Copyright belfastlive
The term “Belfast institution” could have been coined for Lavery’s. The ever-popular pub on Bradbury Place in the south of the city has been open for more than 100 years and not only is it still going strong to this day, it's still owned and run by the Lavery family. You’d be hard-pressed to find many Belfast Live readers who haven’t set foot there at least once - over the years it’s been a haven for poets, punks, post-work pubbers, dancers, comedy fans, musicians and misfits, and anyone who loves a great pint and a bit of craic. The Back Bar has been a home for punk, reggae and hip-hop; the Public Bar is an essential meeting place for a pint before the big match; and the Ballroom, with its 22 tables, is the largest pool room in Ireland and the scene of hundreds of clubbers letting loose under a giant disco ball every St Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Year's Eve - 2025/26 included. In recent years, The Woodworkers has attracted craft beer fans from far and wide, Lavery’s Studios offers two hi-tech private karaoke rooms, and Lavery’s Comedy Club packs them in twice a week to hear the best of the Irish stand-up scene and the odd visiting megastar like Kevin Hart. “Change is what keeps Lavery’s alive” But Lavery’s has never been one to rest on its laurels, and over the last couple of months they’ve embarked on one of their biggest projects yet, ripping out and completely refurbishing the heart of the venue - the entire Public Bar and Back Bar. As you can see from the photos, they’ve done an amazing job - freshening up the look of the pub with some stunning interior design and creating more space, while retaining the iconic central bar area and staying true to the real essence of Lavery’s with lots of thoughtful touches. A little snug at the front is the perfect place to get cosy over a pint of Guinness, there’s a new performance space in the Back Bar - and we love those tiles behind the main bar, and those art deco-style lampshades. Owner Bernard Lavery told Belfast Live: “We’re always looking for ways to keep things fresh and exciting for our customers. “The renovation was about more than just a new look - it’s about evolving with the times and making sure the atmosphere reflects the energy of the people who come here. “We never want to get too comfortable; change is what keeps Lavery’s alive.” Live music in the Back Bar To mark the reopening, Lavery’s has teamed up with Belfast musician Donal Scullion to curate a brand-new live music series, Live at Lavery’s, in the Back Bar. “The Back Bar was a massive part of my early days in Belfast,” said Donal. “You could go any night of the week and be guaranteed great music. “Lavery’s always took a chance on original acts — it was a real home for local talent. I’m hoping to bring a bit of that spirit back.” Scullion’s new programme will feature live bands every Friday and Saturday night, showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent Belfast has to offer. Acts like Belfast Groove Collective, String Ninjas, The Vibes, and Le Chéile are already lined up to bring a mix of soul, funk, reggae, trad and everything in between — all with free entry. “I want it to be a space where artists can play their own music without the pressure of ticket sales,” said Scullion. “Somewhere relaxed, vibrant, and open — where people come down not knowing what’s on, but knowing it’ll be good.” Small-batch coffee and natural wine There’s more: Brew+Ferment is a brand new space located between the Public Bar and The Woodworkers. Brew is a speciality coffee shop by day, operated by the founder of East Belfast spot Audacity, while in the evening the space turns into Ferment, a low-intervention wine bar. For Ferment, Lavery’s has partnered with Brian O’Connor, a Cork-based wine merchant and founder of Brian’s Wines, whose focus is on natural, organic and sustainably produced wines — the kind that tell a story of both land and maker. Join the party This Saturday, November 8, the Lavery’s team is inviting the public to join them for a special reopening celebration featuring food, drinks, and live entertainment across the newly refurbished spaces. We’ll see you there! Find out more at laverys.com
