The Best of Belfast: The Reporter Bar

By Sarah Michaelides

Fresh-faced as a newcomer to Belfast, I did not realise that the Reporter bar had opened as recently as 2021. A tiny venue, innocuous and easy to miss, it’s wedged between The Maverick and Kremlin, two popular LGBTQ venues in the heart of the rainbow quarter. Situated on Union Street beside the old Belfast Telegraph Building and the Irish News offices, The Reporter bar is an ode to Belfast’s publishing past. The walls are adorned in decoration that reflects the nature of the publishing industry: framed articles; photographs of Northern Ireland reporters; vintage typewriters and retro cameras. The bar is decorated in polaroid pictures of the various customers who have graced the bar. The lighting is low and intimate, perfect for a casual drink with friends or a date night.

The Reporter Bar seats around twenty people. Perhaps my favourite table is a booth down the back nestled into the wall and concealed by a dark red velvet curtain. This booth feels cosy and private, perfect for having a deep conversation with friends – while also having the added benefit of being in a bar. The Reporter is a dog-friendly bar, meaning that not only is your visit full of welcoming and friendly staff, but also some of the nicest dogs in Belfast.

The Reporter is a mixed bag: students, couples, old and young alike. It is an inclusive space, particularly for queer people. The staff are friendly and not overbearing – open for a chat at the bar, or simply to leave you to your own devices. The Reporter specialises in Northern Irish craft beers, such as from breweries like Beer Hut, Bullhouse and Mourne Mountains Brewery. There is something nice about drinking a beer that was made in Northern Ireland and supporting local businesses.

The Reporter does a different event every night of the week: Monday is arts and crafts, Tuesday is a trivia quiz, Wednesday is bulletin bingo, Thursday is for trad music, on Friday and Saturday live music is performed, and Sunday is for old and iconic albums played on vinyl. Friday night has an event called the workers club, where pints cost £3.80 between the hours of 5 to 8 pm, followed by live music.

The best thing about the Reporter, is not the cheap pints, but the event ‘Arts and Crafts Cans’ which runs every Monday evening at 8 o’clock. The combination of creating art and being in a pub setting made me sceptical at first but this event pulls it off. Since the Reporter is so small, you usually have to book a table in advance through the venue’s Instagram page. However, on quieter evenings, I have managed to show up and get a table spontaneously, such as the very first time I stumbled across this.

Every Monday night is a set activity: whether it be bookmark making, origami, making trinket dishes, or appreciating the work of an artist and having a hand at replicating some of their work, there is art for everyone. Another thing about this event is that it requires no skill level – everything is open to complete beginners or seasoned artists, meaning if you simply want to have some fun with your friends, you’re in the right place. Many times, I have gone to this event simply because I wanted to relax and have something fun to do with my hands, while also having a drink with my friends. Making art with friends can be competitive or inspiring, but most of the time it is a way to unwind. The event is typically run by Belfast artist, Collette Conway, who is there to assist you in any way you need. To see what art is planned, the Reporter Instagram page posts a monthly line-up of what to expect. Furthermore, the event is completely free. As a student this feels almost too good to be true. You get a full evening to engage in arts and crafts with all the materials provided. Many people interested in art would not have paintbrushes or painting sets which is why this event is so useful. You can try your hand at painting, clay, drawing, or jewellery-making without having to buy anything other than a drink at the bar. Better yet, since it finishes around half ten, you can catch the last bus back to your student accommodation and have a great evening out that costs less than £10.

The Reporter bar is new enough that it isn’t crowded with students, nor especially loud. The small venue and cosy atmosphere make it perfect for dates, catch-up with friends, or simply the chance to relax after a hard day. The Arts and Crafts Cans is a fresh idea that provides something different to do on your Monday night. Art and alcohol are an adventurous mix, and one the Reporter bar does very well.

Edited by Tiffany Murnaghan