Cocktails and Pool Cues: The Watson Review
By Alicia McCormack
A former furniture manufacturer and snooker hall on Little Donegall Street has re-opened and re-branded as a stylish and distinguished bar — The Watson. Tucked into a side street, but standing out with its boldly lit frontier. Despite Friday night’s persistent and annoying drizzle of rain ready to undo an hour’s worth of hair and makeup efforts, we decided our commitment to this review (and the drink) was more important. Rain is not a valid excuse for an uber in this economy, so we trekked to The Watson and were instantly struck by its unique dome shape, with wide windows showcasing the warmth and classic décor inside. Its location makes it a hidden gem with the red and purple lighting illuminating the quiet street outside.
Our first observation was “ooh, it’s fancy“. We typically feel at home in the middle of a rammed pub with sticky floors and some lad with a guitar in the corner belting out Gerry Cinnamon tunes, so we did get a dose of intimidation approaching the door. But the staff could not have been any more lovely or welcoming. The bouncers all chatted to us and held the door, and the bartender who served us was so friendly and offered to bring the drinks down to our table.
The Watson was brought to life with a £3.5 million investment which is evident given the stunning interior [1]. The building was known in bygone decades as one of the most elegant buildings in Belfast and it has maintained that periodic luxury feel. It reminded me of a premium hotel with spacious rooms and grand staircases leading to the different sections. We sat in the front room facing the street, which gave us an excellent people-watching vantage point to sip our cocktails from. The dark lighting offered a sophisticated but also cosy ambience, as we sat overlooking the rain outside. The background music, featuring 2000s hits, was at a decent volume so it was easy to chat and hear each other. The other rooms include Watson’s Wine Warehouse, which is not yet open to the public but promises to offer the biggest selection of wine and beer in Belfast. The Library holds a café bar and cocktail lounge. On a Wednesday every month, Literature to the Tit – a book club focused on building connections through reading – hosts a monthly silent book club. Last but not least is ‘Frames Pool Hall’, a nostalgic nod to the building’s past life as the biggest snooker and pool hall in the UK.
(I made sure to check out the bathrooms because bar bathroom lighting is something I feel quite passionate about. I can confirm that it’s a flattering spot for the essential bathroom mirror pics).
I brought my friend – a bartender – as my designated mixology expert, and we both gave the cocktails a seal of approval. I had the best Bramble of my life which was just the right amount of sweet and fruity, and a very aesthetic light pink. The cocktail menu in The Watson is limited to just the classics but The Library offers a wider range of contemporary options. They are more on the expensive side with classics priced at £11 and contemporaries at £12, but the fresh and vibrant flavours make them worth the money.
Despite the atrocious weather, there was a buzz about The Watson with small crowds spread across the different rooms, indicating that it could be a lively weekend spot on other (drier) days. It certainly rejuvenates the deserted corner of Little Donegall Street, which excepting on nights The Telegraph is open, could be mistaken for a dark alleyway. It is a much-needed addition to Belfast nightlife given the recent loss of entertainment hubs such as Trademarket and Filthy McNasty’s. It provides a different kind of experience to other Belfast cocktail bars, with its open plan layout and full-view windows giving a hint of Europe. The pool hall and other social activities like the book club open the doors for people to socialize outside of drinking. I don’t envision it as a student spot – me and my friends were bringing down the age demographic by about ten years – as it seemed mainly to attract groups in their late twenties and beyond, but we definitely had a good night there and I would recommend to anyone to try it out. I see it as an ideal spot for chill-catch-up drinks, a stop on a girl’s night out or for work parties or nights out.
If you’re someone looking to try something new or for a night out with a fancier but friendly vibe and a range of activities, The Watson is the place to go.
[1] McLaughlin, S. (2024). The Watson: Belfast newest £3.5m bar development aiming to become a ‘venue for all’. [Online]. Belfast Live. Last Updated: 19 December 2024. Available at: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/watson-belfast-newest-35m-bar-30622844 [Accessed 20 April 2025].
