The Dark Horse — Restaurant in Belfast

Visited Saturday evening to use the bathroom as directed by bouncer in the DOY, the staff seemed nice. Stayed outside in the beer garden for a little while for some fresh air. This outside area is decorated with wall murals depicting famous people from the north and UK including sports personalities, actors, politicians, presenters with some scenes depicted in a satirical manner. The orange order are shown marching with drums and quite a few union Jack's including a picture on the wall about Loyal Ulster. We saw no nationalist politicians, no Tricolours, no Irish dancers, nothing depicting the north of Ireland from a catholic/ nationalist perspective which was very odd given that it is in Ireland and isn't at all representative of the history of the north. Strange to showcase this to visitors and tourists especially when its in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. We visited a few times when our kids were small and these murals were very different and the garden wasn't gated and there were lovely colourful umbrellas. Wouldn't go back now in a heartbeat, not inclusive or progressive so wouldn't recommend. Felt very uncomfortable. Interesting also that the DOY inside and outside was jammed and this place dead as a doornail, perhaps people know...

Six months ago I visited the Dark Horse for lunch with a group of ladies. I loved the food, the ambiance and the murals in the court yard. When my partner suggested that we pop through to Belfast yesterday for a spot of lunch, I thought this would be a lovely treat( we are both pensioners). We entered the restaurant at about 12.45 , and there was one other patron there. I asked if we could stop for some lunch. The man in charge, explained there was no lunch being served and we would need to go else where. I requested, if I could quickly show the murals to my partner. I was rather shocked to be told that we couldn't as it was for people eating/ drinking there. Surely it wasn't our fault that food was not being served. Secondly those may be the rules, but with one other patron in the restaurant could we not have been allowed a 5 minute look. We were just 2 elderly looking forward to a rare outing. This is not the kind of hospitality the Northern Irish are known for. In fact quite the opposite. I certainly won't be returning or recommending...

Come to Belfast a handful of times each year. I’ve been trying to get in to the dark horse for a while for a drink but each time I’ve timed it wrong when it’s got events booked. Popped in today and wow. Amazing traditional atmosphere, immaculately clean. From the start Stuart gave us amazing friendly service. Very chatty which we love and convinced me to try Belfast blossom cider (lush!) he gave us some great information on the Muriel’s out the back. Then comes along Kevin - again top service. His daughter is away training at university doing the same career as myself so we had a fab chat about that. I really didn’t want to leave this bar. It’s amazing and these two are a credit to the owner. Good luck to your daughter Kevin. We will be seeing you all again...