
06 Dec 2024
Festival season is among us and what better way to ramp up before the big event, or wind down after the chaos than with tasty food, delicious drinks and a lively atmosphere. Across Belfast, there are lots of venues that are celebrating the festival spirit whether offering special promos or that chilled summer atmosphere. Make sure to check out our top list of venues that have gone above and beyond to create that festival feeling with the ultimate summer vibes.
Although a relatively new venue in the city centre, Common Market has become one of the most popular spots to catch up with friends over drinks and a variety of street food. Located in the city’s old banana factory on Dunbar Street, Common Market is an open space filled with both long tables and benches for groups and smaller, more intimate booths and high tables. As well as a showcase for local art, the walls and surrounding area of this venue are filled with local street food vendors with a variety of cuisines and dishes on offer. Whether in the mood for spicy quesadillas, sticky pork belly, Canadian poutine, fried chicken or New York-style pizza slices you can get it all in under one roof. Before or after your festival you can grab a bite to eat that keeps everyone happy, avoiding the usual disagreements over where to go and what people are in the mood for. Common Market is also a fully licensed bar with beers, spirits and cocktails all on the menu from 12pm – to late. What makes this spot perfect however, is during shows and festivals, Common Market offers discounts on booze to any visitor with a ticket to the event. Everyone knows that drinks at events can be expensive, so why not take the opportunity to get money off your pre-drinks or afterparty in this lively and unique space.
What better way to get in the festival spirit than with fruity cocktails, green surroundings, vibey beats, all on a sunny terrace? This is all in store for anyone who chooses to spend their pre/post festival night at The Crafty Vintner, located on the Lisburn Road. Although the terrace has always been the focal point for this wine merchant, with the changing seasons and events it transforms its outdoors to create the perfect city escape all year round. Currently visitors can sit back and relax amongst the green and leafy, Malfy themed installation providing the perfect tropical festival feel. Along with the tropical setting, The Crafty Vintner has created a new summer inspired drinks menu, utilising all the most fresh and delicious flavours of the continent. As well as the regular drinks, visitors can try a range of refreshing gin and tonics, Spanish sangria, a Malfy Collins mash up and more. Alongside your drinks you can also nibble at the venue’s delicious small plates and sharing charcuterie boards creating the perfect summer holiday feel in south Belfast.
Ideally positioned between multiple popular festival venues, Lavery’s is the perfect spot for live music, pub games, comforting food and a wide selection of drinks and offers. Nestled amongst the bustling streets of Shaftesbury Square, Lavery’s spans three floors both indoors and outdoors, with nine unique areas ensuring there is something in store for everyone. In the Woodworkers you can enjoy a selection of small plates, traditional Irish grub and craft beers; in the Ballroom you can play a round of pool on one of the 22 tables; or you can simply relax with a drink on the heated back terrace. Lavery’s is one of the oldest bars in Belfast and has remained one of the most lively and well known spots to visit. This festival season, whether you’re searching for a quick pre-show snack or exciting afterparty, everything can be found in this large complex, which is sure to keep everyone in your group entertained all night long.
A staple part of Belfat’s night scene for over 25 years, Thompsons has hosted some of the biggest names in the industry, making it the ultimate venue to bring the festival excitement. Open every night of the week with a range of artists performing across the large city centre venue, guests can party to the sounds of techno, funk, house and more – ideal for whether you’re warming up for the main event or keeping the party going. Although for decades Thompsons has been one of the number one nightclubs in the city with drink promos and booming DJ sets, during the pandemic the venue had to adapt and has now diversified its offering. As of 2020, Thompsons has remodelled its venue to include a cocktail bar, offering customers a truly unique setting to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and authentic wood fired pizzas alongside classic laid back beats.
The unofficial student’s union of Belfast, Hatfield House guarantees a lively visit filled with pub grub, live music and good quality beverages. Located on lower Ormeau Road near the student hub of the Holylands, Hatfield House has been one of the most popular bars for decades. Although known for its club and live music nights, Hatfield also offers an extensive food menu, filled with classic comforts as well as more modern dishes. As part of the most recent menu, visitors can expect a variety of stacked burgers, tastely loaded fries, a selection of curries and spicy wings. If visiting on a Sunday you can also order a Hatfield roast dinner with the option of chicken or beef and all the trimmings. Alongside your food, you can take advantage of one of the Hatfield’s many drink offers including two for £10 or £15 cocktail jugs, amongst many other tempting promos. Hatfield House delights in the upcoming festival season advertising its pre and post-gig entertainment and food, in order to keep the party going.