Whites Tavern, one of Belfast’s most historic pubs, has opened its doors with a brand new look.

ONE of Belfast’s most historic pubs, Whites Tavern, has opened its doors with a brand new look.

The popular city centre pub, owned by the Beannchor Group has undergone a sympathetic refurbishment, which has brought the venue back to its former glory.

Downstairs, Whites’ characteristic rustic bar has been improved with the tasteful introduction of new art, branded Whites’ barrels to age whiskey, port and blended Oloroso (fortified wine) and a charcuterie cupboard housing a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Whites’ original fireplace remains the focal point of the downstairs bar, creating a warm welcome, particularly in the winter months.

Upstairs, the wallpaper has been stripped back to reveal warm maroon painted walls, with staging added to facilitate live music and intimate gigs.

A hearty new lunch menu inspired by traditional favourites includes a range of freshly made soups, sandwiches, baked macaroni and cheese and homemade pies, offering great choice for those looking for quality light bites in Belfast city centre.

In addition to the traditional ale, porter and whiskey that Whites is so famous for, customers will also be able to sample an exciting range of guest wines, with a new variety introduced every fortnight. Special behind bar wine display units, housing dozens of varieties, have been installed to provide space for Whites’ new wine offering.

A new entertainment line-up will see live music fill the venue seven nights a week, with regular sessions from the Belfast Trad Collective and a live pianist amongst the varied line-up. From the outset, customers will be encouraged to play a part in creating the entertainment, with Whites’ own piano, guitar, fiddle and Bodhrán available to patrons to pick up and play.

Commenting on the opening, Sorcha Wolsey, operations director, Beannchor said:

“Whites Tavern is one of Belfast’s most iconic pubs and has long been a part of the fabric of the city’s social scene.

“Following the success of our latest launch, The Dirty Onion, we can see that there clearly is a real appetite for traditional Belfast pubs that offer an authentic local experience.

“The new-look Whites Tavern retains the much-loved character and ambience of the venue that made it so popular. A small and sympathetic refurbishment has been undertaken, to improve the customer experience, with the introduction of food and a quality entertainment line-up to provide a contemporary Belfast experience within one of the city’s most historic pubs.”

For further information and live entertainment listings, search for Whites Tavern on Facebook.