Crown Bar
City Centre
— 1826 —
The Crown Bar is a gem in Belfast's architectural crown! This priceless time capsule is a rare and remarkably intact survivor of the 19th century gin palaces. Moreover, it is a living, breathing pub, described by John Betjeman as a "many coloured cavern", where the full drama of city life is played out every day.
The building dates from 1826 when it was the Railway Tavern, an inconspicuous travellers' inn opposite the Great Northern Railway Station. This changed in the 1880s when it was taken over by Michael Flanagan. He drew up ambitious plans for the newly acquired bar with a firm of local architects, E. & J. Byrne.
The results were unveiled in 1885 and from the outset the Crown Bar's customers were impressed with its opulent stained glass, its ornate plaster mouldings, detailed tilework and ten intricately carved snugs guarded by rampant gryphons & lions, complete with match-striking plates and bells to summon more refreshment. The lavishly tiled exterior façade with two columned porch was added in 1898.
The 1960s and 1970s were not kind to the Crown Bar and its position opposite the Europa Hotel, the most bombed hotel in Europe, meant that it was buffeted by more than 40 blasts. Good fortune stepped in when the National Trust, Northern Ireland's largest conservation charity, assumed ownership in 1978 and undertook
this page online
Today, the Crown Bar's opulent interior is magnificently set off by its gas lights and gleaming brasswork. Behind the bar is a myriad of painted glass and mosaics. Large oak casks gleam with brass taps and at one end, a painted mirror reveals an inviting female figure reclining among clusters of grapes. Such sights often leave first time visitors open-mouthed and ready for a steadying pint.
Erected by the City of Belfast.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 54° 35.684′ N, 5° 56.058′ W. Marker is in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Marker is at the intersection of Great Victoria Street (Northern Ireland Route A1) and Amelia Street, on the left when traveling south on Great Victoria Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT2 7BA, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Great Victoria Street Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Opera House (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Street (about 120 meters away, measured
Also see . . .
1. The Crown Bar, Belfast 360o Tour. (Submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Crown Liquor Saloon at Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Visit Belfast. (Submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. The Crown Bar (National Trust info). (Submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on May 13, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4, 5. submitted on June 10, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
