Reviews of The Belfast Empire Music Hall. (Night Club) in Belfast (County Antrim).
The Belfast Empire Music Hall
42 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JQ, United Kingdom
Description
Information of The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Night club in Belfast (County Antrim)
On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.
We don’t have any review or comment on this place.
Map
Open hours of The Belfast Empire Music Hall
Sunday
12:30PM–12AM
Monday
12–11PM
Tuesday
12–11PM
Wednesday
12–11PM
Thursday
12–11PM
Friday
12PM–1AM
Saturday
12PM–1AM
Popular times
Reviews of The Belfast Empire Music Hall
J. B.Fantastic place in Belfast to hear live music or comedy. It's based on 2 floors, with a balcony on the upper floor. There's a bar on each floor and on the balcony. It's has an area with outside seating. Good to visit anytime to watch sport or have a meal. It's not the cheapest place for a beer, but it's the entertainment that brings you here.
D. S.Great place for a nice night out. Comedy or rock music this is a cool wee place to visit. Great staff and it's local to everything at Shaftesbury Square. Start the night off in here or end it with a song to rock your self home to. Has that old bar feeling but inside looks brand new. Definitely a place to visit if your visiting Belfast City.
t.Love the Empire. Beautiful building, intimate sized room for a gig, iconic Belfast venue. One star off because while the sound system is good, whatever way the acoustics are, it can get very noisy when people are talking during the gig. Seen many, many fabulous artists here over the years. Always love coming to the Empire. Photos here, Liam O'Maoinli and Hothouse Flowers
T. T. C.Very quiet in the downstairs bar despite Arms of Venus de Milo playing on a Saturday. Free in. No problem getting seats and no problem getting served at the bar! This place hasn’t changed at all since the 1990s! Something nice about that! Didn’t go upstairs - next time!!
D. S.Gorgeous building. Not a bad seat in the house. Very regal feel to the bar and decor. Stage is perfect for up close and personal shows.
P. A.One of the best & historic live music venues in the north.
A. K.Great place. We were at a wedding do. Lovely atmosphere because a lot of people could be accommodated in a small area due to the different tiers. Everybody felt included and near the centre of things.
M. A.Excellent venue. Really friendly staff, great choice of beers. Good ambience and good sound. First time visitor, will hopefully get back sometime soon !
C. M.Brilliant small venue for a gig. Went to see Teenage Fanclub and the atmosphere was class. Holds about four hundred. The sound is very good, and it looks the part as well.
G. S.Good bar with good atmosphere for game yesterday, 14th May , my only complaint is that air conditioning was on full blast , blowing out really cold air which was uncomfortable to say the least, asked member off staff if it could be adjusted but was told there was to many people in ?
I have lost track of covid regulations recently but if this was the reason for ice cold air conditioning ok but it something which needs looked at if possible
E. B.Great spot for a beer in the sun which doesn't happen that often here.
A. F.Been going here for years, (decades actually) and always been a great music venue. Many bands cut their teeth here and its proximity to the train station makes it a popular choice for those out of town.
L. F.Went in to watch football. Very interesting large bar with multiple TVs and a projector. Guinness was pretty guid. Get it doon yer fat neck.
C. C.Great night in the Empire Comedy Club. Pizza in the bar with a pint was great and then £12 entrance fee plus a free pint of Harp couldn't get better value. The 3 acts were brilliant laughed all night.
M. W.A great, original ornate music venue but let down by the bar serving truly disgraceful Guinness. No excuse for this anywhere never mind Belfast.
D. H.What can I say, never laughed as much in a long long time, Great line up, Great beer and great company.
m. O.Great old music hall looking bar. On 2 levels, top level for music events etc. Blue moon is £6 a pint.. bit steep.
G. C.Attended to see Steven Page and his amazing band and i must say this is a beautiful venue. Unique set up and very intimate. Will definitely be back to enjoy more acts here.
D. B. (.Great music, comfortable venue, only down side was the price of the drinks which were rather expensive.
s.Good venue for gigs and suchlike! Very good atmosphere. Staff are pretty friendly too.
C. M.Venue amazing as always, security quick to respond to any issues, and the atmosphere was electric, acoustics in The Empire have always been fab and Mac Fleetwood's set was none other than pitch perfect, reasonably priced venue for Belfast city centre
D. H.Fantastic venue for gigs , concerts , bar is lovely and friendly staff with excellent service. Easy to get to , public transport and taxi firms close by also good restaurants near too. Highly recommend
J. S.Fantastic venue! Such a classic that creates a platform for great local live bands 👌 love it!
A. M.This is my favourite place to watch football in Belfast big screen that can be seen from anywhere in the bar pint and food deals friendly staff and bouncers well worth a visit
Also a comedy night live music and pub quiz
S. S.Lovely place. Toilets very clean. Staff welcoming and friendly
o. f.Been coming here for years. By far the best bar in Belfast. Take it from a local, if you want something not like all the pop, dance, and top40 toss you get every bar you go to come here. Great smoking area with the football and rugby playing inside and out every match, if it's not ask and they will certainly oblige. Staff are the friendliest bunch and it's because they don't have to deal with the regular bunch that bless other bars. Need to wait on a train? This is the perfect spot to get some culture in ye before you leave due to it being right next to the botanic train station. Live music every week guaranteed and and upstairs (paid) performance hall to boot. Comes recommend by this bloke here, the empire, top bar.
J. M.Stopped for one drink, stayed all night! Live music(excellent) good pub food and beer.
G. C.Fleetwood Mac tribute band very good. Great atmosphere, older crowd, suits me😉
M. B.Great music,friendly service and comfortable atmosphere.
s. h.Best bar in town, live music in the Basement all weekend, no cover charge!
R. T.Acoustics were a bit weird but nice place, lots of seating options
N. F.Extremely efficient and exceptionally polite staff. Doing well to try and bring back the essence of this pub whilst staying within the bounds of the C19 restrictions. 30 years I've been going here. I want my ashes blown through the crowd on comedy night.
S. R.Awesome place with great atmosphere! The band was pretty great and the price for drinks I'd pretty reasonable! The music depends on the day you visit but if every day is like tonight then I assure you'll have a good time :)
C. F.Use it as my venue for six nations. But has a great selection of live music.
Gigs in the upstairs Music Hall are generally great as the venue has fantastic atmosphere.
It’s well worth popping in for a pint if passing by. As both the normal bar downstairs is as interesting as the music hall above.
Food is nothing spectacular. But there’s other places to eat nearby.
The beer garden is actually a decent wee sun trap too when the weather allows it.
I wouldn’t change much in the Empire.
D. H.Nice venue nice staff good for intimate gigs
J. M.A great bar/music venue. Great food. Been visiting this place for nearly 20yrs now and it's always class. Great atmosphere, good craic.
M. M.Great night out excellent value for money haven't laughed so much in a long time definitely be back to comedy night
T. B.Gr8 atmosphere for big footie games. Love Kenny Haddock in a Sunday eve
L. S.Great place for a beer and a pizza with a variety of options -- the drinks menu is much more comprehensive than the food one, though. I would also recommend it for watching live sports. Nice decoration, good vibe, spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, kind service.
a. m.1st time here and thankfully we arrived early enough to get a seat. Show was great
K. T.Great craic, great service great ambiance, clean, well impressed with comedy club + free pint 👏 👌
E. '. L.The building is one of its kind. From the outside it doesn’t attract that much attention, without mentioning it used to be a church. From the inside the Empire is just unique. Downstairs is a rather normal sports bar looking place. People go here to sit down for a beer, watch football and eat. Upstairs (go through the stairs outside) is a music venue. The views are stunning. The sounds from the stage a great. They know how to build churches for chanting. What also comes with a mayor music venue is the higher price on drinks. Unfortunately so.
B. H.Had a great night.. 90's night....the whole place was buzzing...
P.Small bar, reasonable prices, full of personality and friendly atmosphere
W. S.Good music venue but dear 4 a pint .
G. L.A great experience good staff a extremely interesting building in its own right really worth a visit
A. L.My daughter and new son in law had their evening wedding g party at the empire last night. Excellent venue , absolutely brilliant 👏staff. What a place. Highly recommend the EMPIRE, BELFAST!!!
D. E.Went to watch Teenage Fanclub. Beers were great and the staff helpful.
D. S.Christmas ticketed night absolutley fantastic. Band amazing. Great crowd, all ages! Highly recommend!
T. D.Good to see the comedy nights back & 1 half of Disco Beard on downstairs after.
L. M.Great spot & so nice to be back watching 6 nations after an unanticipated 2 year break!
S. P.Great venue, cracking show by Light Years!
M. C.Always have a great night weither it's comedy or tribute bands or pleasure dome.
K. H.Great place for food a drink and atmosphere.
R. J.Comedy club is great value with a free pint
L. R. G.Great Music Venue! Visited On NYE for the Legendary Suited 'N' Booted Party! Drinks A Bit Pricey But Nonetheless, A Good Shout.
A. S.It's a great bar, but the drink is quite expensive
K. M. C.Nice place but always very busy.
B.Staff great. Intertainment superb
J. T.Great venue for music. Friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. Easy access to Botanic train station.
W. M.Great bar but a bit pricey
L. R.Comedy night is such a good nights craic!
N. F.I love going to the empire for games, the atmosphere is always amazing when live games are on. Table service was fairly quick and everyone was lovely.
Also great to go for comedy gigs
S. E.Ah, the Empire. Student stalwart with lots of live entertainment -- I've seen more acts than I could list here and their live production team does not let you down. Second to none in terms of sheer beauty (apologies to the Crown), this pub is well worth an evening. Music sounds great and lush in this historic church building, and there's hardly a bad seat in the house. One star off for their limited drink selection -- just a couple bottles of craft IPAs or sours would do it for us snobs! But I can't criticize them too harshly -- they cater best to their market, which is primarily the cheap and cheerful student crowd.
G. C.Tina Turner act was good.older crowd 😁
J. G.Great venue for gigs and cheap booze well re commended
P. S.A very cool place to watch some football. Loved the style. It's a bit cramped for a sit and chat bar.
C. K.Great night out at The Empire Christmas cracker 80s am 90s night with the pleasure dome festive spirit an Great tunes played
P. B.Great to be back. The BBQ pulled pork sandwich and chips were superb, highly recommend. Staff were friendly and helpful, and all covid-safe guidelines were in place.
B. D.Great atmosphere , good music, good craic
P. M.Excellent venue. Was here for a Nirvana tribute act (Negative Creeps) and it was a memorable experience. The place looks great inside, the staff are extremely approachable and helpful. Went downstairs after to get a poster from the gig and the staff were very accommodating. I've been here before for pizza and pints and the food is pretty good too.
D. B.Saw Idles here. Amazing venue to watch a band at.
C. A.Great bar with a vast selection of drinks, tasty food and shows live football
G. W.Great place for a beer or 2. Upstairs is one of my fav venues for a gig
V. C.Beautiful building, great venue, plenty of space good sound for music
M. E.What a fantastic venue! Came for the Gig for Gary (Apr 2019). Nice bar downstairs where there's also live music, whilst in the music hall itself, it's obviously more geared up for bigger events. All the staff really do do 'Service with a Smile', the bar staff in the music hall worked really hard all night, so never waited long to be served, and they were always smiling, themselves enjoying the music too.
Will definitely look to come back here again and I'm going to find out some of the history of the venue as it obviously has quite a bit of that!
L. B.The staff are always pleasant and helpful when I go to set up my balloons for events.
J. C.Atmospheric venue for an intimate musical experience. You feel close to the stage from anywhere but only a few seats. Get there early if you can't stand all night. We saw The Illegals who were great. Show started quite late.
R. N.Music 100%, buzz 100%, people 100%, hangover next day 300%.
L. M.Great music venue, especially Ken Haddock on a Sunday night.
L. A.3 floors of bars and music, including blues, rock, jazz and traditional Irish acts, plus comedy.
t.What a great night we had music was spot on and the staff were very friendly and helpful, even down to helping me try find my phone at the end of the night when I thought I had lost it in there
J. “. T.On fan tour with the Young Dubliners who played the venue. Had a good time and enjoyed the show there.
z. b.It's been a few years since I was last in the Empire but a few of us met up for drinks and had a great time. The bar staff were very friendly and welcoming and the bar and tables were spotlessly clean. We will definitely be back soon.
M. P.Such a great place if you live locally. Lots of free music, decent ticket prices for bigger events and comedy nights upstairs. Great atmosphere but they do tend to start and end late even on a school night.
S. T.Beautiful themed pub full of history. Great venue for watching sports and catching up with friends. Food selection as expected in a pub. Friendly staff and clean facilities. Was recommended to try foxes ale by staff. It was surprisingly good. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to chill out.
A. M.Brilliant night, place was buzzing staff really friendly
T. m.Its an old style music hall, in what used to be a church, with a big bar feature, tight balcony spaces, another bar upstairs, its always pays to be in the queue before doors open, the earlier the better if you want a seat. Finding nearby parking can also be a challenge at weekends, but once you're in with your friends and you have seats and a drink you're grand.
A. M.Excellent cozy venue. Perfect for an intimate gig or show.
L. M.Went to the empire last night to see the cabeytu brothers. Absolutely fantastic show. Brilliant atmosphere and the whole place was rocking. Great interaction with the crowd + with a whole range of music. Will see them in benidorm in the summer but will be back to see them here when they return. Brilliant night out.
P. A.This pub is pitch black inside so difficult to see the splendour of the fantastic building. Its like stepping back in time ......I imagine.....go in the daytime maybe!
Y. B.A gem of a venue. Great staff. Superb acts on stage both in downstairs bar and in the main hall upstairs. Highly recommend this for a great night out. Tribute acts are sensational every time. Never been disappointed with the Belfast Empire. The decor is fantastic a real historic landmark.
O. B.Proper Belfast welcome. One to visit.
C. S.Downstairs bar is beautiful. Decor is great, very old music hall/theater. Staff are friendly. Beer selection is grand, could do with being a bit broader. The music hall upstairs is great. If you're in town visiting definitely worth a visit
M. S.Visited the Belfast Empire today and it was great! The staff were so friendly and helpful, while simultaneously making sure everyone was following the current guidelines!
I had the Fish and Chips with mushy peas and it was lovely! The fish was tasty with a light, crispy batter.
This was followed by the Sticky Toffee Pudding with icecream and a wee cuppa tea! Was so delicious, reminded me of the sticky toffee pudding my gran used to make.. I think it was the hint of ginger maybe?;)
Anyway, would definitely reccomend!
G. T.Great atmosphere. Good food and drink. Worth a visit.
S. A.What an amazing building. This was our first stop on our visit to Belfast. We were unaware of its existence, but saw the Empire from across the street and it looked so good we had to go in.
Upstairs was a function room, whilst down below is a large classic room with stage at the rear end. The bar had a good selection of beers. The venue looked smart and very well maintained.
G. C.Excellent excellent spot. Pleasuredome 80s tribute band - best entertainment in Ulster. Spectacular night. Bar staff exceptional, door staff sound. My coat was robbed but it was such a good night I didn't care. Plan to return.
S. B.Great night out, people from all walks of life all dancing to classics, sang live. I really loved the band and the atmosphere. The food is top quality bar grub. Gin selection is epic.
E. J. C.I found the drink to be too expensive. The place is lovely apart from only one toilet for men. Very mixed feelings, the band which was playing didn't come on to very late and no one who was asked knew what time they would be on. So I spent a life time paying more then I wished for drinks waiting for a band which seemed as if they never were going to play.
P. Ó. C.It's always a nice surprise when you pop in here, I've never been disappointed with the live music. It's never overcrowded and you get served quite quickly. I'm talking downstairs. Never been upstairs. There never seems to be any hassles here, the crowd are always behaved. Everyone raves about the Tuesday comedy nights with stand up comedians.
G. T.Two leveled building. Bar below ground level and music Hall on first floor.
Can only comment on pub.
Nice historical pub with lots of history.
Good place to meet and catch up with friends or relatives.
Sport themed.
£3 pizza and £5 menu available should you get the munchies.
A selection of drinks on promotion are available - see board @ bar counter for current month offerings.
You must try the local Foxes Rock IPA.
If this review was in any way helpful, please press like.
G. M.One of Belfast's stalwarts of live music. Always a great atmosphere. Drink prices are a little on the high side but not extortionate. Good range of drinks downstairs less choice upstairs.
A. M.Wonderful night out.
Been to a couple of places in Belfast, but this pub offered the best experience. Absolutely wonderful live music, great atmosphere. Highly recommended if you want a good night out, but with non of the noisy commercial club atmosphere.
Z. S.We flew in from Glasgow for one night to see Kate Tempest here. It was a brilliant day exploring the city - we stayed nearby at a hotel and then went to the show which blew us both away. Great venue, but I'm not sure if it was because Kate Tempest was so captivating. I honestly don't remember the site lines being great and tables/seats/places to stand were hard to come by. Not sure if it's always this busy.
O.Always liked this place as it has not changed a bit since I was a student. I still love the red lighting and the chilled out atmosphere. They even do the same pizza,s as they did back when I was younger. All in all a very enjoyable bar.
L. J.A curious building which begs investigation, the Empire used to be a music hall. Now it is an interesting but not eye-wateringly trendy bar. The staff are fantastic, the lighting low and the glasses clean. The food is pretty average but not bad for a bar. I enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back!
C. C.Not quite as historic as the Ulster Hall but one of my favourite venues. Downstairs is great for a drink and food, has a full size projector screen for sports events etc but is still a friendly, warm place.
There's a nice smoking area out the front and it's very close to Botanic station if getting the train there. Be aware that the toilets now have a numbered keypad lock to keep non customers from using them. The keypad number will be on the bottom of any till receipts you get from the bar.
Also handy for a walk up to the Botanic gardens and Ulster museum. Simply turn left if coming out of bar and follow the road.
A. D.Amazing unique atmospheric place with good music.
M. H.Brilliant night seeing The Adventures. Only downside is there's no easy access for wheelchair users. Had to carry my mate up a couple of flights of steps. Thankfully security helped when bringing him out.
J. B.Had a great night on Saturday at Rab Mc Cullough s celebration of 21 years residency. The only thing letting this place down was the dust encaked on air vents in the ceiling. Please take note and get these cleaned. Staff were all delightful and drink selection was good.
K. S.Always a good night out. Also great for catching some football with a pint and a bit of food.
c. d.A great place gigs with the bar downstairs underneath the hall..
J. S.The empire is a wonderful place to see a band, watch an amazing comedy show, or just o grab a drink downstairs.
Many great shows have appeared here and I always reccomend keeping up to date with their schedules.
The hall is large enough for most people to be Comfortable and have a great experience especially the top floor overview.
Reccomend checking The Empire out if your enjoying the nightlife in Belfast.
A. B.Great venue, brilliant for live music. Enjoyed Less than Jake there recently although idiot bouncer seemed intent on ruining the fun by throwing people out and standing in the middle of the mosh pit!
P. D.Best live music venue in Belfast. Always had a great night upstairs in the big hall but give the bottom bar a visit too. They always have good local bands on
O. S.Good live comedy on Tuesday nights, cheap pizza and well-priced drinks.
R. N.Great nite with friends. Great music and dance vv good for jive and Latin American. All drinks very well served just the ticket after large meal. Lovely evening. Rita Newberry and friends... Hartley and Jordanstown
P. D.Great venue, the sound is brilliant, the crowds are usually good too!
J. M.A nice place. I do not often go here, but when i have it has been enjoyable. There is a lot of reasons to go here, there is comedy every tuesday night, some concerts, and also live music. There is also live sport shown in big screens here, very good for watching sport.
s. g.Amazing musical night...Elvis is alive and living at the Empire
1.Great place to go to for gigs or a night out. It's an old church converted into a bar/eaterie/night spot. Therefore it has a certain charm about it with it's old decor and stain glass windows. Recommended.
D.Great spot for a night out if you don't fancy a club. Usually hood music on. Drink is moderately priced though you can stick to their beer/cider of the month if you're looking to spend a little less.
A. Q.Very friendly staff
R. S.Music upstairs tremendous.dublin.band alkana this crazy world. Downstairs . mother's little helpers(I think) covers.acdc ,George Ezra,etc.great atmosphere . enjoying low alcohol bottle.barman Micky still there ten years on.
k. m.Went of something to eat on Saturday evening. The pub grub was very good and a very price.
M. K.The Empire has been part of the Belfast Music scene for years. The comedy nights are things of legend as well. A slightly older crowd at the typical ACDC gigs, but the sound and atmosphere are great. Not sure if I like the plastic pints though when bands are on. Food downstairs during the day is nice and filling pub grub!
D. H.Brilliant night out at a bargain price
A. H.This place is class! 😎 👍 Good live acts, specially the local blues legend on Thursday-nights... Cozy n laid back athmosphere n friendly staff... Definetely in my Belfast TOP5🍻 cheers!
A. K.Fantastic place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon or a Friday night, great atmosphere with amazing service, the outdoor seating are is fabulous in the great weather and inside is cosy. I recommend the quiz on a Wednesday night if you are a fan of a great atmosphere and there is even the chance to win prizes (alcohol-the best kind of prize) and don't worry if you aren't brilliant at answering questions, there is even a prize for second last!
S. M. b.Plece is lovely, but staff look like they don't know what they are doing, music, even if potentially good, is far to loud and oppressing. Prices are way beyond average standards, making this, to me, an ok venue to sip drinks, while chatting away, but sitting outside, with the heaters on, hoping it will not rain! Otherwise, I would look for somewhere else!
C. J. L.i was with my Filipino friends when we went their. there was a concert or a performer that night and the bouncer or the guard..not sure... immediately kind of shoved as away saying therr is a pub downstairs for drinks...but we reckoned to get inside the hall...apparently there's entrance fee ...and who said we can't afford to pay?
E. C.Went to see Aslan Friday the "extra eve" they put on👍. Wonderful experience to see Christy Dignam and his guys. Excellent ambience, music, crowd. Lovely venue. Do love " Crazy World" and they played it twice.
A. T.Great venue for live bands . Beautiful interior.
N. B. R.Great night out, but they have this primitive act of stamping your arm with ink which is really hard to remove and which there us no need for as you have a ticket stub to prove you have already paid admission. It is now 2019. Leave the 70's to the tribute acts.
C. N.Brilliant nights laughter! Nice bar staff with a good selection of drinks. best to get down early if you want a seat
A. B.Had my wedding reception in the Empire last Friday and I can honestly say it was most amazing day/night., and I know everyone says that about their own wedding but, really, ours was ! Stevie, Zhana and all the staff who worked with us and our guests on the day were incredible from start to finish. We can not thank you enough for being everything we wanted- relaxed, professional, left of centre and very easy to work with, you are a real credit to Belfast, thank you!!!
c. h.Fantastic night on Saturday past, great staff great atmosphere
N. S.This venue enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a venue for live music and comedy by both international and local artists and has helpful friendly staff and great inhouse sound systems to ensure any visitor has an enjoyable experience - check it out!
J. M.When in my hometown Belfast, I and a friend like to head to the Belfast Empire on Botanic Avenue for drinks. I love the layout of this distinctive old venue including the low dimmed lighting inside which adds to the warm laidback ambience of the place. Historic black and white photo pictures of 19th and early 20th century Belfast decorate the walls including a collection linked to the shipbuilding era and the Titanic. I like the Botanic Avenue area and the Empire is in the middle of it all.
A. C.Friendly service. Great monthly offers on drinks and food. Staged area with 3 large screens downstairs. Upstairs for bands singers and a tues comedy night. Good atmosphere.
J. A.Great atmosphere. Live music. Good selection of drinks. When the live music is on - watch, join in, dance don't try to have a conversation over it.
j. m.A good place to go for live music. The main hall gets a lot of different bands. Ken haddock plays there on a Sunday night. Admission is free, its a great night.
A. J. M.Great food, good beer, live music and nice people
S. R.Ken Haddock is like a home grown blend between Marc Cohn and John Martyn. Great night. Even bought his CD. He sings like an angel with the heart of a lion. Amazing!
A. G.I love this place. It's a converted church and a listed building so wheelchair access is hard but the staff will try and accommodate you. It's one of the few places left that has a live band on Saturday nights and you get the feel of being at a concert
L.They always have live music on here in the evenings, it's a cool bar with fun decor. One of my favourite bars in Belfast.
A. 2.Went to a gig 1 barman serving he did well on his own but definitely cpuld have used more staff. 4 bouncers on thought it was a bit weird. Surely more barstaff needed.
B. B. l.Beautiful music Hall with friendly bar staff, nice food and a plethora of music acts both weekly and throughout the year. Perhaps slightly more expensive than other places but still always a good visit!
J. S.Great nte ,band was brilliant
But bar manager left a lot to be desired.
She was doing you a favour taking
Your money !!!!!! Pity ,but we enjoyed
V. M.Great place, sound and atmosphere
M. W.Great bar and venue
Belfasts most popular music venue
Thursday night is great for Blues with Tab McCullough Sunday night you have Ken Haddick playing a great set
M. S.Well run bar. And very professional staff
L. O.Top food and lovely people plus good place to drinks beer
M. F.Due to recent situation with covid they still pulled out all the stops to make your evening as comfortable as possible.
K. M.Been to gigs small and large amazing building. Helpful friendly staff. Nice selection of beers and ciders. Door staff not bull's.
T. J.Great for watching rugby and football , big screen great pints
S. A.The place is down to earth with lovely staff, huge variety of drinks and good selection of food. They have events on a daily basis from comedy to rock and also local musicians .
M. M.Place hasn't changed in years, was there for a tribute band and the place was buzzing... Only down side is the small bar on the left is just not big enough when packed ... Queuing three or four deep.
K. G.Always a great night. Music you just have to dance to. Pity I couldn't hear voices from stage. Too far away from o lip read
D. A.Great atmosphere and good range of beers. Typical pub grub, great burgers. Kept the look and feel of an old musical hall.
D. M.It is to Belfast drinking what Amsterdam brown cafes are to smoking. Old historic building great decor, vaudeville feel in the upstairs band venue. Great staff.
G. C.Amazing to hear live music again and even better when it was Far Caspian
G. L.First time, but can't believe how good the venue is. Great service at the bar, and the sound was really good too!!
R. A.Saw Bob Marley tribute band.... Awesome. Great size of venue. Quite small that hugely added to the atmosphere 👍😀.
C. L.Done Christmas 🎄 80s night place was rocking 👌
J. C.Came here to watch Ireland play Wales in the six nations. The place was full of people, there was a great atmosphere and the barstaff were very efficient.
p. n.Seen the adventures here and the atmosphere was brilliant. Also plenty of staff on so no long queues waiting for a drink hence the 5 stars.
J. B.The Empire is one of my favourite bars/gig venues in Belfast. Tuesday comedy nights upstairs & Thursday blues night downstairs are my highlights.
D. R.Excellent venue with a wide range of music for every taste. Check.their programme out and then beer is reasonably.priced
A. S.Established bar with a relaxed atmosphere, football on big screens with nice simple bar food offers during the games,pizza or burger and a pint kinda things.
D. S.Usually go to the 80s night's. Really enjoy them always a good atmosphere. The band is brilliant. Worth a visit.
d.Loved this place. Went for the first time to see the illegals. The venue was brilliant and queue wasn't too bad for drinks.
B. T. T. B.The best live medium size venue in Belfast! Awesome atmosphere, beautiful decor, great service and great sound.
C. H.My favourite bar in Belfast, lots of character,Good beer and some great live bands.Been goin for 30 odd yrs
w. s.Best music venue in Belfast , great live bands . Friendly people and bar staff , a big 👍🏻up .
K. T.The BEST ale in the form of Foxes Rock... Real music hall atmosphere and lovely, friendly staff. Not too shabby on the food either!
g. c.Beautiful old church converted into a great venue for music, comedy and entertainment, went to see the fantastic up and coming band MOSA here last week, brilliant night out, friendly atmosphere and great staff,
a.Has some good bands, staff at bar normally quick to serve, not too expensive and a nice relaxed feel about the place.
J. K.Great band and atmosphere. Door and bar staff friendly. Floor very sticky. Would definitely visit again.
M. K. (.Excellent venue for music events, bouncers are about as pleasant as a prostate exam though! Still a great night!
S. S.It's a cool bar with good bands on sometimes but the drink prices are outrageous. This isn't Temple Bar in Dublin!
U. I.Good blues music downstairs on a Thursday, free. Food is reasonably priced and presented well, in the early evening.
O. B.The best bar for cheap pizza, good drinks and an awesome atmosphere, always great music any night, mostly live bands too
R. K.Great venue, but I was seeing one of my all time heroes, Richard Thompson so my opinion might have been influenced by that.
R. F.What a venue, atmosphere here amazing when at live band gigs..Really loved the Irish Band Aslan. .what a gig..what a band .what a venue. .will diffo be back...
I. D.Old traditional and brilliant
J. M.Super night out seeing Richard Dawson. Cracking venue. More smaller music venues needed. Makes it a far more intimate experience.
J. M.Great acoustics and an excellent show
A. p.Fantastic place, hidden gem in belfast.
10/10 for the music and feel of the place, if you want to go out for a drink and some good music I would diffenertly recommend here.
f. d.Had the best first date oncomedy night, laughed my head off 🤪🤣😂 place is small enough for you not to miss a thing, but big enough to feel like you're in a theatre ... Staff were very pleasant and efficient ❤️✌️
M. Y. B.Nice old pub
m. e.Outstanding 80's night tonight. Never had a bad evening at this venue.
R.Great venue, friendly staff
H. G.Beautiful venue, with a great bar underneath where there is a great selection of alcohol and food, at a good price, and a beautiful atmosphere.
G. M.Great oldy worldy bar just down from Dukes at Queens hotel. Live bands & friendly staff.
G. B.Good music, great venue
G. L.Always good for a pint. Good atmosphere, inside and out. Very good range of beers. Some good entertainment on various nights.
B. M.Tuesday is comedy night. Jake O' Kane is a great host. Usual format is a support act and a new act, followed by the main act. Get there early to get a seat.
D. C.Lovely venue for music gigs, up close and personal! 😀 Very friendly staff and great food 🍲
J. M.I just love this place. Casual atmosphere. Great variety of live music every day of the week.
T. S.Great fantastic Staff', great entertrment'' great place' great food and drink. Fantastic service , what more can u ask for.
C. R.Great place love it live music comedy and just a cool bar f only others where more like it , also blues night is always a great night :)
H. J.Great venue for a night out..has regular fab music nights..good value for money ..always great craic x
P. C.A tremendous place for football and music. Good beer, good food, excellent service, courteous bar staff. Love the place.
B. L.Decent place for live comedy and shows. Smoking area isn't great and the bar staff unable to make the cocktails they advertise.
B. m.Nice staff quick service and a quiet place for a drink
R. C.Great nite at the Empire listening to Duke Special and guest's, especially the Darling Air! Super Vocals.
N.Comedy club on a Tuesday night is a quality night out. One of the few nice things to do in Belfast at night time which doesn't require you to be absolutely hammered.
F. M.Comedy night was fantastic, second time I've been and both nights were great. I definitely would go again.
J. E.Fabulous interior, friendly bar staff, great pint of IPA and cheap and plentiful food.
D. H.Good bar. Good bands. Can be very busy around the bar area on a Saturday night.
D. L.Great venue for live music - Thursday nights are a must for you Blues fans
M. M.The most amazing night, superb musicians and a great atmosphere, a must if visiting Belfast!
t.Cheltenham Tuesday is great in here. Lovely staff and good beer selection. Music nights great too
N. M.Visit here regularly, great atmosphere and fantastic venue for gigs, seen bands big and small play here not to mention aul Rab.
D. S.Excellent live music, staff are always friendly, door staff are professional, prices are very reasonable, had a great time, will be back again.
M. G.Heads up, they check ID and dont except photos.
Boucers are polite and the artists enter through the side entrance where the line starts.
G. H.The Empire Music Hall is a fantastic venue. It can get very cramped so go early if you don't want to stand all night.
R. S.Great pub!
Live entertainment every night, friendly atmosphere and decent beers
F. C.Nice venue upstairs and bar downstairs. The comedy club in Tuesday is a good evening out although not the cheapest bar in town.
M. E.Great for gigs otherwise not the place I would go for a drink but that's just my choice
T. R.Very interesting bar. Cool to look at and hang around in. Saw a really good live band
M. U.Good space for dancing! Drinks are a little more expensive but service is fast and friendly!
C. Ó. h.Fantastic concert venue tucked into a vibrant area, loads of restaurants around it to get a bite beforehand
P. F.Great pints, great live music, great atmosphere, just great. Comedy club on Tuesday night worth taking in too!
M. C.Change of staff and uniform since my last visit....makes a difference....sharper. Magnificent venue for music and comedy.
S. A.Drink choice could do with an update but the live music is epic. I'm disco beards no. 1 groupie
A. T.Largely student bar with live sports and occasional events. Good for a few drinks with friends but can get very busy
W. B.Loads of screens for the football, drinks very expensive
C. D.Great night woth friends. I really love the interior of the place. Best seat of the house is to sit at the frount. Great night out.
N. R.Stopped by for a drink early evening. Football was on the big TVs, good atmosphere. Recommended
R. M.Nice venue with good bands, but the selection of beers on tap is pish
E. H.Great atmosphere and perfect for watching the football but the food took over an hour to arrive after being ordered.
l. r.If you love live music....you cant fail to love the Empire...been going there for years and still love the people and the atmosphere
M. L.A favourite venue in Belfast. Always something going on. Centrally located. Reasonably priced.
L. B.Empire was very class. Great live comedy with good beer. Highly recommend going on Tuesdays. Very lovely place
M. H.Just home from a weekend in Belfast,we went to the empire Saturday night,THE best music venue in Belfast.the bar staff are like lightning ,door men are gentleman a must if you visit Belfast
C. B.Nice bar, nice staff, price of drink could be a bit cheaper and I would be back.
S. H.Nice bar with live music.
It was comfortable and had a really good vibe.
S. H.Band was too loud - but maybe I'm just too old - everyone else loved it.
The ATMOSPHERE was great,!!
T. K.Had a fantastic night at the empire last night. Fabulous live music with arms of venus de milo playing and great craic.
S. F.Lovely place but bloody baltic, paid £10 2 the comedy nite 2 sit and freeze
M.Love it! Best tribute bands around, great atmosphere, friendly faces.
G. M.Went to see Steve hofstetter and co. Brilliant night. Love this venue
M. J.Great music, great decor and great prices. The central location to Botanic train station really makes the Empire handy
G. G.If you have to watch s soccer match, this is the place. Great atmosphere. Very good service.
I. M.a vibrant bar with live music,good atmosphere, friendly staff, well worth a visit.
n. l.Good place for music and bands. Can get very busy with very few seats, prepare to stand
j. c.Good pizza at a reasonable price washed down with a lovely bottle of white wine.
G. M.Great venue, pub underneath excellent for short in the big screen. Good selection of beers.
C. M.Great big gig venue upstairs, nice bar downstairs, show football and food is great
R. G.Great venue. Fantastic music at Ken Haddocks supper club
J. A.Nice atmosphere and surroundings. Good selection of beer and food. Pleasant staff.
P. R.Best spot in Belfast on a Thursday night! Rabs band never fails to put on a show.
M. C.Fantastic, iconic place in Botanic avenue Belfast, came for some Sunday night music and not disappointed.
C. D.Brilliant bar great craic and amazin set up for bands n gigs
G.Great place for drinks and music and got married there too so rather like it
j. a. r. n.A very nice place to have a drink with friends. Good music in live
M. L.Excellent bar nice space great atmosphere. Lovely food and nice staff
I. d.This is the 2nd time we have went to the ballroom blitz charity concert and it was an absolute blast. See y'all next year
J. M.Brilliant comedians. Been many times and they are all brilliant, hope they may long continue
s. G. L.The music amazing, the cocktails good. Open until late that its a point in belfast one sunday night
J. W.A real throw back in time excellent live music really nice place would highly recommend
B. C.Not my type of music on the evening downstairs, but others really enjoyed it..and it was packed, no tables available..
M. W.Good place to watch football match and have some pint with friends. Pizza is also good there :)
M. A. F.Fantastic venue, friendly staff and great gigs.
G. C.Live music was great. Nice pizza and drinks
S. G.Beautiful place. Good vibrant atmosphere. Amazing band.
H. B.Great venue with top-class acts, had me crying with laughter most of the night!
R. Q.Best Sunday night gig in Belfast with big Ken Haddock and his band. Check it out.
B. r. b.Superb for lunch breaks, steeped in history. Gorgeous food burgers are to die for!
S. C.Great selection of spirits all at a reasonable price. Entertainment at the empire is also first rate.
M. B.Good for music/cover bands
P. H.I do like here
t. C.Fabulous daytime. And night time entertainment worthwhile visit if your in town
B. H.Great venue, fantastic sound set up. Definatley will go back again.
O. K.Great 70's party with good live music. A great night out.
E. M.One if the best gig venues in Belfast
G. F.Great staff, great beer, great food - and the locals are super friendly
G.A great place to go to eat and sensibly drink wit excellent entertainment.
1.Probably the best mid sized music venue on the island of Ireland!
M. O.Great venue, tight atmosphere and great sound. One of Belfast's greats.
U. A.Good place for a cool friday night. Live music and some fun. Also, Magners Cider !
J. M.Tried the platter of nibbles..... Great food. The music was good THE best way to kickstart a weekend
G. R.Nothing special about the place BUT it's one of those places you just love always have a good time here
S. U. I.Well known eating and live entertainment venues. Basement entertainment is free, main hall may be payable.
G. R.Really good bar, well laid out and decent price for drinks
J. R.Too pints
D. J.Great venue, cheap food, good drinks promos.
G. E.Great live music and good choice at bar
Y. G.Fantastic place. Great night of live music.
m. a.Great night out. Staff were friendly and atmosphere was brilliant
P. D.Great venue for gigs. Decent well priced beers.
S. C.Good food, good service, good music & good atmosphere..... Wish we'd have tried it sooner
D. B.Good pub food, live sports, and live music in the evening (entrance fee applies sometimes for live music).
J. B.I'd say it's the best bar atmosphere in Belfast.
d. l.Lovely venue great nites craic at the bon jovi tribute
A. W.Brilliant night as always. Great live music. Illegals great!
J. P.Loved it. Not too big. Attended my nieces wedding reception there.
M. M. M.Average place. Good for comedy but isn't the best beer garden.
s. h.When to empire music hall ..great place great staff . don't miss out
t. b.Love this place on Pleasure Dome nights. Check out theflagman on YouTube for more info on Belfast
T. G.Good venue/pub. Outside seating is lovely in the summer
A. V.It was a nice evening, good atmosphere and with live music, 100% recommendable
T. J.I always have a great time at the empire fantastic bands and great service I would recommend anyone to go there
A. T.Great atmosphere and very handy having toilets for ladies beside stage!
K. M.Great spot for live music and a few drinks.
M. M.Great music Hall..!
S. C.Bar Staff was very Accommodating, Friendly and Good music too
d. c.Tuesday's comedy night is fantastic, just don't sit at the front lol
D. L.Fantastic live music venue with pure sound bouncers
X. B.Excellent Tuesday night comedy club
M. D.Fun
R. M.Free entry gr8 atmosphere fantastic music on Thursday nights
A. T.Best gig venue in Belfast.... beautiful building too
L. A.Small toilets .plastic cups .staff arnt that friendly .went to see a band there .bar man lifted our half full cups twice
S. C.Great night if a little loud. Loved it
P. G.Great place for a concert venue. Nice atmospherics
a. s.Great atmosphere, live music is always good
R. C.Sunday nights have a brilliant blues band. Great crowd
G. D.They do quizzes and various events. Good place to meet up with friends for a few pints.
R. F.Want to the comedy club for the first time and was well impressed by the standard. We will be back soon.
R. M.Great pub, lots of space - seats and tables. Staff are friendly :)
R. G.good night out.. live music.. great atmosphere
S. G.First time for going to the Empire had a great nite, would definitely go again.
S. R. W.Perfect venue for private parties and for concerts. Beautiful place
P. J.Great night in Empire. Staff attentive and bar super.
K. M.Love the empire. Live bands, tribute bands and comedy club is a must tuesday evenings
C. L.Comedy night is amusing, some acts better than others but nothing new there.
B. M.Great place cover bands brillant great night
M. P.Live music, freebies, good staff. Great place.
P. B.Band were good but coming on about 11-20 was just too late
S. D.Great spot, good beers and the band were class.
J. O.Saw Pigeon & Plum, vaudeville circus. Hilarious. Presented with a goodie bag on the way out. Bonus!
C. M.Very good for intimate gigs. Clean, well presented and affordable
L. J.Love the Empire, bang in the middle of Botanic and right next to the train station, perfect for Sport or live music.
G. N.Definitely one of the better venues in Belfast for live music
M. H.Great live music friendly staff😁
J. O.Fabulous venue. Alcohol is a bit expensive but service is A+
M. S.Perfect place to have a drink and have fun! Good service
G. K.Great night, fantastic live experience. Staff look miserable though.
A. D.Lively nights with good live entertainment and great atmosphere.
G. A.Fantastic venue for any event but particularly music
S. R.The live music is the winner her. Interesting building.
Staff are superb.
D. F.first time is this venue great place wont be last visit
R. N.Along with its normal usage, it also doubles as a quirky wedding reception venue.
W. R.Perfect place. Big, good music, food, beer and service
P. E.Love this place , entertainment at times best in Belfast hard to beat.🍻
A. A.Absolutely brilliant night. Great venue.
D. D.Sound engineering is off at times which is a pity as the venue is great, pints can be expensive.
F. C.Great venue for gigs!
K. G.Very disappointed so few seats.doors opened at 8pm and show did not stay till 10.30.only allowed plastic glasses and we were inside.
J. P.Came for a few drinks, stayed for the awesome live music!
W. C.Good spot for sport nice pint good bar food staff on the ball 😉
J. W.Bon Jovi tribute act always amazing fabulous venue
S. O.Awsome building. Great concerts. A must visit.
E. M.All their live music is great! Especially Peace Process!
A. N.Friendly staff, great music and wonderful food!
I. M.Great venue
J. G.Love the comedy show on a Tuesday night, it's always a great night for everyone
S. M.Great venue but bands can be very loud
C. S.Great venue for Gigs. Amazing sound and atmosphere.
D. W.As always a great night. Music and staff great
n. m.Great selection of drinks and we'll poured pints
j. m.Always a good night here with some good bands usually
T. N.Great atmosphere, great pub, well worth a visit!!
P. G.Really enjoyable. Bar staff were very friendly.
R. M.Great food, good service and big screens for the football!!
P. W.Great music especially Sunday and Thursday nights
A. M.Real quirky place for entertainment great music and comedy nights
C. G. i.Brilliant night. Bar staff very efficient and friendly.
I. F.Another restored old church. Great pub, comedy club and concert venue
T. S.Great bouncers👌🏼
c. j.Great place for live music and good crack 😁
P. W.Great place, homely, friendly staff, comedy night is a must
S.Good live music every night of the week.
M. T.Great music, good atmosphere and friendly staff
B. K.First time here. Very relaxed layout, great night out.
J. Y.wow great to be back
M.Loving the live music and the authentic old feeling about this place.
P. W.Pick your gig carefully and you'll have a great night
M. M.Food was good but service was amazing I'll definitely be back
Contact
Photos
