Come along and stay awhile after your Winter Circus show and explore the fantastic range of hotels, restaurants and bars nearby to our Big Top in Writer’s Square, Belfast.
We’ve gathered a list of places to check out while you’re visiting the Winter Circus this festive period.
Hotels
1. Ac Marriott
Harbour, Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3FE
028 9531 3180
An urban retreat in an exceptional waterfront location, the AC Hotel Belfast by Marriott is a scenic haven in a colourful travel destination in the capital of Northern Ireland.
marriott.com/hotels/travel/bfsac-ac-hotel-belfast
2. Bullitt Hotel
40a Church Lane, Belfast BT1 4QN
028 9590 0600
A no-nonsense hotel with no extravagant extras, Bullitt Hotel guarantees a quality service with no hidden costs, smack bang in the middle of Belfast City Centre.
3. Malmaison Hotel
34-38 Victoria St, Belfast BT1 3GH
028 9600 1405
This stunning boutique hotel in Belfast city centre is located in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter. With the Italianate building housing 62 rooms and suites,you can relax in rooms with sleek, contemporary style.
malmaison.com/locations/belfast
4. Ramada By Wyndham Belfast
20 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD
028 9026 1800
Located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter Belfast – the most popular part of the city, the Ramada combines comfort and style. Guests can also enjoy culinary excellence in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the hotel’s own SQ Bar and Grill.
5. Premier Inn Belfast City Cathedral Quarter
2-6 Waring Street, Belfast BT1 2DX
0333 777 3901
The much-loved, award-winning hotel chain promises to give you both choice and flexibility.
premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/north
6. Merchant Hotel
16 Skippe Street, Belfast BT1 2DZ
028 9023 4888
The Merchant Hotel situated in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter gives guests unparalleled five-star service. It’s grade A listed building is complemented by a wealth of modern, multi-award winning facilities and services that any modern traveller could wish for.
Restaurants And Cafes
7. Neighbourhood Cafe
60 Donegall Street
Located just off Writer’s Square, Neighbourhood is the newest cafe in the Cathedral Quarter which focuses on specialty coffee, a quality brunch offering and warm customer service.
8. Charlotte’s Cafe
4 Curtis Street, Belfast BT1 2ND
028 9031 0300
Comfort food at an affordable price is guaranteed at Charlotte’s Cafe with a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials to feast your appetite.
facebook.com/charlottescafebelfast
9. Clements Café
127-132 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1FG
028 9031 5166
One of Northern Ireland’s largest chain of independently owned coffee shops, Clements is the perfect place for on-the-go refreshments and small bites.
10. Established Coffee
54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB
028 9031 9416
Offering stylish surroundings in a fantastic Cathedral Quarter location, the team at Established are passionate about high quality coffee and offer delicious brunch focused dishes.
11. Made In Belfast
23 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD
028 9024 4107
The shabby chic decor and locally sourced hearty food is what makes the no-nonsense Made In Belfast approach well loved by many. Also caters for a variety of dietary needs such as gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
12. 44
44 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB
028 9590 8444
A vibrant celebration of modern food and drink, 44 Hill Street offers seasonal menus that everyone can enjoy.
13. Mumbai27
27 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD
028 9023 3926
Mumbai27 in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter offers a unique Indian cuisine inspired menu which uses only fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible.
14. The Great Room, The Merchant Hotel
16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
028 9023 4888
Fine dining at its best. From the stunning original Victorian interior to a truly remarkable chandelier. The chefs have created innovative menus featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, which has resulted in the restaurant being awarded 2 AA Rosettes – one of the most prestigious honours granted for culinary excellence.
themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room
15. Coppi
Saint Anne’s Square, Belfast, BT1 2LR
028 9031 1959
Tucked into the cultural hub in St Anne’s Square, Coppi is the unrivalled contemporary Italian restaurant showcasing the best local produce, an extensive wine list, creative and classic cocktails, and a selection of local craft beers.
16. Hadski’s
33 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1
02890 325444
Tucked away at the end of the infamous cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, Hadski’s boasts an open kitchen where you can watch Chefs cook up the European inspired menu.
17. The Muddlers Club
Warehouse Lane, (Just off Waring St or Exchange Place), Belfast
028 9031 3199
Named after the secret society that met in the Cathedral Quarter location over 200 years ago, The Muddlers Club focuses on modern dining in a relaxed space and uses only the best local ingredients.
18. Dumpling Library
Unit 6, St Anne’s Square, BT1 2LR
02896 919222
A unique Asian adventure offering a variety of exquisite small dishes, influenced by traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
19. House Of Zen
St Annes Square, Belfast, BT1 2LR
028 9027 8688
The award winning fine Asian restaurant offers an extensive selection of expertly crafted traditional cuisine in a stylish setting.
20. Common Market
16-20 Dunbar St, Belfast, BT1 2LH
Located in the vacated Arnotts fruit and vegetable warehouse on Dunbar Link, this venue offers the very best of street food from a variety of small businesses and cuisines.
21. Pizza Punks
20-22 Waring Street, BT1 2ES
028 9031 4110
Pizza Punks is a fast-growing independent company providing the city of Belfast unforgettable sourdough pizza which is handmade inhouse and double fermented for a minimum of 48hrs for maximum flavour. Diners can also choose as many pizza toppings as they like.
pizzapunks.co.uk/pizza-punks-belfast
22. 2 Taps
Cotton Court, 30-42 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2ED
028 9031 1414
Boasting one of the city’s largest outdoor terraces, 2Taps Wine Bar and Restaurant brings a taste of Spain to Belfast with their extensive tapas range including meats, seafood, salads and a large selection of vegetarian dishes.
Bars
23. The Spaniard
3 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
028 9023 2448
Hidden in the depths of the Cathedral Quarter, the Spaniard Bar provides a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
24. Jazz Bar, The Merchant Hotel
16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
028 9026 2713
Belfast’s only dedicated jazz bar, guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and cool jazz melodies washed down with something from the extensive drinks selection and expertly crafted cocktail list.
themerchanthotel.com/berts-jazz-bar
25. Union Street
8-14 Union St, Belfast, BT1 2JF
028 9031 6060
The converted 19th century shoe factory laid out over three floors is ideal for lunchtime or evening dining with the ambient music and open fires creating the perfect setting for a unique dining and drink experience.
26. The Reporter
Union Street, Belfast, BT1 2JF
Inspired by the history of the newspaper business, this dog friendly pub owned by the McElhatton family, honours Belfast’s rich printing and publishing heritage.
27. The Cloth Ear, The Merchant Hotel
16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
028 9023 4888
Located in the oldest quarter of Belfast, The Cloth Ear has woven a rich seam of wonderful Victorian heritage and offers an exciting and inventive drinks list from punch bowls to hoptails and wine by the keg.
themerchanthotel.com/the-cloth-ear
28. Ulster Sports Club
96-98 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BG
028 9023 0771
Ulster Sports Club is the ideal venue for the sports lover with regular screening of live sports combined with music and tasty food.
29. The National
62 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BE
028 9031 1130
Offering an airy and sophisticated space to relax and socialise with friends whilst serving up the best in local food and drink.
30. The Northern Whig
2-10 Bridge Street, BT1 1LU
028 9050 9888
The Northern Whig bar & restaurant is situated right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s social and cultural centre.
31. Duke Of York
7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast BT1 2NB
028 9024 1062
Owned by Willie Jack, the Duke Of York is one of Belfast’s most iconic and well loved places for a pint due to it’s Belfast centric decor both inside and out.
32. The Harp Bar
35 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2NB
028 9032 9923
Furnished to represent a Victorian Belfast, this public house is the home of “Belfast craic” for the discerning drinker, selling crisps, dulse, coffees, independent draught beers and extensive whiskies.
dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/harp-bar
33. The Deer’s Head
1-3 Lower Garfield St, Belfast BT1 1FP
028 90 434655
A traditional bar in Belfast founded in 1885, The Deer’s Head is steeped in history. With its own craft beer brewery, it is Belfast’s first brew pub.
34. Mchughs
29-31 Queen’s Square, Belfast BT1 3FG
028 9050 9999
A proud tradition of great food, great drink and great craic, the McHugh’s bar is steeped in history as it dates back to 1711 making it the oldest surviving building in Belfast.
35. The John Hewitt
51 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2FH
028 9023 3768
With great live music, draught beer and gin, the John Hewitt also offers an Irish Craft Selection that rotates through some of Ireland’s finest Craft Beer Breweries.
36. The Dirty Onion
3 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
028 9024 3712
The authentic Irish pub with a modern twist is home to two bars, one restaurant and one of the biggest beer gardens in Belfast, the Dirty Onion is Belfast’s one-stop-shop for great food, drink and entertainment.
37. The Thirsty Goat
1 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
028 9024 1415
Best known for its garden-esque smoking area that is filled with people dancing, the newest addition to the Cathedral Quarter bar list has an extensive range of Irish distilled spirits, beers and ales.
38. The Dark Horse
30 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Appreciate the superb décor and special atmosphere with beautiful antique mirrors as you sip on refreshment of your choice.
dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/the-dark-horse
39. The Second Fiddle
42 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2ED
028 9024 3712
Providing the finest of Irish music and craic, the Second Fiddle has all your favourite spirits, beers and craft ciders to enjoy alongside unbeatable live entertainment.
40. The Jailhouse
4-5 Joys Entry, Belfast BT1 4DR
028 9032 6711
The Jailhouse bar and restaurant prides itself on staying as close to the original character of the building as possible with its brick walls, inscribed beams and original windows. A great friendly pub with something for everyone.
41. Muriel’s Café Bar
12-14 Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN
028 9033 2445
Belfast’s boutique bar, Muriel’s is a joy to visit. With seating inside and out, the bar staff are knowledgeable about their liquor and gin.
42. Haymarket
84 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1DJ
The indoor/outdoor bar & street food hangout serves up a range of delicious cocktails, draught beer & tasty street food in the historic Haymarket.
Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and Destination CQ BID.
Winter Circus performances are running until January 3rd. For more information go to tumblecircus.com. Family tickets are also available and group bookings (10+) can be booked by emailing bookings@tumblecircus.com.