Northern Whig, Bar and restaurant in Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Northern Whig occupies a substantial neoclassical building with grand architectural features and prominent stone columns framing its entrance in Cathedral Quarter. The interior spans multiple levels with extensive bar and dining areas decorated with historical fixtures and artwork.
The building was erected in 1819 and first served as a hotel and gentleman's club before becoming the headquarters of the Northern Whig newspaper starting in 1922. It sustained bomb damage during World War II but was subsequently restored and converted into a commercial printing operation.
Soviet-era statues from Prague's Communist Party headquarters stand inside, creating a visual connection to European political history that visitors encounter throughout the space.
The entrance is accessible from the street via broad steps, with open doors making arrival straightforward for most visitors. Inside, multiple levels are connected by stairs, so consider your mobility needs when planning your visit.
The building endured bombing during the Belfast Blitz in 1941, yet survived this devastating raid and was eventually restored to become the venue you see today. This resilience is literally written into the structure itself.
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