It is Belfast's most famous bar and also its most bombed; -it
survived over 40 bombings during the Troubles and is a renowned gem
of Victorian High Gothic extravagance.
As one of Belfast's top tourist attractions, the Crown is an
indispensable stop for many visitors to the city: Brad Pitt has
been in, so has Jimmy Nesbitt and a host of other actors appearing
at the theatre across the road.
The National Trust acquired the city-centre bar in the 1970s,
partly at the urging of Sir John Betjeman, who praised it as "a
many-coloured cavern". A flavour of its character was given by
conservationist Charles Brett, who wrote: "The interior is of
almost unbelievable richness, with the ground floor's colourful
tiles and stained or painted glass. "The ceiling is a swirling
pattern of red and yellow arabesques in high relief; behind the bar
a series of arched and pillared recesses house casks with splendid
brass pipes and taps. "The windows are painted with curling
designs; the sunlight filtered through them falls on a series of
panelled snugs, their doorways surmounted by rows of heraldic lions
and gryphons." According to John Baird, the trust's conservation
manager: "The Crown is a unique, wonderfully preserved masterpiece
in bar architecture and one of Belfast's most visited landmarks. We
are really excited at restoring it to its former glory."
One of the pub's most striking characteristics lies in its
snugs, 10 booths with little doors "guarded by rampant timber lions
and gryphons, complete with match-striking plates, bells to summon
further refreshments, and mirrors decorated with ancient
transfers." The snugs provide upholstered islands of comparative
privacy in a busy bar. They also add to the faint but definite
sense that the pub, while predominantly about drinking and
socialising, also has oddly religious overtones. While there is
nothing overtly holy about the place, many of its fixtures are
redolent of those in some of Belfast's many churches. There is
something of the cathedral here, with the snugs reminiscent of
confessional booths.
extracts from By David Mc Kittrick - The Independent
THE CACHE is placed outside the bar, at the front on the main
street, and is a nano - fiddly to work with. Please use the utmost
discretion when retrieving and replacing the cache as this is such
a busy spot. Also, bring your own pen or pencil and initial the
log.
(above photo courtesy of The SD's)