The Crown Bar
Back in February I made a Podcast about the day
My podcast inspired Grandad to write about his memories of Belfast.
I see in the Belfast Telegraph Newspaper this evening that the work on restoration of the building is almost complete. The ceiling hidden for years by a thick nicotine layer has been scraped and the restorers are discovering the beautiful colours beneath.
Project manager Claire McGill said booths, ceiling and tiles have all been given a new lease of life. More than 100 mirrored glass pieces from the snugs have been restored and will be reinstalled this month.
Now I wonder if these restorers working at the Crown Bar, had a little go at Grandad’s lungs what wonderful colours would they uncover?
Nancy said,
September 7, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Hello Grannymar,
What a wonderful place The Crown is! It deserves to be restored to its former glory.I thought it was beautiful as it was when I was there, but I can only imagine how it will look when it has been all polished up.
Yes, I would love to visit again and sit in a snug and listen to the stories and laugh and cry at the same time.
Grannymar said,
September 7, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I look forward to your visit Nancy!
Grandad said,
September 7, 2007 at 6:55 pm
My lungs are as pure as the driven snow [and if you've ever driven snow, you'll know how pure that is!]. I’m not only a pipe smoker, but I smoke a pipe that looks like an oil refinery inside, with all its damned filters.
That gunk on the ceiling was caused by cigarette smokers. Foul animals
Grannymar said,
September 7, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I never saw a hen with a cigarette!
Baino said,
September 7, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Great looking pub GM even if it is a little ‘gaudy’. Nice to see this old places restored rather than demolished and concrete boxes being put in their place.
robert said,
September 8, 2007 at 12:57 am
Oh no! I was in Belfast on Tuesday and again today (Friday), although only passing through today. I will be back up there the week after next so I think I will certainly head there for a look.
Grannymar said,
September 8, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Baino, though it may be a little ‘gaudy’ it is unusual. It is lit by Gaslight. It has a good atmosphere and is very popular with locals and tourists.
Robert, In the interest of good north, south relations I have checked this morning and The Crown is open for business. Lunches are can be had in the Old Dining Room on the first floor. They are hoping to have the workmen out and to serve lunches once more in the snugs from the end of next week.
Also worth a visit is THE MORNING STAR, 17-19 Pottinger’s Entry (It runs from High Street to Ann Street) Belfast. This historically listed pub has a menu which features traditional Irish as well as the more unusual such as crocodile. Originally a coaching house, this pub boasts winner of the British Airways Best Pub Food Award as well as being the runner-up in All Ireland Seafood Pub of the year and a Member of the Taste of Ulster.
robert said,
September 9, 2007 at 1:54 am
Thanks Grannymar.
I’ve made a note of both of them and I’m going to try to get to them soon.
I’ve already eaten crocodile along with many other “exotic” animals. But I plan on checking it out nonetheless.