The Northern Whig is a bar & grill in St Georges Market, Belfast. Rated 4.3 stars from 2429 Google reviews. Known for food execution and menu range and live music and atmosphere. Best for groups and lunch. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated May 2026
The Northern Whig
Across 2,421 Google reviews, 85% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
A historic St George's Market bar and grill where consistent food quality, live music, and genuinely helpful staff create a cosy, energetic dining experience.
You want live music, reliable food, and a welcoming crowd in a historic market-side setting.
About The Northern Whig
The Northern Whig sits at the heart of St George's Market as a casual, historic bar and grill where food and atmosphere move in lockstep. Reviewers consistently praise the kitchen's execution—whiskey chicken stacks with "perfection" potatoes, crispy Korean fried chicken, tender beef daube, and fish with thin, crispy batter dominate the feedback. The wine list, beer selection, and cocktails anchor a drinks programme that feels considered rather than generic. Live music and performances run regularly, creating an energetic but not overwhelming backdrop; one visitor noted "pleasant music in the background" during a quiet dinner, while another called it a "hidden gem" for live sets. Staff emerge as genuinely helpful across dozens of reviews—described as "brilliant," "friendly," "kind," and "always near to check in." The dining room itself reads cosy and welcoming, with table service and outdoor seating options. Accessibility is built in: wheelchair access to entrance, restroom, and seating. Brunch, lunch, and dinner reservations are recommended and accepted. Vegan and vegetarian options sit alongside the meat-forward mains. At £20–30 per head, the pricing lands as "excellent value" for the quality and portion sizes delivered.
The Northern Whig is the neighbourhood spot done right — unhurried, unpretentious, with a wine list that gives it an edge over most of its category.
What Stands Out
Food execution and menu range
Reviewers highlight whiskey chicken with 'perfection' potatoes, crispy Korean fried chicken, tender beef daube, and fish with thin crispy batter; one guest called it 'the best meal I've had in a while.'
Live music and atmosphere
Multiple reviews cite live performances as a draw; one visitor called it a 'hidden gem' for live music, and another praised 'pleasant music in the background' during dinner service.
Drinks programme (wine, beer, cocktails)
GBP highlights include great beer selection, great cocktails, and great wine list; one reviewer noted 'the drinks menu is extensive' and praised 'a great pint.'
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Great food excellent staff/ service well run place lovely manager geard 😊”
“The Korean fried crispy chicken and chips packed a decent punch - really good.”
“Our friend that has the Beef and Stout Pie said the meal was soooo tasty.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
2, The Northern Whig, Northern Whig Building, 2-10 Bridge St, Belfast BT1 1LU, United Kingdom
+44 28 9050 9888Visit WebsiteCommon Questions
How consistently good is The Northern Whig?
Across 2,421 Google reviews, 85% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Northern Whig among St Georges Market's most reliably rated bar & grills.
Do you need to book The Northern Whig in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for lunch and dinner — The Northern Whig is a popular choice in St Georges Market and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Does The Northern Whig have outdoor seating?
Yes — The Northern Whig offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Is The Northern Whig family friendly?
The Northern Whig accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Northern Whig
Yes—it's listed as popular for solo dining. The casual, cosy atmosphere and bar seating make it welcoming for one person. Food and drinks are reliably good, and staff are described as friendly and attentive.
Yes. Live performances run regularly and are a highlight for many visitors. The music creates an energetic but unobtrusive backdrop—one guest noted it didn't interfere with dinner conversation.
Reviewers rave about the whiskey chicken stack, Korean fried chicken, beef daube, and fish and chips. Desserts, especially the cheesecake, also draw praise. The menu is described as extensive and well-thought-out.
Yes. The venue has wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating throughout.
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner and are accepted. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead ensures a table, especially during peak times.
£20–30 per head. Reviewers consistently note the pricing as excellent value for the quality and portion sizes delivered.
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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