalities. Talk about celeb spotting! Located near Victoria Square, this is the perfect place to head after a day spent shopping and owner John will ensure you are well looked after. Stocking a wide range of whiskies from all around the world – not to mention the classic Irish favourites – whiskey fans will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the drinks on offer here.
If it’s gin you’re after, then we couldn’t recommend Rita’s more. Hidden away on Franklin Street, this cosy, upscale bar boasts an extensive gin collection, with everything from classic serves to flavoured gin liqueurs. With a wide range of cocktails, friendly welcoming staff, and music playing late into the night, this is the perfect place to end Dry January with friends. Located just below the Perch, why not head here after for drinks on the roof?
