The Marcus Ward in Belfast

Ah, The Marcus Ward, it's one of those places in Belfast that you stumble upon and think, 'Now that's a proper find!' From what I've gathered from chats with others, the cocktails are where it really shines – they've got an impressive lineup of classics and inventive ones like the Black Violin or the Irish Old Fashioned, all mixed up with care and at prices that won't set you back too much, especially with those happy hour deals. The team behind the bar are just brilliant, always friendly and attentive, which makes the whole place feel welcoming and relaxed. Pop in on a weekend and you're in for a treat with the lively atmosphere and maybe even some live music to get things buzzing. But, and I say this with a bit of caution, the food's not quite up to the same standard; a few have mentioned it being greasy and arriving at wonky times, which has put a damper on their evenings and even left them feeling a bit off. Still, if you're after a spot for cracking drinks and good company rather than a full meal, it's definitely worth a visit – just manage your expectations on the grub side, and you'll likely have a smashing time!