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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
The best pubs and bars in Northern Ireland
Think of Northern Ireland, and thoughts of a good pub probably aren't too far behind. This is a place with an excellent pub scene, with hundreds of traditional boozers where you can enjoy a pint by the fireside, as music plays. But there's also a burgeoning cocktail scene, particularly in Belfast, and tiny old bars that are best to cosy up in with the paper for a few hours, when it's blowing a gale outside. Whatever you're after, here are some of the best places for a tipple in Northern Ireland. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants and beaches. Search nightlife by type: Best traditional pubs Crown Liquor Saloon The poster child for Northern Irish pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon is one of those rarities that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its elaborate Victorian exterior (preserved by the National Trust, no less) is matched by a darkly cosy space inside, with carved mahogany partitions, stained glass and gunmetal plates where patrons would strike matches. Nowadays, punters make do with pints of Cornish pale ale or a snifter of Bushmills whiskey. Blake's of the Hollow A traditional boozer, The Hollow feels like it hasn't changed a jot since it opened its doors in 1887. The front bar, with its tiled floors, marble bar top and lamppost style light fixtures, is perpetually cosy, and is at its best on a quiet afternoon, when you can sit with a pint and the paper. If you prefer something a little less low-key, there's live traditional music every Friday night. The Duke of York It may be one of the most popular pubs in Belfast, but walking down the cobbled alley to its entrance always feels special. That alleyway, with dozens of flower-filled hanging baskets and vintage Guinness signs, is cracking on a sunny day, but the interior is the epitome of cosiness, with a brick bar, low ceilings and weathered floor tiles. Nab a seat by the vintage printing press, to see if you can spot the dirty words hidden in the lettering. Sunflower Though the Sunflower name on the door is relatively new, this spot has been the home to a pub for over 100 years. The entrance is distinctive, with a bright green cage over the door (leftover from The Troubles) and the sign outside is one of the most photographed in Belfast: 'No topless sunbathing. Ulster has suffered enough'. There aren't any bells and whistles inside, but an excellent selection of craft beers like Yardsman stout and Kinnegar ales, and there's a beer garden, too. Best for live music Peadar O'Donnell's A minimalist's nightmare, this pub has paraphernalia hanging from every inch of space, from antique sewing machines to a proliferation of flags. As such, it feels like a quintessential Irish pub, particularly in the evening, with traditional musicians filling the room with song. Get a low table in the corner, order a well-poured pint of Guinness, and listen to the masters at work. House of McDonnell Owned by the same family for almost 300 years, this listed building is where you'll find some of the best traditional music in the country, with a session every Friday night, and other gigs throughout the week. It's on the Ballycastle Trad Music Trail, and it's even been name checked in some traditional Irish songs and poems. There's a charming little outdoor area, with weathered brick walls and wooden seats, and it's open until 1am. Best for chic cocktails The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant If you'd rather drink a negroni in style than step over a sticky, beer-stained floor, The Cocktail Bar in The Merchant Hotel is a great choice. This relatively small bar has a sophisticated, old-world sense of style, with plenty of dark wood, burgundy velvet armchairs and an antique fireplace. More importantly, the cocktails are impeccable, and you're served a little 'browsing drink' made with Jawbox gin, while you peruse the menu. Rattlebag Don't be put off by the fact that this cocktail bar is inside a hotel – this intimate spot has built up some serious kudos since it opened, with a menu that changes with the seasons and a series of pop-up collaborations with hip wine bars and musical folks. Expect to see quirky ingredients shaken up with classics, like pine distillate in a martini or cumin tincture in a gimlet. Best for cosy vibes The 1614 Bar Part of the historic, thatched Old Inn, this pub feels like a traditional carriage house, with low ceilings, thick wooden beams and roaring fires. It can get busy in the evening, when there's live sport on or a local band playing, but it's an ideal spot for a quiet Irish coffee if you've been out walking in the Crawfordsburn Country Park. They also serve food at lunchtime, with pub food like smoked haddock or fish and chips. Daft Eddy's Technically, this is more a seafood restaurant than a standalone pub, but the bar is lovely and cosy (and if it's sunny, the outdoor tables right on the water are perfect). Plus, if you're coming from Portaferry, you can take a 10-minute ferry journey to save you the drive, which adds to the novelty factor. Area: Strangford Lough Website: Price: £ How we choose Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kendall Jenner creates cocktails with a HUGE country singer as she asks him to 'write a song about me'
Kendall Jenner was seen drinking tequila with a huge country singer this week. And the pinup was playing cute as she asked him to 'write a song' about her which made him chuckle. 'I am nervous because I am a massive fan of this man right here,' she added. The 29-year-old reality TV star said she first met him during one of his shows in Nashville and 'danced my butt off.' The Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran looked sensational in a strapless ivory top and blue jeans with her long hair worn down. The supermodel from Calabasas, California was promoting her tequila line 818. The lucky crooner was 47-year-old Chris Stapleton from Kentucky whose hit songs include Tennessee Whiskey and White Horse. They were celebrating National Tequila Day which fell on Thursday. Together the cover girl and the Grammy winner were putting a spin on classic whiskey cocktail recipes while in a well-stocked bar. 'What better way to celebrate National Tequila Day than to make some classic tequila drinks with a twist,' said Jenner. 'We are here today with his whiskey, Traveller Whiskey, ohhhh, it's so good, it's like a hug in a glass,' she quipped. Jenner then poured her tequila for Stapleton which he liked: 'This is as good as can be. It's delicious.' He also said he had never had an Old Fashioned before, which stunned the cover girl. She whipped one up and he said it needed more whiskey before he sipped it from the bottle making her laugh. Stapleton then brought up her mom Kris Jenner and said he likes his cocktails with plenty of alcohol like the momager does. Next they made a Gold Rush with both whiskey and whiskey with tequila. They clinked glasses and she said, 'We're having a good time.' Then came a Calabasas Cowboy drink that had both whiskey and tequila as well as lemon and simple syrup. 'I really like this,' she said. 'Well, I think this was a success,' she said as she high fived Stapleton. 'If you want to write a song about me and 818 that would be fine,' said Jenner as she flipped her hair. Stapleton is a country singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He started his career in Nashville writing songs for other country artists. Stapleton's debut solo album, Traveller, was released in 2015 and went six-times platinum. It blends Southern rock with old-school country and includes the hit songs Nobody to Blame. Jenner launched her tequila brand 818 in 2021. On her website it says: 'We work closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to bring you the smoothest, most natural, and best tasting tequila possible. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in its creation. 'The area code 818 is home to me, but the earth is home to all of us. So, from the agaves we grow, to the production of the bottle, sustainability and transparency of our supply chain was our core focus. 'We feel a great sense of responsibility and pride to have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. We've had so many magical nights drinking 818 and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.' Earlier this year Kendall's sister Kylie said she would love to have her own spin-off TV show. The 27-year-old make-up mogul stars on The Kardashians alongside her family, but Kylie is open to the idea of shooting a spin-off show with her sister, Kendall. Asked about having their own show on the latest episode of 'The Kardashians', Kylie replied: 'It would be fun. What if it was like a three-episode spin-off?' A producer on 'The Kardashians' suggested that the new show could follow 'the adventures of Kylie and Kendall'. In response, Kylie said: 'Yeah, I would do that.' Kendall, on the other hand, appeared to be much more skeptical about the idea. The 29-year-old model asked: 'What would we do?' And then, Kylie replied: 'Everything!'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kendall Jenner gets tipsy with a HUGE country singer as she asks him to 'write a song about me'
Kendall Jenner was seen drinking tequila with a huge country singer this week. And the pinup was playing cute as she asked him to 'write a song' about her which made him chuckle. 'I am nervous because I am a massive fan of this man right here,' she added. The 29-year-old reality TV star said she first met him during one of his shows in Nashville and 'danced my butt off.' The Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran looked sensational in a strapless ivory top and blue jeans with her long hair worn down. The supermodel from Calabasas, California was promoting her tequila line 818. The lucky crooner was 47-year-old Chris Stapleton from Kentucky whose hit songs include Tennessee Whiskey and White Horse. They were celebrating National Tequila Day which fell on Thursday. Together the cover girl and the Grammy winner were putting a spin on classic whiskey cocktail recipes while in a well-stocked bar. 'What better way to celebrate National Tequila Day than to make some classic tequila drinks with a twist,' said Jenner. 'We are here today with his whiskey, Traveller Whiskey, ohhhh, it's so good, it's like a hug in a glass,' she quipped. Jenner then poured her tequila for Stapleton which he liked: 'This is as good as can be. It's delicious.' He also said he had never had an Old Fashioned before, which stunned the cover girl. She whipped one up and he said it needed more whiskey before he sipped it from the bottle making her laugh. Stapleton then brought up her mom Kris Jenner and said he likes his cocktails with plenty of alcohol like the momager does. Next they made a Gold Rush with both whiskey and whiskey with tequila. They clinked glasses and she said, 'We're having a good time.' Then came a Calabasas Cowboy drink that had both whiskey and tequila as well as lemon and simple syrup. 'I really like this,' she said. 'Well, I think this was a success,' she said as she high fived Stapleton while giggling which seemed to indicate she was tipsy. 'If you want to write a song about me and 818 that would be fine,' said Jenner as she flipped her hair. Stapleton is a country singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He started his career in Nashville writing songs for other country artists. Stapleton's debut solo album, Traveller, was released in 2015 and went six-times platinum. It blends Southern rock with old-school country and includes the hit songs Nobody to Blame. Jenner launched her tequila brand 818 in 2021. On her website it says: 'We work closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to bring you the smoothest, most natural, and best tasting tequila possible. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in its creation. 'The area code 818 is home to me, but the earth is home to all of us. So, from the agaves we grow, to the production of the bottle, sustainability and transparency of our supply chain was our core focus. 'We feel a great sense of responsibility and pride to have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. We've had so many magical nights drinking 818 and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.' Earlier this year Kendall's sister Kylie said she would love to have her own spin-off TV show. The 27-year-old make-up mogul stars on The Kardashians alongside her family, but Kylie is open to the idea of shooting a spin-off show with her sister, Kendall. Asked about having their own show on the latest episode of 'The Kardashians', Kylie replied: 'It would be fun. What if it was like a three-episode spin-off?' A producer on 'The Kardashians' suggested that the new show could follow 'the adventures of Kylie and Kendall'. In response, Kylie said: 'Yeah, I would do that.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Rye Whiskey-According To The New Orleans Spirits Comp
The Sazerac with Bitters and Rye is New Orleans' classic rye whiskey cocktail getty The American rye whiskey renaissance continues to accelerate, driven by innovation, bold grain experimentation, and a renewed appreciation for spicy, robust flavor profiles. Nowhere was this evolution more evident than at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC)—a showcase of the world's best spirits, held in tandem with the renowned Tales of the Cocktail festival. Below are the top-rated rye whiskeys from the recently completed NOSC. Since its debut in 2022, the NOSC has earned a reputation for spotlighting exceptional quality from both heritage brands and craft upstarts. This year's top-performing rye whiskeys proved just how diverse and dynamic the category has become—from rum barrel finishes and heirloom grain mash bills to malted rye experiments and age-statement powerhouses. Angel's Envy's Finished Rye is one of the most distinctive barrel-finished rye whiskeys available. Produced by Louisville Distilling Co., the brand is renowned for its unique secondary maturation approach. This rye whiskey is finished, for up to 18 months, in ex-pot still XO rum barrels from Barbados. The rye whiskey features a rich bouquet of maple syrup, molasses, allspice, and dark caramel. It's sweet and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of cinnamon-dusted baked apple, brown sugar, toasted rye bread, and spiced rum cake. The finish is long and flavorful, with lingering notes of toffee, nutmeg, and tropical fruit. The rum influence is prominent, making this a rye unlike any other—dessert-like yet with a layered complexity. Based in Dane, Wisconsin, J. Henry & Sons is a grain-to-glass craft distillery that grows its red heirloom corn and grains. The mash bill consists of 64% Spooner Rye, 14% J Henry red heirloom corn, 14% winter wheat, and 8% malted barley. Their Spooner Rye is named after a local town and honors regional agricultural heritage. This is a high-proof, barrel-finished rye matured for 5+ years and finished in cognac barrels, adding an elegant European flourish to a bold American spirit. The whiskey features herbal and earthy rye spice aromas along with dark berries, hints of fig, and French oak. It's robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of licorice root, toasted hazelnuts, cocoa, dried plum, and bold rye grain spices. The finish is long, sweet, and spicy, with lingering notes of clove, anise, and dried fruit sweetness from the cognac cask. Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Straight Rye, 47% ABV, 750 ml. $32 Launched in 2020, Elijah Craig Rye marks Heaven Hill's major entry into the straight rye category under this historic whiskey brand. It utilizes the traditional Heaven Hill rye mash bill, comprising 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, and is aged for under 4 years, making it an approachable entry-level rye. The whiskey features aromas of rye spice, vanilla, toasted/cooked cereal, and a hint of green apple. It's smooth and slightly sweet on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, dried herbs, and cinnamon with underlying notes of citrus zest and mint. The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of nutmeg and soft rye spices—an excellent rye for cocktails or sipping neat. Glass of whiskey on background of rye grain getty New Riff Distilling, Balboa Rye, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $55 This 4–5-year-old rye from Kentucky's New Riff Distilling is a single varietal rye whiskey made with the rare Balboa rye grain. This historic heirloom varietal delivers deeper, spicier, and more savory notes than traditional rye. The mash bill is 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted barley. New Riff is a respected name in the craft whiskey industry for its transparency, bottled-in-bond releases, and full-flavored spirits. The whiskey features aromas of rye bread, black peppercorn, dark honey, and clove. It's robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of sour cherry, dark chocolate, roasted malt, dried herbs, cracked black pepper, and a slight savory note. The finish is long and dry with a persistent pepperiness and earthy undertones. Balboa rye delivers a robust, old-world rye profile with a distinctive flavor profile. New Riff Distilling, 6-Year-Old Malted Rye, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $65 This expression is made with 100% malted rye grain, which enhances the body and complexity of the spirit. Aged for six years and bottled without chill filtration, this is one of the most sophisticated rye whiskeys available from New Riff. The whiskey features aromas of toasted nuts, roasted coffee beans, chocolate malt, and fruitcake. It's smooth and silky on the palate with a pronounced mouth weight, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, cooked cereal/malt, roasted almond, dates, and molasses, along with subtle rye spices. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dried dark fruit, toffee, and a persistent chocolate finish. This whiskey will appeal to fans of both single malts and rye. Old Overholt 11-Year-Old Extra Aged Cask Strength Rye, 53.7% ABV, 750 ml. $100 One of the oldest and most respected names in American rye whiskey, Old Overholt has roots dating to 1810 in Pennsylvania. This 11-year-old cask-strength version showcases the brand's resurgence with a bold, fully matured rye. The whiskey is rich, with oak-driven complexity featuring aromas of dried cherry, leather, pipe tobacco, and spearmint. It's intense and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of black tea, toasted walnut, burnt orange peel, dark caramel, and pronounced rye spices. The finish is exceptionally long, with a gripping tannic dryness and lingering notes of rye spices, dark chocolate, and menthol. This is rye whiskey in its prime—bold, assertive, and rewarding. From the island sweetness of Angel's Envy's rum-finished rye to the old-school muscle of Old Overholt's 11-year cask-strength release, the 2025 NOSC judging revealed a category brimming with character, complexity, and creativity. Whether rooted in tradition or boldly pushing the envelope with unique grains and finishes, these medal-winning rye whiskeys reflect the depth and dynamism of the American whiskey scene. For collectors, enthusiasts, and cocktail lovers alike, this year's NOSC rye whiskey standouts offer something special in every sip—and further proof that rye's future is every bit as exciting as its storied past. More From Forbes
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for July 24-26
Things are quieter this week as Hong Kong recovers from a signal 10 typhoon – coming not long after the festivities in sister city Macau, which hosted Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 – but expect our beverage scene to ramp up this weekend. Socio's Amir Javaid is arriving at TokyoLima to serve signatures made from the restaurant's surplus ingredients, while The Murray will host a celebration of brews and spirits over the weekend. And on Saturday, cafe-by-day, cocktail-bar-by-night concept C108 is celebrating its first anniversary. Thursday, July 24 TokyoLima x Socio Amir Javaid, co-founder of Socio bar in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout What: Aside from a compelling new menu, TokyoLima has another treat for us: Aside from a compelling new menu, TokyoLima has another treat for us: Amir Javaid from Socio taking over the bar at the Hong Kong outpost of Nikkei cuisine. To make things extra interesting, Javaid is dedicating his guest shift to signatures made from surplus ingredients from the TokyoLima kitchen, infusing Nikkei flavours into his mixology. Advertisement Where: TokyoLima, G/F, Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central When: 9pm onwards Friday, July 25 Summer Bubbles & Brews Festival The Murray in Hong Kong is hosting a Summer Bubbles & Brews Festival. Photo: Eugene Lee What: The Murray is pulling out all the stops this weekend with its Summer Bubbles & Brews Festival, bringing together a wide array of vendors to The Arches. Featuring brewers like Breer, HK Lovecraft and Young Master, as well as distillers Hrafn Gin, Kowloon Spirits, Hong Kong Whisky and Two Moons Distillery, it's a gargantuan celebration of drink-making. Advance tickets go for HK$180, which includes four tokens and a gift cup. Breer, Los Ibéricos HK, Vinoholic and Two Moons have special offers and promotions for festivalgoers. DJs are spinning on both nights, with Beat Friday taking over from 8pm on Friday, and Parco and Iltik from 7pm on Saturday. Where: The Arches, 1/F, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central Advertisement When: Friday, 4pm-10pm; Saturday, 1pm-10pm Saturday, July 26
