Malmaison Belfast

You'll find this sleek bar tucked into the boutique hotel on Victoria Street, but don't let the hotel tag put you off - this is far from your typical lobby watering hole. The dark, moody interiors with deep purple velours and exposed brick create an intimate atmosphere that draws as many locals as guests, especially after work when the Cathedral Quarter crowd piles in. The cocktail menu is properly considered, not just the usual hotel fare, and the bartenders know their way around a shaker. Being open round the clock means you can nurse a nightcap at 2am or grab an early evening drink before dinner elsewhere. The crowd skews professional and polished, making it ideal for impressing clients or dates who appreciate somewhere with a bit of substance.