The Botanic Inn — Restaurant in Belfast

I used to spend hours and indeed many pounds in this bar under the previous management. It has gone badly downhill and in every respect is no longer the bar I called my local along with many others who went to watch football here in particular. It is certainly no longer a sports bar, and even to get sport on the right television seems to be an issue. It is very sad to see the demise of what was a seminal establishment in the university area of Belfast. Sad, but something that didn't have to happen as some of the very best staff who embraced the demand for a real sports bar and also the demand for friendly and excellent customer service are gone to be replaced with people who really don't care about customer service never mind deliver it. The days of not being able to move in a packed front bar with numerous players from local football and hockey teams and those in for the football results on a Saturday evening are gone for sure. The bar I called my local as I said is gone for sure. Not just sad,...

Used to love it here, but the bouncers have ruined my experience lately. They are on a serious power trip and almost didn’t let me in with my electoral card. I was confused and said it was a legal way of proving age. They told me they decide what to accept and that I needed to get a different ID next time. They are rude and a lot of people are scared to be around them because of the aggressiveness and hostility of them. The staff and manager are also not great either, a girl wanted to put her coat and bag in the cloak room and when she was putting her coat in the bag the guy working behind the countertops told her she had to pay double. Then the manager began to be rude to her as well. She told them it was a joke and was grabbed by the female bouncer and thrown out without her friends. I’ve never seen a place work like this and it would have so much potential if people weren’t singled out or looked down upon by the staff...

Staff perhaps not well trained, bar boy/man tried to charge me £5.50 for a half pint until I queried it, price was actually £2.50.... have no idea what that was about. Bar has several pool tables which is super, but for some reason in the same area pool tables are located there is an arcade punchbag challenge machine. There are numerous reasons this is not a great idea...

In fairness, poor government, covid & financial crisis has crippled many bars & business's. I'd hate to see the bot go under as I've had many good night's in there. A few tweaks here & there, investment in a bar manager to ensure staff are performing adequately & a touch of good fortune are required. Definitely, that punchbag machine has no place in an alcohol fueled environment, particularly not around pool tables.

I suspect financial constraints have led to one staff cutback too many. Which would explain the uncharacteristic issues in a pretty...