The Black Box

Absolutely brilliant…. A free place to hear others speak about life’s challenges and fun! Wednesday night once a month is an excellent opportunity to listen and gets you out of the house!! Clean toilets, there’s a bar for those who want too indulge. Highly recommend!

I happen to be a member here which I think I should declare. No matter about this as it makes absolutely no difference to the warmth of welcoming you will receive from Black Box Staff. This is an ARTS CENTRE so all types are welcome and you should be ready for anything to happen around you. World Artists, Musicians, Poets, Authors, Comics often put on a free show in the casual Artistic atmosphere of the front room bar downstairs. The larger venue upstairs is often the location for famous Pop, Rock , Alternative Music Artists past, present and future. I have seen friends,The Outcasts, Altered Images, Daddy Longlegs, my good mate Terri Hooley to name but a few. Great Homely atmosphere throughout helped by the old building retaining much of its Gentleman's Residence town house features. A Punk Gig by The Outcasts in the upstairs bedrooms like venue is as close as you will get to experiencing the Original Belfast Punk, "Good Vibrations" occasion as it was for us Original Crew back in the Day of late 70's - early 80's.

My favourite Belfast venue to perform at and attend events. I've played in the main room in many different guises over the years, treading the boards with Geoff Hatt in his psychedelic musical fresh from the Edinburgh fringe in 2008, to drumming with jazz punk experimentalists Blue Whale and Hot press dubbed "fiendishly catchy boogie merchants" Many Souls. The staff always make you feel welcome and valued. Barry on sound goes the extra mile to ensure your needs are met and the monitor mix is just right. Check listings for details of what's on, the Melvin's double drumming superbly heavy performance ranks in the top 5 favourite gigs I've seen. The Green room is wonderful for more intimate shows and events and exhibitions. I could go on but suffice to say, call in to the Black Box and support a vital institution of the Belfast creative scene.

Great venue for intimate music events where you can focus in on the music. Good seating with a bar area to the side. In this first photo McAuley/McKeown/McCullough, very creative improvised sounds. Also in these photos the wonderfully talented David Browne Murray's Guitar night, with support, on 15th July 2023. There is also a smaller room called The Green with a bar and table and chairs where intimate events are held. Art exhibitions are also often displayed in this area.

Fantastic arts venue in the old part of Belfast. So many great things on here. Staff are magnificent and relaxed vibe

Quiet on a Saturday afternoon but filled up after 6pm. Table service was being provided in the afternoon. Not sure if they do food. Toilets are unisex which I’m not a fan of in a pub as they’re usually not very clean later on at night.

I love this forest. Fair sized car park. Lots of different paths. Map at the start. Can be a challenging walk if desired. Electric car charger. Sometimes a coffee cart. Fairly sure the carpark had a toilet

Stumbled into their 18th birthday party last night. Totally unexpected experience on our first ever night out on Belfast Town! The Fun Protestants were loads of fun. Hope Black Box's fundraisers was a success, they deserve all good things!

Can't believe I am dropping a star for the Black Box, but I went last night and myself and a few friends decided we would like a slice of their amazing pizza. Unfortunately we were advised that there was a new chef and pizza is no longer served by the slice and must be bought as a whole 10" pizza, not good when you have vegetarians in the group and the meat eaters miss out on their carnivorous ways as one pizza is too much for a person on their own (well sometimes it is!) To top that off the pizza was nowhere near as nice as it used to be, this is a real shame as this what made the black box stand out from the crowd. Love love love this place! It has a relaxed atmosphere and always has something unusual to keep you entertained. I would frequent here quite regularly and have always had a great time whether it is because of the show on offer or simply due to the patrons. It's honestly like going into someone's living room if you enter into the small bar, pizza is served by the slice for £1-2 and is scrumptious. A Drink is not overly priced either. In the main room at the back they have a variety of shows on offer such as comedy and music nights and even a burlesque night I recently attended. All and all the cultural heart and soul of the cathedral quarter.

Love, love, love the Black box. Did I happen to mention I love this place. I've had some great nights there. The burlesque nights are always brilliant. Shouldn't be missed. A night you won't forget. Also some brilliant events as part of the QCAF

Lots of gigs and events. Huge range of stuff that's goes on here. Always chilled feel.

The Black Box is such a unique venue in Belfast. Nestled in the heart of the thriving Cathedral Quarter of the City, one week it will be playing host to a Venetian Masqu'd Ball, the next there will be a live up-and-coming band, the next a poetry reading, a craft market or a 40s-inspired V.E. Day party. You will find me at all of these events, because I love it here that much. Why? Well, how about the cheap(er than average) drink? Or the cafe that serves great pizza? Or the intimate vibe at gigs? Or the sheer variety of the events they put on? Or the fact that they give me the opportunity to dress up in costume every now and then? There is no pretence about this venue. All are welcome and because of that, you get some of Belfast's most colourful characters here. No hassle, no fussing, just good, honest fun!

Always love black box - lovely staff good music and i always meet people I know - what's not to like?!! Well one thing not to like last night alas was the pizza. For £6 I don't expect too much but this was a little disappointing - I've had pizza slices here before and they were always better than last night so I'm looking forward to a return to your previous great standards next time

The Black Box is quite a chilled out little venue/cafe/pizziera/gallery. I'm always hearing about it hosting so many types of events. It has two main rooms a front cafe type room with tables and sofas and a back concert/events room. The front cafe does lunches and dinners and pizza. They also sometimes have some acoustic artists performing in the evening. Its most definitely a good way to spend a wee night out. And in the back room they have an events room that mostly does gigs. But this room really does get used for most things. If you have kids I'm not sure if The Black Box would really suit you, but if your young and free and into artsy stuff...you will love it. My favorite aspect of the Black Box is their Bar in the back room that has on tap some wheat beer. Sometimes it doesn't get any better.

The Black Box is my favourite live music, arts and comedy venue in Belfast - it has perfect acoustics and its layout makes for an intimate experience - I have seen plenty of live acoustic acts in The Black Box including Boy and Bear and Mumford and Sons and they have been out of this world. It's not only music event the black box offers they also have comedy nights - the intimate venue I mentioned earlier isn't as good for comedy nights as being small and ginger I tend to get pick on by the quick whited comedians and this was the case last Thursday when they hosted local internet sensation Colin Geddis. The Black Box is a great supporter of local talent and if you scroll through their events online you'll also notice that they attract established stars too. They also offer a fully equipped bar and serve a surprisingly good pint of Guinness for a music venue - if you are stuck for something to do tonight I suggest you check out what's on at The Black Box, you might be surprised.

Always something different going on here. Gigs, Art shows, comedy and workshops to name a few. The pizza deal is worth getting! #Pizza&Art

One of the best bars in Belfast, The Black Box has great music, entertainment, pizza and wine. A relaxed place which is one of my favourites.

The Black Box serve slices of pizza-yippee. Last night we popped in for a slice and a drink. Place was buzzing and slices tasty!!

The Black Box, situated in the heart of the cultural Cathedral Quarter is your one stop shop for all things arty farty in Belfast. Having moved to Belfast recently, I have attended many a night here. I've gone on a date in the cafe where there was a Spanish Flamenco dancer singing and dancing so loudly I could hardly hear a word the young gentleman was saying. I've been to an excellent night called Carousel where a group of musicians sat at various parts of the room (in a circle around the audience), one group of musicians would play a set and then anyone else in the room could join in and freestyle. Oh yeah and there were two artists in the middle of it all, one painting in watercolour, one making a collage which were projected on the wall for all to see. It resulted in an intense and spellbinding experience and the audience where much more involved than your conventional gig. On my to do list there is a Twin Peaks night coming up (cherry pie anyone), Isobel Anderson's album launch (a tip top Belfast folk singer) and John Cooper Clarke's poetry night. The Black Box do a great job in supporting local arts and musicians by putting on such an eclectic, but always exceptional range of events. Recommended.

The Black Box is located in the Cathedral quarter, new fresh cafes abound, very upbeat, hip and young. It is a really great venue to watch a concert...very small and intimate. The stage is so low it's almost level with the audience. Although it's a small venue, there wasn't a compromise in sound. It was even doubly enjoyable because we were practically sitting in Lisa Hannigan's lap since we were smack dab in front. The people at Black Box were so nice and accommodating because of Craig's broken leg, that they let us in first and we had first dibs. There is limited seating with about 8 tables in the front and space to stand in the back. And yes, there is a full bar.

If you would like a night of entertainment spliced with culture then look no further than the Black Box. I have spent a few evenings here and always feel like I must make an effort to go back more often as it's such a great venue. I mostly attend for stand up comedy nights ( for which it's always a cheap entry fee ) but I have on occasion attended Music and Film award nights. The bar is stocked with several trendy craft beers, which always make me feel uncool as most I have never heard of. The price of drinks are reasonable considering it's in central Belfast. Upon entering you do get that 'alternative' or 'indie' feeling and if that is your scene, you will feel right at home here. However if you're a mainstream kinda guy (or gal) I'm pleased to say that you'll be made to feel just as welcome. Certainly this has got to be one of Belfast's best kept secret, or perhaps it's not a secret at all and I'm just too mainstream. (That is a thing, right?)

My only experience here has been as a gig goer and it's great to see a venue in town that takes chances with booking more underground or left of centre musical events. There's a funky little café at the front which regularly holds acoustic gigs (which can become quite drunken and raucous) and apparently the soup is to die for if you're after a lunchtime treat. The main room is basically a large concrete room with a stage down one side, a bar on the opposing wall and a small grouping of seats/tables around the area. Depending on the performance the crowd can be noisy and up for it or I have seen shows were you could hear a pin drop. The bar is reasonably priced and the staff know their booze so no worries there. Do check their website and buy a ticket to see something new, I guarantee you'll enjoy. Pros: Can be chaotic especially when busy. Cons: Friendly staff, community vibe.

I'll say it at the outset - this is one of my favourite places in Belfast. For me the Black Box is perfect. I've had the best nights out and the best adventures in this spot. It has a super relaxed vibe and there's always something enthralling occurring - live music, theatre, cabaret, dance, comedy and captivating visual art. If you want culture, great wine, beer and liquor - you'll find it here. For me Black Box has it all and I wouldn't change a single thing about it. Located in the Cathedral Quarter this place is quite literally the cultural heart and soul of Belfast. Did I mention they also sell yummy pizza by the slice? No?! They do - and its scrumptious!

Firstly I'll say, don't look up online what is on at The Black Box, just go. There is such a variety of weird and wonderful on here it is the perfect place for widening your cultural horizons. Then again, it is pretty popular, maybe you should get in quick and buy tickets... either way, this is a great wee place hosting all manner of nights and shows. In the last couple of months alone I've seen comedy, political plays, spoken word, live bands, photography, djs and a even few mates for pints (who are just as entertaining). For me it is the cultural hub of the Cathedral Quarter and even the big mural up the side (go on, pop your head round and look) puts a smile on my face. There are bars in both rooms, and while they might not have the widest selection nor the coldest white wine, the atmosphere and eclecticism of the crowd more than make up for it. I'd tell you what's coming up soon, but I don't want you to buy all the tickets. ;-)

Went here for the New Years Party, and was I regretting it? Not a single bit. There was a limit on the amount of people they allowed in, and the event sold out. Even though seating seemed limited there was actually a seat to find when it was needed. The mixture of Burlesque Dancing and a live Band with a DJ to boot. At £12.50 a ticket, it was a night well worth having! The Staff here are helpful and the prices here are standard for drink. but for events the pricing is pretty decent. It's a strange little place as it plays host to up and coming folk from within Belfast as well as being an unusual place to check out old favourites. The events that go on here are varied and really worth checking out. It caters for Music, Poetry and even plays host to the "Black Market" which allows local folk to sell their unique wares. Their own website should keep you informed of what goes on, and it's a well managed affair worthy of checking out. I second the reviewers comments regarding the bar and the stage, also the friendly nature of the staff. During the day it is opened as a cafe area and it's worth checking out! So if your up for a change you should honestly give this place a try. Well worth going to for intimate gig's. The website for checking out the black box events is http://www.blackboxbelfast.com/

The Black Box is arty but not (too) pretentious, and I've been here many a time for things as varied as plays, comedy nights, secondhand book markets, lectures, exhibitions, gay choirs, and nights out. I was here for a masked ball on New Year's Eve once here a couple of years ago which was great fun, although the night was marred a bit by the poor bar service - the average wait was around ten minutes and the staff really didn't understand the concept of first come first served. Still, though. That was only one night and I've always had fun here. It's a much needed place in Belfast, particularly on Sundays when the only options on what to do used to include a walk around Botanic Gardens or a coffee in Maggie May's.

Loads goin on here, at the centre of the Cathedral Quarter down the town - definitely one of my favourite venues in Belfast. People working there are sound, and you're always guaranteed an alternative night out. Plenty of choice at the bar, a few foreign beers and (a key consideration) decent pints of Guinness. It does exactly what it says on the tin - its basically 4 black walls & a stage. The cafe & pizzeria 'next door' (its within the same building) is nice and relaxed, and easy on the pocket. Was there for New Years Eve and after a few pints of Guinness the massive slices were like manna from heaven! Loads of arts events are held here, the Out to Lunch festival in January and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (check cqaf.com) hold plenty of events, lots of bang for yer buck! http://www.blackboxbelfast.com

We ended up here one night by accident. We met with friends for far too many drinks when one of our number suddenly realised he had tickets for him and his partner for a Kate Bush night. So nothing less would do than we all decided to go despite the fact that at least four of us did not have tickets and that by the time we realised we were going, the performance had already started. We paid at the door and crept in. The place was absolutely great. The staff very obliging, almost comfy seats and a darn great selection of fair priced booze at the bar. Now it soon became obvious that we were among Kate Bush fanatics. The pretender on stage was Kate on speed, banshee wailing without dropping a note and demonic gesticulating with her stage a running track. The audience were in raptures. The inevitable happened almost as soon as we sat down; one of our group began to snigger and y'know once one starts it quickly spreads and within moments three of our normally sober party couldn't control their rising laughter. It didn't matter much to the audience as they were too mesmerised by pseudo Kate. The two who had tickets were contemptuous of this rolling and glaring their eyes only causing still more laughing so to continuing laughter the three laughed their way back out to the pub from whence they came to get on with the serious task of drinking to oblivion. They lasted all of three minutes inside. Me, I stayed, I closed my eyes and I enjoyed the music. I recognised 3 songs over an hour. Occasionally a drink would be thrust into my hand. I refused to open my eyes and I drank and listened. Each time I finished a drink another was wedged in my hand. Some nights are diamond.

The Black Box is an AMAZING little business opened up on Hill Street in the trendy Cathedral Quarter. It's a platform area for loads of different events, meetings, discussions, gigs, all the buzz and business from the arts, music and culture vibe around Belfast. They show new exhibitions every month in their snug little café area. There's a great music venue where intimate, private sessions can be held or it can cater to rocking, crowd filled gigs. It's great having an area like this where you can come and find out all the information you could ever need to know about what's on around the town or even just at this location. They show work from local artists and I would aspire some day to have some photography in this show. A must see for culture vultures looking for what's on! Bonus, their coffee is delicious and very reasonably priced when you look at the high end restaurants around this area...Suzi says; Black Box 5* !

I've heard an alarming rumour that this fantastic venue is in danger of closing due to funding cuts. That would be the biggest shame as this place is a gem in the Northern Ireland music scene. In the self deprecatingly named Black Box, (which is fair enough is kind of all the main venue consists of décor wise) you can see all kinds of music, film and theatre. The set up is like a music hall with lots of little tables and chairs with candles in the middle, and local groups mingle with slightly better known names, all for a very reasonable price. Plus, it's always used for a venue for performances at Belfast's numerous festivals. I've been here more times than I can count, but have most enjoyed some killer plays by theatre groups both amateur and professional, and local bands all jamming together in fairly informal sessions. Should extend their bar opening hours to make a bit more money and stay open!

Cracker wee spot, good for a drink and a pizza. Once a month the black market and black books is held in the back on a Sunday - a kind of flea market, craft type fare. Always worth a look in.

This newish venue has a great range of arts events happening throughout the year from children's stuff to bands to poetry readings and more. The only downside is that it does have the feel of a Student's union and the choice at the bar isn't that great.

Black Box covers a really wide range of events, music, art, poetry, literature, comedy etc etc, so the choice of things to do changes from week to week. The selection at the bar is good, I think it must have improved since the first reviewer here, great pints of the black stuff. And great pizza slices in the cafe have saved me many a night! went to some of the events at the recent Out To Lunch festival (lunchtime show and a bowl of stew for £5!!) and there seemed to be all ages at the show from 18 to 80! so i didn't get the feeling of s students union.

Saw Jake Bugg here. Perfect, tiny venue, right in the Cathedral quarter, the best part of town, in my opinion.

I always kept hearing about events; music, theatre, and so forth that were taking place at the Black Box, including a play that some friends of mine were performing in, but for one reason and another I never got down to the place until recently. We were on a staff night out because a colleague was leaving (sad!) and we popped in here between having a bit of a pub crawl for some food, being enticed inside by the sign saying "All Pizzas £5". Who can say no to that? It's a very art-house type place, with funky drawings and wallpaper, high ceilings, and a feeling of bohemian decadence and openness. The food was lovely. We had nachos first, with mozzarella cheese, jalapenos and sour cream smothered all over them. I'm ashamed to say we were like a pack of gazelles feeding off another animal - so hungry were we. The pizzas were great too. I had the BBQ one, (they are all named after Greek Gods and Godesses, but I was too pissed to remember the name). And they were a good size and piping hot. I will definitely be back here for more events and of course, more food!

this place is lovely and they always put on a good show its great.