Harp Bar
Quick info
About Harp Bar
On Hill St in Belfast, Harp Bar is a pub split across multiple bars, with a rear hall given over to live music and a separate red hall set aside for conversation. A guitarist and singer perform as part of the live music offering, while the red hall gives an alternative for anyone wanting to talk without competing with the sound. Furnishings run to red upholstery and leather throughout, and seating is arranged around the different bars. Entry is on a walk-in basis, with door staff at the entrance. The venue can get crowded and difficult to move through on Fridays and Saturdays. Two toilets sit in separate parts of the building, reflecting the layout across its various rooms.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, red hall vs dark hall, hophouse 13 unavailable and door staff.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, red hall vs dark hall, hophouse 13 unavailable and door staff.
Customer Review Summary
Live music draws the strongest praise, with reviewers describing packed weekend sets in the back room where crowds sing and dance and a guitarist and singer keep the mood going. Close behind, many single out the atmosphere itself, calling it comfortable and less crowded than nearby Cathedral Quarter spots, with the quieter front red room offered as the alternative for conversation. Staff draw consistent praise, though one reviewer found the bartender inexperienced while praising the floor staff as professional. Prices come up repeatedly as on the high side, and one reviewer notes Hophouse 13 has been dropped from the taps and Bass isn't poured despite the branded decor. The same reviewer flags that the busy back hall gets noisy and smells of spilled beer, while two toilets in separate areas are called useful on crowded nights. Several describe returning or planning to, including one group who ended up staying all night after a football event.
Customer Review Summary
Live music draws the strongest praise, with reviewers describing packed weekend sets in the back room where crowds sing and dance and a guitarist and singer keep the mood going. Close behind, many single out the atmosphere itself, calling it comfortable and less crowded than nearby Cathedral Quarter spots, with the quieter front red room offered as the alternative for conversation. Staff draw consistent praise, though one reviewer found the bartender inexperienced while praising the floor staff as professional. Prices come up repeatedly as on the high side, and one reviewer notes Hophouse 13 has been dropped from the taps and Bass isn't poured despite the branded decor. The same reviewer flags that the busy back hall gets noisy and smells of spilled beer, while two toilets in separate areas are called useful on crowded nights. Several describe returning or planning to, including one group who ended up staying all night after a football event.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“A few big bars in there. Plenty of comfortable seating too. Service was great. Definitely a must visit if you're in the area.”
- Google user
“Fantastic bar with great live music and beautiful decor. The staff were very friendly and although prices are a little high, it’s well worth it for the experience.”
- Google user
“Pricey. The atmosphere is decided to a large extent by the band that is playing in the dark hall. The dark hall is very noisy and stinks of spilled beer. For a conversation, use the red hall - this is what you see through the windows from the outside. Two toilets in different parts of the venue, which is very useful on crowded Fridays and Saturdays. They have stopped serving Hophouse 13, sadly. And they do not serve Bass beer despite plenty of Bass paraphernalia on walls.”
- Google user
“The Harp Bar has a great atmosphere and feels much more manageable than the Duke of York just around the corner. It’s still lively, but without the same level of crowding, which makes it easier to actually enjoy. The live music really adds to the experience and gives the place a strong, authentic vibe. A great option nice drink and time to relax without being packed.”
- Google user
“What a great bar. Went there for a football do. Ended up in there all night. Amazing music, maze and band”
Highlights
“Stylish pub with plush decor of red furnishings and leather, plus a regular live music calendar.”
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Beer
- Dancing
- Restroom
Show more amenities
- Trendy
- Groups
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Highlights· 4
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Offerings· 3
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 1
- Tourists
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near Harp Bar
- McHughs Bar & Restaurant4.43,1600.2 mi
irish stew, fish and chips, guinness
- 0.2 mi
rump steak on skillet, tomahawk steak, beef & guinness pie
- Granny Annies Kitchen4.14,1970.3 mi
chicken wings, steak, burger
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harp BarWheelchair accessible | 4.53,402 | — | live music, red hall vs dark hall, hophouse 13 unavailable |
| McHughs Bar & Restaurant | 4.43,160 | 0.2 mi | irish stew, fish and chips, guinness |
| The Morning Star Bar & Restaurant | 4.23,888 | 0.2 mi | rump steak on skillet, tomahawk steak, beef & guinness pie |
| Granny Annies Kitchen | 4.14,197 | 0.3 mi | chicken wings, steak, burger |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
Similar Bars nearby
Browse more
Explore more of Belfast, or find Bars in other cities.