Belfast Empire Music Hall

Amazing venue for gigs. Good views in the whole place. I would recommend going to any gig here. The sound is great too. Also great pints on draft.

Saw the magic numbers play here last night. Brilliant gig. First time in the upstairs music hall, lovely venue. It has lots of character, well laid out with some seating along the balcony with great view of the stage. Can't wait for my next gig here 🤗

Went to an Erasure tribute night. Lovely venu and managed to get seats at the front in the balcony. Get there early though. Quite a pissed up older crowd reliving their youth but fun.

Really disappointed tonight by the Empire. We’ve really enjoyed the music in the bar for a long time now, and we have been visiting more often since they put on their student offer. We especially love listening to Jackie and Emma on Fridays. As a few friends, we have been buying a round each and enjoying the music regularly. Unfortunately tonight after a few rounds, ?the manager? decided this wasn’t the case and overcharged my little brother, a young student. I had went up to explain and showed all of our student cards. I received a rude explanation of these new rules, all of a sudden. The poorest customer service I have experienced. I never leave reviews but tonight was disappointing for a regular customer. Would leave, but we’ve just spent our hard earned cash on their pints.

I was back in the Empire for the first time in over twenty years and what a nostalgia trip it was! I did not realise that they served food now and I must admit that I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of it. We had fish and chips, the Empire Burger and the Mexican Chilli Chicken burger, all with generous portions of chips or wedges. We were all very impressed. I had the chicken burger and it was so tasty! As we ate, we were entertained by the talented Jackie Rainy. Her acoustic set was just perfect and not loud which meant we could still have a conversation and enjoy the music at the same time. Overall we had a great time in the Empire and we would be very keen to return soon and do it all again!

Went for a pint and ended up upstairs on the Tuesday Comedy night 2 good comics and a compare/comedian who I thought was the best of the 3. Really good night and would advise anyone going to Belfast to go along if there on a Tuesday,Well worth the €10 entry,Drinks at bar normal prices

Went here for the first time and can safely say it will be my last. The act I went I see was amazing for a tribute band but the venue was freezing and we sat the whole time with our coats wrapped round us. The cold air was blowing the whole time we were in for nearly 4 hours and everyone was sitting with their hoods up. Even men were commenting on how cold it was. No need for it to be that cold as there were people beside us left early as they couldn’t stick it any longer.

Great little venue. We stopped in here to see a comedy show. Door staff were all very friendly and we were admitted quickly. Limited space for seating so ideally arrive early if you want a good spot. Bar was fairly quick at serving and didn’t have to wait too long for a drink. Acoustics etc for the venue were all great. I was toward the back and despite having terrible hearing I could hear everything perfectly.

We saw a local band, Now the 90s in September 2023. The venue opened at 8:30pm, and the band went on at 10:30pm. The venue is not too small but intimate, no bad vantage points for seeing a show. A little too crowded for my preference though. While waiting for the band, they played some 90s hits, you know - Britney Spears, NSYNC, blink-182, etc. There were a few songs that us Americans didn't recognize (clearly very British) but we had a great time and danced along. It got really crowded before the band went on (sold out show)! And once the band did go on, we didn't know any of the first 3 songs... But eventually recognized some global pop songs.

Solid spot for some pints and music. Nothing crazy either way but the aesthetic pushes it to four stars. Service was quick before it got busy and the pint came from a can so I can't speak to the quality. Haven't had the food.

Great fun as a venue, saw 3 good bands on one night. Hope they get the audience numbers up. Guinness was cool.

I'd forgotten about the Empire once I finished uni but recently revisited it for one of their comedy nights These take place every Tuesday upstairs and always attract quite a big crowd so you need to get down early if you want a seat. It's a really fun different night out and there are comedians from all over the world. The Empire is situated in an old church in Botanic right beside the train station so it's handy if your from outer Belfast. Upstairs is the main music hall and downstairs is a bar setting with a stage. Out the front has a few picnic tables for drinks in the sun or a smoke. They run lots of different nights with bands from various music genres. They also serve food during the day but I haven't sampled it since uni so it would be unfair to comment on it. I'd definitely recommend the comedy night though for a few giggles and a catch up with friends.

An eclectic blend of music, comedy, booze and food is what you get from the Empire. One of Belfast's most famous and well established music venues, the bar is also one of Belfast's most loved and well liked drinking holes for tourists, students and everyone in between. Situated on Botanic Avenue, just down from Queen's University and right beside Botanic train station The Empire is perfectly situated for a quick pint, a quick bite to eat or a big drinking session if you need to get the last train home. As well as music, the Empire has an extremely popular comedy night on Tuesdays which is great for a date or just to chill out. Just don't sit close to the front if you don't want the piss ripped straight out of you. Its not cheap, but certainly not expensive. Last time I was in you could get a lovely ice bucket full of Corona for a tenner, which I think is pretty decent value. Excellent bar for music, comedy and a bit of a session.

On a night out, we never ever think about The Empire as a good choice for a night out. Although every time we go there, we have a good night. The last time I was there was to watch my favourite football team (I won't mention names, but we came fourth, wear white and will win the champions league next season). The stage/come big screen TV makes sure everyone can see without the usual pub distraction of anyone with a head larger than yours. The staff are good people, they enjoy the bar they work and so don't make it look like much of a chore whenever they work. Their genuine smiles might even make you forget that it's possibly one of the most expensive bars in Belfast. The bar also host some very, very cool tribute acts on a regular basis which always make a good night out.

Tuesday nights they have comedy, so for 8 Euro, I had to attend. This place seemed super packed with university kids, which makes sense since its in the university area. I do believe I was the only American tourist there that night, which was wonderful. I did have to google a few words, but it was a great time. They offer beers and hard alcohol by the bucket. Seemed like a good deal.

Had an absolutely fabulous evening here. We went on a Tuesday night and had dinner on the lower level before going up to the theater part. The food was great snd the prices are really reasonable. The comedians were excellent and the atmosphere was brilliant. I was recommended the place by a local and my only complaint was that I didn't cone sooner. If you are a local, or visiting like my guests, you cannot go wrong coming here on any given Tuesday!

Great venue for live music events and everything else in between. Be sure to keep a look out for what's happening here as there is always something weird and wonderful on whether it's a cover band or a drag queen competition or the regular Tuesday night comedy club it has something to entertain anyone and everyone.

Since being a student at Queens back in the day, I've always had a soft spot for The Empire. Whether for a quick one while waiting for a train or a good laugh at their comedy nights, it always has such a chilled, unpretentious atmosphere. Also, if you are tight on cash or need a little packing for a pub crawl, they do a pretty reasonable pizza to stave off the drunkeness! A highlight for me has to be their live venue upstairs. The architecture is wonderful, and I've enjoyed everything from rock, hiphop and maudlin shoe-gazing singer songwriters, and if you head up to the balcony even a short-ass like me can have a brilliant view. If fact, just writing this now is making me wonder what gigs are coming up, so I'll just have to go check...

The Empire is one of the handful of bars in Belfast I always feel really comfortable and chilled out in, whether I'm just there for an hour over lunch with a newspaper or out for the night with a group. The downstairs bar is properly dark and cosy, and gets extra points for the Narnia style streetlamps inside. Here you can see live acts or watch the footy on the giant screen at the back of the bar. During the day though there seems to be constant Sky Sport on recently rather than the usual music videos which were much more preferable - I've nothing against sport, or Sky Sport, but think a music channel is more probable to cater to all customers rather than a handful, or, as is possible, a couple of the bar staff hogging the remote. Upstairs is excellent for gigs, with several different spots and levels to watch from, and the comedy night on Tuesdays is worth a look, even if I do think the rude types who start talking over the acts after their fifth drink should be grabbed by their Twinbrook pineapples and bucked out. Three stars rather than four or five though for the food - it used to be really good, and great value, but the last three times I've eaten here it's been awful and now I've given up. I actually prefer pub food to restaurants most of the time, but I don't think it's asking too much for chips and potato wedges to be cooked, and for pizza not to be soggy. Also, last time I was there, only having time for one drink and deciding to splurge on a Bloody Mary, the staff serving me said abruptly, 'We don't do Bloody Marys in here'. A quick check of the cocktail list confirmed she was right, and further investigation revealed that the Empire doesn't stock tomato juice, not that day, but at all. Come on, Empire. It's a well-known cocktail and a perfect hangover cure - pull your finger out.

We stopped in the empire for a quick pint before getting the train home on bank holiday Monday. Thistles my first visit toothed empire and was surprised bustle size of the place. Loads of tables and seats plus the bar runs the full length so you should get served quick enough if it busy. The championship playoff final was on when I was there and they had 3 projector screens showing the match. As a smoker, I was also please to see a TV in the smoking area, definitely a bonus Star for that. I will return to the empire for sporting events going forward. They also have a quiz night and regular comedy nights

I'm a huge fan of The Empire - have been for years. It's a cosy, individual spot showing a vast range of live music, comedy and even salsa dancing. A relaxed atmosphere permeates. I believe it originally was a church and has a real music hall appearance. Upstairs there's a great stage and lay out. Downstairs is a cool, dark bar. However, my top priorities (in my old age) are that I don't want to have to queue to get in somewhere and I don't want to stand all night. Unfortunately due to The Empires popularity it's often the case that you have to queue and you don't always get a seat - therefore get there super early to avoid this. Brilliant music hall - one of my all time favourites.

The Empire, for me is one of the better bars in Belfast. It's situated on Botanic Avenue so it is quite central and easy to get to and close to other bars and restaurants. They have plenty of events happening regularly; such as comedy club on Tuesdays which is always a good laugh, Ken Haddock's Whiskey & Shortbread Supper on Sundays which is a great live band too. Sometimes they even have big names come in for a live event. I saw Henry Rollins and also Mick Foley perform live shows. I would also go there for the football as they have a large monitor at the stage. This makes you feel like your watching the match in the cinema. They also have other smaller monitors around the bar for other matches. While a match is on you can get a beer stamp and after 6 stamps you get a free drink. Another big plus for me is also the top quality Guinness they have. The bar tends to draw in a generally friendly, mixed crowd of people and the staff are very friendly too. Perfect place for a date or just to chill out.

I have been going here for years on and off for a gig or two. There are two parts to this establishment. The bar downstairs and the music venue upstairs. Depending on what night you go on there is plenty of stuff going on. On a thursday night there is a good local music gig. The headline act will be decent supported by a couple of support bands cutting their teeth in playing gigs in the local scene. They also do individual shows with established acts. There is a comedy night and a salsa night on at various times as-well. Don't expect to have to much room for dancing in the salsa. I was there a few weeks ago and thought this lady was starting a career in standing on my feet, very cramped but fun. But my favorite event that the empire offers is the sunday night supper club with Ken Haddock and band. Definitely go there and experience that while you still can!!!

The Empire is a really wonderful place stuck in the middle of Botanic. It is a really popular place at any time of the week as I have learnt in my job at the Spar approximately 100 yards away by seeing the constant stream of tipsy people from its general direction! The downstairs is the main bar area and is nice and cosy, with a big screen for the big sporting events and beer garden for the sunny days or for those who like to punish themselves with the best the weather of Belfast can offer them. What I love about the place is the Comedy nights on a Tuesday. The laughter lounge really needs to take a note from how the empire does things: reasonable prices and a nice environment, though it can get understandably raucous at times! There is always live music, mainly of the cover variety but more and more it is getting more established independent bands gracing its doors. It is a place with really friendly staff and I hope it continues to grow from strength to strength in future!

Went to see Fleetwood Mac tribute act (Mac Fleetwood) and as always the venue is great for these smaller events. The band were decent enough. When going to the bar order two drinks as the bar staff are not the quickest at serving. But would and will be back gor other events/gigs.

Situated on Botanic Avenue, The Empire is a terrific little venue for live music and comedy. Famed for its Stand Up Comedy nights on Tuesdays, The Empire is an alternative night out to the usual pubs and pints which many students do. The Empire also specialises in some of the finest music events, hosting Duke Special and Snow Patrol, as well as some very talented tribute and cover bands. This place has something for everyone, ranging from Jazz nights to the odd Hypnotist now and again. It is hard to beat a pint and some food during the day and the Empire is perfect, with different offers on, depending on term time or special events. Despite having a great affinity with this quirky, yet traditional venue, my one problem with The Empire is the price of alcohol. As a student, I can get a pint for £1.80 in the Student's Union whilst the Empire is nearly double the price. The food however cannot be faulted and the burgers must be tried. Perhaps it is for this price that The Empire remains undiscovered by many students, and perhaps for this reason it is why the Empire remains a little jewel in the Belfast crown.

The Empire is like that friend you lose touch with, but whenever you meet up with them, you have the BEST time with them! It wouldn't be a place I'd think to go to if I was going out, but like the man said, everytime I go, I have a good night. It's a funny old place though. It hosts some great gigs and some not so great ones, pub quizzes, shows sports, holds salsa nights and a Glam Rock night every Friday (never been. Couldn't possibly comment!) The food's also quite nice and pretty reasonable, so it's a great place to stop off for lunch and a pint if you're up that way. As a building, it's also good fun. It still looks like an old music hall inside (especially upstairs) and there are also posters all over the walls of old shows that rolled into the Empire at some point in its history and for that, it's incredibly charming.

Holy Smokes, I love this bar. First of all, I trust this bar. Unbeknownst to me I once left my mobile phone sitting on a table and left the pub. When I came back hours later to look for it there it was! Secondly, obviously it is a great pub offering all your usual pub-wares; great food, great beer and spectacular entertainment. Upstairs attracts many local bands as well as some truly awesome tribute bands. The attire is dark and old and I would say slightly gothic with velvets mixed, brass and dark wood. We used to attend comedy stand up nights here, they are still on every Thursday though I would advise you ring ahead as they get busy and are sometimes cancelled - I've only had one bad comedy night when I saw Paddy Kielty and personally thought he was dier! - totally subjective really! On a Sunday from 12 to 4.30pm the downstairs seating area hosts the very popular Northern Ireland Vintage faire where you can get your hair coiffed, get your make up done or buy lots of little vintage bits and bobs from vintage furniture to vintage underwear. It's a great day out for only a few pounds entrance fee. All in all, what more can I say? - I love this bar.

Ooh, I really love Empire! It's a fab place on Botanic Avenue with an enviable location amongst the student area of Belfast. The bar is on two levels, upstairs being for gigs and downstairs is the traditional bar. The gigs range from music to comedy nights and they really do attract a lot of talent here so worth keeping an eye on their line ups. The bar downstairs is where I often like to go during the day for cheap food (which is really great) and a few beers. They serve things such as burgers, chicken, goujons and other pub grub usuals and the general atmosphere is really relaxed and fun. They also boast a massive screen great for watching live football which generally attracts a lot of people. Great place, really laid back and very entertaining!

Standing proud in the middle of Botanic and right beside the station is the glorious Empire Music Hall. Sporting a long history of comedians, musicians, bands and theatre there's not many of the local or international greats that haven't been here either to perform or just to sup a drink. Downstairs is the cosier 'bar' bit and it normally gets a bit raucous around 10pm most nights. There is a stage with the occasional band or comedian doing a turn though both can be hit or miss. Upstairs is my favourite bit where larger bands play in an amazingly set-up venue. The stage is clearly visible from any angle and there is a raised area over to the right and a brilliant little bar/balcony up high at the back. If you ever wanted to feel like Waldorf and Statler in the Muppet show this is the place to be. There's along sweeping bar down the left side and it's normally well staffed and prices aren't too bad by local standards. The food is good, who could forget the legendary pizza and a pint deal and the burger bar does a roaring trade. Definitely a good place to eat, drink, listen to music and make some new friends. Pros: Great vibe, lovely building. Cons: Too many cover bands booked to play.

The Empire is a great looking building situated smack bang in the centre of Belfast on Botanic Avenue. A great place for music and comedy, the Empire has an old worldly charm inside and a bit of a vaudeville vibe going on. I've heard Duke Special, the Belfast singer, speaking about this place before and I can imagine him being right at home here. I've yet to sample the comedy nights at the Empire or indeed the food, but have heard good things. I was downstairs here one night and there were a really cool blues band playing. Upstairs, in the main area, I saw a friends band, they were great as usual but the support bands were also great. They really got the craic going and people started dancing away up the front, even though it was a Tuesday night. It was only £7 in and there were about 5 or 6 bands playing. Great value for quality music. There are always people milling about outside and sometimes theres a guy who plays guitar really badly (on purpose I'm told?!) trying to serenade girls passing by. Fun times to be had at a fun venue.

Live music (everything from blues to rock)? Check. Stand-up comedy? Check. Salsa dancing? Check. There could be no occasion for a night out that the Empire could possibly fail to provide for. I loved it 10 years ago and I'm still loving it! Want an ironic, retro night out with gal pals? Go to an 80's style tribute act (Guns n Roses etc). Sunday night loose end? Ken Hadock, local, very talented, singer-songwriter has a regular spot. The Empire is an old music hall, so it looks fab, has great atmosphere, good bar and door staff and enough loos not to create rush-hour style queues (what is this toilet thing I have going on - not a sign of age, surely?). It's also right beside Botanic Rail Station and local taxi offices. There is so much on, you need to keep up to date with listing mags, or check out their own website. As Freddy said 'we will, we will rock you'!

I'd love to know what turn of events took place whereby a church became defunct, and the building became a pub instead. It's a very good idea though, especially when the pub is as good as The Empire. Dark and atmospheric downstairs with an excellent balcony looking over the main floor of the bar, The Empire seems to attract Belfast's more 'interesting' people - I've ended up chatting to all sorts of slightly mental regulars. Upstairs is a fantastic concert hall, one of the best in Belfast. Excellent sound and a very quaint and ornate interior. Get a seat up on the raised area on a busy night and you'll feel like royalty. Having said that, my next visit here will be next month for a performance of songs by a renowned punk band. So you'll probably catch me jumping around like an idiot in front of the stage.

Very comfortable pub, full of character. The downstairs bar has a good selection of drinks, serves bar food and has a projector screen for sports. Upstairs is the venue though- here they hold the weekly comedy night (arrive early for a seat, well worth it), along with a consistently good list of live acts that are always a great night out. I've been visiting here since I was a student and always enjoy it.

Had many great nights here. A must visit especially for live music fans. Thursday Rab McCullough and Sunday nights Ken Haddock always puts on great set!

Live music, comedy, Opportunity Frocks Drag Queen Contest, sports, food, beer and wine. The Empire's got it all. A great place to see a wide variety of entertainment.

What a great place for live music. Also a must if you want to check out some of the best local comedians on certain nights. They have great promotional drinks of the month and a great range of drinks on offer. Very friendly and helpful staff. Security are also nice and accommodating. A real nice place to go for a night out. Just make sure to check about pricing if you are going to head upstairs to any events.

It was party night and packed out, the people there were a good crowd and in good spirits. The ABBA sound alike band and the subsequent disco were darn good. The bar staff were efficient and courteous. The only thing that marred the night for those near the stage was one so - called security man. He was a nasty piece of work. I was sober. I encountered him taking exception to a man - I'd say the man he picked on was mid forties - who had merely placed a drink at the side of the stage. This staffer is a nasty piece of work. He was aggressively offensive to the man and he was determined to provoke a reaction which, thankfully, he did not get. Someone else intervened to help out and this nasty staffer was so aggressive toward him too that the Good Samaritan walked off. I had an opportunity to tell the staffer and another worker that I felt he was a very dangerous individual. I won't repeat his threats to me but I told him that I don't fear bullies and the bully walked off and did not return the rest of the night. I emailed the manager of this establishment after the night ended to share my experiences directly with him but he didn't bother responding to me - that's over a week ago. This was my first visit here. It is also my last.

I love the Empire! The crowd are friendly, there's a large group of regulars. Decor is pretty traditional Irish bar, thought the toilets sometimes aren't great. Range and price of drinks is average, although there's not many bars sell Red Dog these days! Can't beat Tuesday night, which is comedy night upstairs. But don't sit near the front, unless you have thick skin!!

Live music. Very little light. Comedy. Good ale. If these things sound like review enough, then you really don't need to know anymore about Belfast's 'Empire'. For those who need more information, then firstly, shame on you, and secondly, fine then. Inside, The Empire Bar is a large wooden music hall, complete with posters from the very early 1900s and a glass cabinet filled with Titanic tat. It's all rather pleasing. One particularly good aspect is the outdoor seating area with its coves and arches and all that good stuff. Smokers will enjoy sitting outside the Empire (provided the weather isn't shocking as it isn't covered). The bar is well-stocked and the stout was particularly good. However, I suspect this isn't a place that thrives on its pubbishness, rather, its clout as a venue. Smaller bands frequent The Empire as well as a number of tribute acts. I was informed that The Bon Jovi Experience were due, as well as The Rolling Clones. If you like that sort of thing, you'll knock yourself out here. It seems that the thing The Empire is best known for is the comedy night. Seeing as it was 4pm when I was in there, I couldn't possibly confirm whether this is a good or bad thing. Either way, fans of comedy, head this way. All in all, the Empire feels familiar in its slight and welcoming grottiness and is well worth peeping in for at least one.

Love the empire. I've spent many of nights sipping on fine beers in this establishment. I especially love the Comedy club on a Tuesday. Wednesdays are also great and consist of some fantastic local musical talent.

"Shabby Chic" describes it well. It has a kind of run down look, or faded glory, but it's actually brilliant. They do lots of smaller music events, and have an amazing main hall for larger acts. The bar downstairs does food too, which is actually pretty damn reasonably priced.

Great music on Thursday, local blues man rab mc cullock,worth the trip,and upstairs in the other music venue is great for seeing all the bands from the years gone bye

The empire is a great spot, Thursday night is the blues night with Ran McCollough which is amazing, they also have the comedy night regularly and arms of Venus do Milo play often, have never tried their food but the Guinness is amung the best in Belfast....not to mention the the decor of the place is awe inspiring! Dedinately reccomend you visit on a Thursday night if you are into your blues music!

Definitely one of my favourites. If there's not something on upstairs to interest you then there usually is downstairs! Like my most places in the botanic area drink is moderately priced. Though, if you're on a budget then try their beer of the month as it's usually a pound cheaper. Also recommend their food, I had a share platter once and it was lovely. They also do a deal for a pizza for £3 when purchased with a drink before 8pm (I think it's 8pm anyway) so get a beer and pizza. Can't complain with that! Oh and try their comedy night on Tuesday! Guaranteed to get rid of the blues of exams or any other day to day stress

Caught up with school mates over Easter. Super Bar in the University area. Love the decour and architecture. Good choice of drinks.

Ive been to the Empire on many occasions for a casual drink, for a comedy night or for one of their pleasuredome nights and I have never been disappointed. Reasonably priced drinks, great acoustics and very comfortable atmosphere. The only problem I would have is that when its busy its hard to move around, but you cant use its own popularity against itself. Handy for those who gets trains too. The upstairs balcony area gives this place an old theatre vibe which is very different these days. If youre nearby call in for a drink or even go to a show.

Fun drinking venue, nice comedy club, and some good dancing to be had with the pleasuredome's 80s nights.

The Empire is one of the best nights out you can have in Belfast. They take advantage of their great location and host all sorts of different evenings and types of entertainment, from comedy nights, to live music acts and dance competitions. I went to the most fantastic Salsa Dancing Competition there which was hilarious. The comedy night is great fun too, with different visiting acts and popular resident ones too. My favourite though, is seeing Ken Haddock perform. Such an amazing performer, he offers live music of the best quality, with an amazing gritty, edgy style he will play modern favourites one minute and original music of his own, too. The staff are great too, and nothing is too much trouble. There is a very mixed crowd of all ages in the Empire, which is what I like most about it. A total must for anyone visiting Belfast, or for people who live here who have never been - for shame!

The city's main venue for stand-up comedians and underground artists, the Empire will always retain a place in my heart. It's like one of those basement jazz clubs in America in the '30's. The only thing I could fault about it is the food; huge big sloppy portions that are just completely unmanageable and not that tasty. But still, even with this, I absolutely love the Empire, just for it's character and uniqueness. 4 stars.

For close to a year of living in Belfast I hadn't visited this fine old music hall cum regular's bar. I ended up actually working here for a few weeks and in that time saw a few fantastic live acts, including three nights of pint-sized dreaded (in hair alone) eclectic ivory twinkler, Duke Special. The Empire downstairs is pretty underwhelming but it does the job as it were. A dark, heavily wooded (as most pubs are in Belfast) slightly brooding atmosphere with the usual malted beverages on offer. Don't miss Thursdays with local SRV/Clapton bluesman Rab McCullough, free entry and amazing to watch and admire. Upstairs is a treat for the eyes. Decadent, Victorian with a hint of vaudeville. A great venue for live music too, the bar won the Fate awards best live venue this year.

Can't believe I'm first to review here! GREAT place to go for a night with something a little different. Spacious bar underground, good atmosphere and not too expensive. Upstairs is the main stage area where some great bands have played over the years. Mostly tribute acts, very entertaining. There is a salsa night which was unexpectedly fun, rather than excruciating. Also home of the famous 'Empire Laughs Back' comedy night. Paddy Kielty began here.

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.

I gave it 2 stars because generally the downstairs bands are good on a Saturday night. The Friday night bands tend to be awful though and the bar will only reach a third of its capacity crowd wise. Also, the toilets need cleaning up as they tend to be a bit of a urine fest. I'd also strongly recommend leaving before the bar closes at 1am. This is when the SS style doormen start swooping through the crowd, intimidating everyone into necking their drinks under threat of a firing squad I imagine. You'll also find that they lock the toilets up as you're drinking your last drink so that if you need to pee, you'll have to pee in an alleyway outside. This little stunt, apparently, is to facilitate the doormen going home earlier!! Nice to know you're a respected customer eh? Once they have your cash, it seems you're not such a valued customer anymore. Not a pleasant experience but, this type of behaviour seems to be on the rise in Belfast. I strongly advise posting your dissatisfaction on every public forum available to help raise standards.

The Empure Music Hall is agreat gig venue.

One of the best places in Belfast to enjoy a night out