The Spaniard is a pub in St Georges Market, Belfast. Rated 4.5 stars from 1554 Google reviews. Known for exceptional guinness & rum selection and live music & comedy events. Best for groups of friends and live music nights. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated May 2026
The Spaniard
Across 1,560 Google reviews, 90% gave four or five stars.
About The Spaniard
The Spaniard is a Belfast institution anchoring St. George's Market with two decades of staying power in a neighbourhood where bars come and go. Reviewers describe a small, cosy, eclectic space—downstairs brighter, upstairs more intimate with quirky décor—that punches above its weight on cocktails and Guinness. The rum collection is vast and the bartenders are knowledgeable, steering drinkers toward recommendations that land. Live music and comedy nights run regularly, drawing a mixed crowd of locals, tourists, and groups who value the laid-back vibe and affordable pricing. Dogs are welcome, and the multi-floor layout means there's always a corner to claim. Wheelchair access is available at entrance and seating. The consensus: it's not fancy, but it's exactly right—a genuine neighbourhood anchor where the music, craic, and conversation matter more than polish.
The Spaniard lands in the category of venues that are as much about the cocktails as the food — a destination choice rather than a convenience one.
What Stands Out
Exceptional Guinness & rum selection
Multiple 5★ reviews cite 'best pint of Guinness in Belfast' and praise the 'vast rum list' with knowledgeable bartenders able to recommend based on preference.
Live music & comedy events
Reviews highlight regular live music, comedy nights (e.g. 'The Comedy night with James have been amazing fun'), and a fantastic music playlist that defines the venue's atmosphere.
Cosy, multi-floor layout with character
Reviewers describe 'small cosy bar downstairs', 'upstairs more cozy and fun decor filled with images of the sacred heart', and note the eclectic, unpretentious design that works for both intimate groups and larger gatherings.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Very nice place, great selection of food and drinks and very friendly staff.”
“Good location to escape all the shopping and have a pint”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
3 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ, United Kingdom
+44 28 9023 2448Common Questions
How consistently good is The Spaniard?
Across 1,560 Google reviews, 90% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Spaniard among St Georges Market's most reliably rated pubs.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Spaniard
Yes. Multiple floors accommodate groups, live music and comedy nights run regularly, and the casual vibe encourages conversation. Reviewers note it's 'a good spot to go to with friends and a deck of cards' and 'all packed with happy people'.
The Guinness is frequently praised as 'the best pint in Belfast'. The rum collection is vast with knowledgeable bartenders, and cocktails like the Dark & Stormy and Pina Colada are standouts. Beer and wine are also available.
Yes, dogs are allowed at The Spaniard, making it a pet-friendly option in the city centre.
Yes. Live music plays most weekends and comedy nights are hosted regularly, with reviewers praising the 'fantastic music playlist' and calling it a key draw.
Yes. The venue has a wheelchair accessible entrance and accessible seating available.
Casual, cosy, and eclectic. Reviewers describe it as 'not fancy' but 'exactly right'—a laid-back neighbourhood bar with character, quirky décor, and a welcoming mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
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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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