The Crown Liquor Saloon: A Charming Old Belfast Pub That Looks Like Diagon Alley’s Leaky Cauldron

Is publust a thing?!

Like wanderlust, but specifically for pubs?!

The term ‘publust’ sounds a bit ropey, so it’s probably not a thing BUT, if it was, then I’d be having all kinds of publust (I promise that’s the last time I’ll say it) for arguably the most famous pub in Belfast.

Welcome to the Crown Liquor Saloon  

Now, if you’re reading this and thinking to yourself that you’ve heard about this place recently, then you may have spotted it in our guide to places in Ireland that look like Harry Potter sets.

I’ve always thought that the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast was an absolute ringer for the Leaky Cauldron from the Harry Potter series.

Anyway – here’s a bit about the pubs history

Dating back to 1826, the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast was opened by Felix O’Hanlon as The Railway Tavern, and was then later bought by a bloke named Michael Flanagan, who renamed and renovated the pub in 1885.

Formerly known as ‘The Liquor Saloon in Great Victoria Street’, this pub was once regarded as one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the British Isles.

The pub is now owned by the National Trust and has been carefully restored over the years to ensure that none of its original charm was lost.

Inside the pub (#ItHas10Snugs)

For those of you planning a visit, The Crown has ten cosy snugs, which were built to accommodate some of the pub’s more reserved locals during the Victorian period.

To this day the snugs still feature the original gun metal plates for striking matches and an old antique alarm bell system for alerting staff.

The elaborate tiling, beautiful stained glass and woodwork were a creation of an Italian craftsman whom Flanagan, one of the original owners, persuaded to work on the pub after hours.

These craftsmen were brought to Ireland to work on the many new churches being constructed in Belfast at the time.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years

To this day the Crown Liquor Saloon is regarded as one of the city’s best pubs.

If you’re visiting Belfast, drop by for a pint and discover a traditional pub that’s packed with bundles of unique charm and character.