A last farewell to a gentleman and a scholar lunch. Service…read morefive stars food five stars, what not else needs to be said.

I've been going to the Bellevue Arms since I was a kid. It used to be the place we would go for…read moreSunday dinner when we couldn't be bothered cooking! It was fit for purpose back then - family friendly, simple menu, let you take home the leftovers for the cat (really, we used to go home with half a chicken for her sometimes.). These days though it's not my cup of tea. It's undergone a lot of renovation and as a result, can boast beautiful views over Belfast. The bar also seems to be popular. They tend to show a lot of football, so get a good crowd on Saturdays and Sundays. The reason I'm not a fan is because of a really bad dining experience I had there once. Basically I ordered the chicken and it came out frozen. Actually frozen in the middle. I understand a lot of places are guilty of not cooking things fresh these days, but this was too much for me and I haven't been back since. I've even missed a few family dinners because I just couldn't bring myself to eat in it again. Try it if you like. I know a lot of people who haven't had terrible meals in it, but certainly don't go on my recommendation!

It can't be just me who happens to love the pub that's closest to home. The Glen Inn is on…read moreGlengormley's Antrim Road, smack bang in the middle of the town, and within rolling distance of my house. It's a no-frills boozer - you'll not find any fancy lychee martinis or foie grois parfait (or, indeed, any food at all) here... Just call in, sit at the bar and order your pint and see what happens. The staff are all sound as a pound, and the regulars are too. Plus, you know the way that you might feel intimidated by walking into an unfamiliar pub on your own? You won't get that here - the doors are always open, and it has something welcoming about it. Give it a bash, folks! Incidentally, if you call in in late afternoon, and there's a tired-looking bespectacled bloke sitting at one of the tables, engrossed in a crossword, chances are that'll be me.

A local for us, but not used as such that often, because we are always heading into the 'Big Smoke'…read moreof Belfast to meet friends or family, because they can't drag themselves up into the 'sticks' more than once a year...kidding - but seriously, this is more or less on our doorstep and we don't go in much - until we went in recently for a drink before eating out in a nearby Chinese. My husband had a pint of Guinness and I had a Southern Comfort and white lemonade - the service was good - the bar staff were friendly and we didn't wait to long, even though the bar was very crowded with world cup folks screaming and shouting. It is a bit of a 'lads' pub, and there is nothing wrong with that at all - a perfect place to watch the football, or any sport they happen to be showing. Shame my husband doesn't watch football...

The Whitehouse Working Mens Club (a.k.a. The Workies) is, as far as I've seen, a bar which is…read morepredominantly reserved for locals (if you're not a member you have to sign in upon arrival ) but the wee old man who sits at the front desk is the best of banter (He used to be my milk man!) he's still very pleasant and accommodating. The bar certainly can get busy over the weekends but I'd say it's pretty quiet for the rest of the time. It's a good bar for an older crowd to enjoy a quiet drink at the weekend. The bar itself is split in to various floors and sections so you can experience different surroundings. It's nothing fancy but no over the top airs or graces. It does what it says on the tin, a club for working (wo)men to come relax, have a drink or a meal. The restaurant has only opened a short while ago (then closed, apparently over row with chef, now reopened under new management) and although it is now a little more pricey it still does the same job. You can come and enjoy your Friday lunch here and won't have to worry about breaking the bank. You won't come any where near. Bonus, did I mention how cheap the pints are? Your round! Cheers!

I've been to a charity event held here. The premises are quote big and the function room (lounge)…read morewas great for our disco. Drink is reasonably inexpensive in here, and they have a good range. There are snooker tables in the bar for anyone who fancies a game too! For anyone who is not drinking, there is loads of parking available in the car park to the right hand side of the building.

The hill is my local so this might be a bit biased.It is a small bar but what it lacks in size it…read moremakes up for in atmosphere.Quality pint is always ice cold and plasma screens are all round the bar.

The Light House is the baby sister of the Bureau shortly further on down the village. Owned by the…read moresame man, yet they're very different places. To compare, the service in the Bureau is attentive and high quality. In The Light House its slow and boring. Plus, the prices were a rip off. Last time I visited we ordered some nearly nice white wine, now I know for a fact it is sold downstairs in the companies off licence for £5 bottle, so why were we charged £17.00, just to come up a flight of stairs? Sorry, I don't think so. The Bureau may be more expensive but at least you get a good deal. To go on, the seats aren't comfy, there's creepy old men lechin about and the toilets ...*shudder* Why slum it ? OK there's the price difference, maybe. But for the sake of a couple of quid? Maybe the Bureau is just more my scene. For one there's a way better smoking area, plus you won't get your drink spilt over you by the hallions at the bar who've just been turned away from the Bureau. It isn't my cuppa tea but it'd be boring if we were all the same.

Off licence does a fantastic range of craft beers from small manufacturers giving a better variety…read moreof flavours than you get in most places. I didn't know so many types of beers existed before a visit here. Well worth a look for something different and makes great gifts

Bailey's Inn (formerly known as The Hedgehog and Bucket) is a neighborhood pub with a friendly…read morebarkeep and equally friendly regulars! This was our first pub visit in the UK and in Belfast. We were warmly greeted by the female barkeep (whose name I'm sorry I forgot). She was delightful: funny and friendly. I had a 7-Up and Mom had a (half) pint. It was her first Guinness! The regular patrons were also very friendly and chatted with us a bit. I know we stuck out like sore thumbs, but it was nice to feel so welcomed. There are billiards and some games available. They have a LOT of liquor on tap, including many I didn't expect, like SoCo, Malibu, and After Shock! I LOVED the taps they had (see pic). Too bad we were only staying in the area for a day; otherwise we'd make a return trip!