Well, Empire is the only place I would proudly give 5 out of 5 stars for. I have only been there a few times, but each time I go, I want to go back again the next night!
I went once to the music hall, to a Bon Jovi tribute. It was an amazing night - great atmosphere and a great crowd (younger ones, middle aged and also the older generation!) The one thing I noticed about the crowd in Empire than in other venues in Belfast, is that they are friendly. You will visit the toilet and will have everyone chatting away to you. This isn't the place where you will see a fight, or drunken fools falling around causing a scene. It is for the mature generation that can have a socialising drink without going completely nuts.
Bouncers were the friendliest I have came across in Belfast. They actually offered to get me a chair when I was waiting outside and asked me if I could get home OK. This is a stark contrast to the many other bouncers you will meet who will tell you to actually move out of the street (this happened to me in Eivissa - I was pestered to leave the STREET!) Anyway, enough about Eivissa - Empire's bouncers really are a huge kudo to the venue. Not biggoted, arrogant, power hungry bullies like everywhere else.
Downstairs, Saturday nights are brilliant. They usually have a local band on, and there is a great atmosphere. I will note, that Empire is not the place you go to if you fancy a posh cocktail - I asked and they couldn't make them - but this wasn't an issue, I just stuck to my bottled alcopops. Empire is a place for pints of beer and cider - not for people to get blocked off their head on shots and hefty cocktails, which is what I like about the place. Not once have I seen somebody outrageously drunk. Prices are slightly steeper than in 'club' venues, but you don't mind paying a bit more when everything else is simply wonderful!
Anytime someone says they want to come here, I can't wait to go! It always ends up being a brilliant night out!
Come here if you are mature, and you want to socialise with your friends and have a laugh.
Don't come here if you want to get drunk on cheap drinks and dance outrageously on the dancefloor all night long, because you will hate it. read more