Lavery’s is Belfast's oldest family run bar and its most diverse. It has four bars under one roof and provides something for everyone.

On the ground floor is the Public Bar, which is a traditional saloon style bar. It serves great pub grub daily and has football related promotions. The background music is pleasant but not imposing and features retro jazz and soul alongside classic tracks from the 50s to the 90s.

Also on the ground floor is the bohemian Back Bar. It has alternative entertainment with free admission every night. Depending on what night you wander in you could hear anything from an acoustic session, indie club, reggae night, 60s night or rockin electronica. It has probably the best atmosphere of any bar in Belfast.

On the first floor is the Bunker. This live music and alternative club venue has gained a reputation since it was launched in Sep 05 for premium local and touring live gigs and some of the most forward thinking club nights ever seen in Belfast. It has an eclectic alternative music policy so you'll hear a whole spectrum of sound.

The top floor has 19 pool tables with a great jukebox. It’s a great way to spend them rainy afternoons in Belfast.

12 - 16 Bradbury Place, Belfast.
www.laverysbelfast.com
02890871106
near Botanic Train Station

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There are only two reasons to visit Belfast, the first is the Merchant Hotel, the second reason to visit this city is Victory Over The Sun where you can experience sophisticated electronica and live art in a unique lounge for grownups - no dancing guaranteed.

Victory Over The Sun - various locations. Tel ++44(0)7901853216

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A deeply eccentric experience based in Belfast and Dublin. It is a combination of live art and jazztronica presented in ever-changing environments. I was given corporate tickets by my employer in France but I believe you can get on the paying guest list for 80 euros. Beautiful people, beautiful music and very very weird venues - this is the coolest club in the world.

Various venues in Belfast and Dublin. Contact +44 (0)7901 853 216.

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I have to admit that after having taken the tour bus trip, drank a pint of Guinness and sampled an Ulster fry, there is little else to do in Belfast during the day.

I came to Belfast on a clubbing trip but despite the hype on the Internet I found little innovation or individuality in the local clubs – there is nothing in Belfast that can’t be found in the High Street of any English market town on Saturday night. I believe this is due to the isolation of Belfast from mainland UK and Europe.

However, I did discover on a Wednesday night Victory Over The Sun. This event defies categorisation - I found myself in a disused river culvert underneath the city centre, there was a gratis champagne bar, live performance art, DJ’s playing the coolest jazztronica and best of all, no dancing!

That evening I believe I found the essence of this city at night i.e. pride in not following trends, fierce protection of an underground ethic, erudite people and fascinating conversation. The cost was £50 and worth every penny.

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