McHugh’s Bar in Northern Ireland is located in the oldest surviving building in Belfast and one of the oldest restaurants in the world, as it was established in 1711 — that is 314 years ago — and that is where we wanted to eat dinner.
McHugh’s Bar in Northern Ireland: Oldest Surviving Building in Belfast. Restaurant Review.
Copied directly from a page in the menu of a place that declares that it is “a proud tradition of great food, great drink and great craic!” is the following text:
The History of the Bar
An archaeological survey of McHugh’s Bar in 1997 by FW Hamond, found the site to be by far the oldest building to have survived in Belfast. Built in 1711 29-31/33 Queens Square was constructed at this time as part of the Hanover Quay development undertaken by Isaac MacCartney between 1710 and 1720 and given that ‘not even one standing wall of pre-1769 development was previously known to have survived anywhere in Belfast, it is particularly fortunate to find that this building (McHugh’s) is not only essentially intact, but also represents such an important part of the early town of Belfast.
At the time McHugh’s was built, the River Farset ran the whole way down High Street from the site of the original Belfast Castle (now the Bank Buildings: the castle having burnt down in 1708) to what is now Queens Square, where it entered the Lagan estuary. The River Farset was covered over in stages from 1770 onwards, though it still flows underneath High Street and Queen’s Square today.
Law states that the Hanover Quay area was renamed Queens Square in 1849, in honour of Queen Victoria. At this time No 31/33 was operating as a public house under the management of Ann Quinn. In addition to the Public House, Quinn also operated the Queens Square Coffee House (no 29). The Hendron family then came into possession of No 31-33 Queens Square in 1935. McHugh’s was then known as ‘Hendron’s Bar’ and was managed for 25years by the father of Dr Joe Hendron, the former West Belfast MP.
In 1987 Pat McHugh and Dennis Hunter bought the bar, calling it ‘The Bridge Bar’. Pat McHugh bought his partner out two years later and gave the bar its current name.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
The seating and decor inside is rather unique in character and ambiance.
The host guided us up the stairs to a cozy little table by a window which overlooked a patio where outdoor seating was available. We preferred indoors due to a bit of a nip in the air — and people were smoking outside.
Across the narrow aisle from our table was an open area that was at least two stories tall. A wooden bannister helped to prevent people from falling down to the main level.
A slice of wheaten bread with a pat of Irish butter that was wrapped in foil was served with this traditional Irish Stew. The lamb was tender; and the stew was hot and delicious. £15.00
The Fish and Chips comprised of a large portion of beer battered local fish, tartar sauce, chips, a small salad of shredded lettuce with thin slices of yellow peppers and red peppers, a small slice of lemon, and mushy peas. The fish was the perfect texture and firmness; and I enjoyed the chips — but I was left there wondering where mushy peas had been all of my life, as they were that good. I do not particularly care for peppers; but this meal was just shy of excellent, as even though I was satiated, I easily could have gone for another round. £18.00
The layout of this building was rather interesting.
The table at which we sat and dined was by the window across the open area.
I liked the ornate wooden ceiling.
Final Boarding Call
I recommend dining at McHugh’s Bar. The food was excellent. Members of the staff were friendly; the service was good; the ambiance was eclectic yet traditional; the establishment was not crowded upon our arrival; and the prices were fairly reasonable for the quality of food that was provided. The total cost of the meal was $43.70 in United States dollars.
McHugh’s Bar is located in the northeast section of the city center of Belfast just west of the River Lagan.
McHugh’s Bar
29 – 31 Queen’s Square
Belfast BT1 3FG
Northern Ireland
+028 9050 9999
info@mchughsbar.com
Operating Hours
Monday through Saturday: Noon through 1:00 in the morning. Food is served until 10:00 in the evening.
Sunday: 1:00 in the afternoon through 1:00 in the morning. Food is served until 9:00 in the evening.
Parking on the street is not available at any time; and traffic can often be quite congested. You are better off not arriving by motor vehicle.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
