Where to sip on Belfast’s best cocktails

‘The Whig’ underwent a massive £300,000 refurb back in 2016. The inside is vast and vibrant, and it’s about as stylish a bar as you’ll find in Belfast, with a cocktail list that is equal to the decor. A group of classic serves with flavoured mojitos and daiquiris, a ‘Cathedral Menu’, all named after the sights and streets of the surrounding Cathedral Quarter, a few sparkling prosecco mixes and mocktails for the driver for good measure. You have to try the pineapple Caipirinha with Sagatiba Cachaca rum, fresh pineapple, fresh lime and demerara syrup. Summertime all year long!

At The Perch, you get more than just a cocktail; you get panoramic views of the whole of Belfast. The Perch has a fresh, lively atmosphere, which provides the perfect setting for fun cocktails with friends, work drinks, or a date night. If sweet cocktails are your thing, The Perch offers a range of yummy drinks, like, the Hemmingway, the Adorino and the Missionary. Or, if you prefer a more citrusy taste, you will love the Jardin and the Frisky.

The Angel & Two Bibles is one of Belfast’s newest speakeasy cocktail bars. Situated in the historic Brewery Quarter, Angel & Two Bibles pays tribute to its namesake bar established in 1739, and offers a high quality experience, with craft cocktails, a stunning rooftop terrace and the prettiest cocktail bar around. It opens 5pm-late Fridays and Saturdays, and offers private hire throughout the week.

Rita’s is a lively cocktail bar, located in Belfast’s Linen Quarter. Not only does it serve delicious drinks, but its array of yummy small plates and party atmosphere makes it one of the best cocktail bars in Belfast. On the menu at Rita’s, there’s a selection of classic cocktails, in addition to some more unique drinks. For a more citrusy taste, you could try the Tennessee Bramble, Lychee and Rose Fizz, or the Gin Mule. However, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Vanilla, Honey and Pineapple Daiquiri. All of these amazing drinks can be enjoyed alongside live music performances which adds to the cosy, vibrant atmosphere in Rita’s.

SHU – named after the ancient Egyptian god of atmosphere – was established in 2000 and is a multi award-winning restaurant and gathering place for the creative soul. Located on the ground floor, the Main Room restaurant is the heart of SHU and serves a seasonal menu of classic dishes with regularly added new additions in a thoughtfully designed, comfortably plush space. Once you’ve enjoyed your lovely meal, you’ll discover tucked away in a cosy, subterranean space Jul’s – a cocktail bar and restaurant sanctuary where music is played by DJs and live musicians on the house piano. For Belfast’s most sophisticated cocktails, this is your place.

Dumpling Library is a unique Asian adventure, offering a variety of exquisite small dishes, influenced by traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese flavours. The latest venture by Eddie Fung, developed alongside his Executive Chef Kit Chu (the pair also created Zen Japanese Restaurant, House of Zen Restaurant Belfast, and House of Zen restaurant Sunderland Ltd), the concept is based around comfort and sharing, with a menu including many dishes you could expect to see in homes across China and other parts of Asia. Here you can relax and enjoy delicious food with a beautiful cocktail, and an open kitchen allows you to watch as the chefs expertly and meticulously prepare your food.

House of Zen is a fine Asian venue cocooned in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, and is part of the Zen Restaurant Group. The cool and elegant House of Zen opened in April 2012, and blends a little bit of the Orient into the traditional cobbled streets and cosy bars of the Cathedral Quarter. One of Eddie Fung’s ‘babies’ it’s an exciting venture, which combines dark and moody elegant decor with a Chinese menu never before seen in Belfast. The cocktails here are perfectly complimentary to the dishes and are not to be missed.

Horatio’s is a comfortable, welcoming local pub and restaurant, providing the residents of East Belfast with quality drinks, food and entertainment. The drinks list provides classic cocktails that are some of the best in the city, while must-try signatures include Um Bongo and Horatio’s Remedy, to name a few.