Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit one of Belfast's oldest pubs

23-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 15-Jul-2024 at 12:52 GMT

Cheers: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were welcomed at a Nicholson's Pubs site in Belfast (Image: Mark Jones)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were welcomed at one of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the Crown Liquor Saloon, as part of their tour around the Northern Ireland capital.

A Nicholson's Pubs site – under the Mitchells & Butlers brand – is known as one of the most "historic and ornate pubs" in Belfast and was specially selected to host the couple as they visit the city.

Prince Harry and Markle met the team and learnt about the heritage of the pub while making the most of the local hospitality and enjoying a private lunch.

The couple ordered Irish stew and sausage & champ accompanied by half of pint of local ale and a glass of water.

Prince Harry and Ms. Markle then visit one of Belfast's oldest buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon and learn about its history from @NationalTrust staff. pic.twitter.com/iT94q2xTTa
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 23, 2018

Thrilled with visit

General manager of the pub Andy Dickinson said: “We’re thrilled that Prince Harry and Ms Markle chose to pay the Crown Liquor Saloon a visit on their trip to Belfast and enjoyed their time in our pub.

“We introduced them to the amazing history of the site and stories that this great building has to tell.”

A Grade A-listed building, owned by the National Trust, the Crown is one of 77 beautiful and iconic pubs operated by Nicholson’s Pubs across the entire UK.

Built in the Victorian period and, like a lot of Nicholson’s pubs, heralded as being a former gin palace, the interior of pub includes a host of authentic features.

Famous features include detailed carvings, working gas lamps and stained-glass windows that give the bar the feel of a church, while the confessional snugs also have the original gun metal plates for striking matches and an antique bell system for alerting staff.

Late licensing

Last week it was confirmed pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 1am across the weekend of the royal wedding, giving operators the opportunity to boost trade.

The Government launched a public consultation on plans to extend licensing hours on the evenings of Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May 2018 until 1am the following morning, to give everyone the chance to “celebrate the occasion” of the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Home Office received a total of 183 responses to the online consultation and three quarters (137 respondents or 75%) agreed the order should apply to the sale of alcohol for consumption on site.