Kelly's Cellars — Restaurant in Town Parks

Bar staff needs a lesson in customer service. Was recommended online to come to Kelly’s Cellar. I came with my friends from Galway the night before the Emerge festival. Arrived in a Manchester Utd. Jersey. Was welcomed in by the bouncer who had a good look at us and checked our IDs. Was served at the bar two guinness and brought down a pizza we had ordered. At this point we had been seen by multiple staff and security along with plenty of belfast locals with no issue. My friend spilled her drink on my other friends jeans so I went inside to ask for some blue roll to which I was greeted with a large bald man with a beard immediately interrupting me and yelling at me that there were no jerseys and to get out. I was very taken aback and confused as it all came out of no where and he would not even let me finish my sentence. I tried to communicate that I would leave I just needed some tissue to clean the spill on my friends jeans. He proceeded to yell at me over and over until customers at the bar were trying to help me. I explained I had no idea and the bouncer had let us through no problem. Even the woman who had served us our pizza sided with this man and I pointed out to her she didn’t say anything to me when she was dropping down the pizza. Another staff gave me her shirt to cover up kindly but very disgruntled. I was so shocked and appalled I was brought to tears in the middle of the bar. The same man started to almost patronise me then, asking had I “even” ever been to belfast which I replied I had well over 15 times and never had any issues like this. I then told him I am a bartender in Galway for a few years now and he said what would happen if he wore a jersey in my pub which I then explained nothing would happen to anyone who wore a jersey in a pub in galway or any surrounding counties for that matter. It seemed as though all the staff changed their opinion of my jersey based on the fact that he had a problem with it when no one else did. He also told me something to the effect that the bouncers had no idea of what they were doing as if they were just as stupid as myself. I am so unbelievably angry and upset at how I was treated. I am bartending a long time and it is part of the job to handle situations with customers with a certain degree of respect and understanding. He didn’t once introduce himself, he kept loud and yelled in front of customers, he had no time to talk to me in private about the matter, his behaviour was entirely disgusting and I have never been so publicly humiliated. In all my time in belfast I have not had a problem with anyone no matter where their loyalties lay. There was certainly no one who had a problem with a young galweigan girl wearing a Manchester jersey. I am super disappointed in the other staff for acting as if they were just as unimpressed with my jersey as he was when they had 0 issues with it beforehand. This is absolutely no way to treat any customer. I understand as service industry staff myself that nights can get very frustrating and stressful. But this person almost just became more angry and prideful the more I tried to explain my misunderstanding and that I was working the same job as him and tried to be understanding towards his position. My friend then went in just to get the blue roll herself since she still had a wet spill on her leg to which she was greeted by the same man still giving out about me?? She said she just wanted the blue roll and had to tell him she wasn’t interested in arguing and wasn’t wearing anything out of dress code herself. Absolute disgrace, I am so disheartened by this experience and I can’t believe there are bar staff on this island that feel comfortable acting like this.

Went around the corner to Maddens bar afterwards and had an amazing night with wonderful...

UPDATED: For a bar I loved visiting so much over the years, it pains me to say this. The bar was since sold and now staff changes. A friend and I both visited recently as the bar service was terrible. Other customers shared the same view with a couple of them leaving to go to another pub (it wasnt overly busy either). The bar was flooded with staff but half of them don't seem to have a notion on what good service is or manners to carry it. Staff do not seem to have the common courtesy to note who are waiting to be served and just walk past. Even when you make eye contact to suggest you want to order, you get ignored. Im tall, so not as if I was being hidden. Was standing 15/20 minutes or even longer and then a guy who just walked up beside me gets asked for his order. I joked with him asking him if he can see me on because I worry I was invisible. The couple who were sat in front of me shared same disbelief of how bad the service was. An ignorant woman walked right up to the bar entry way and pusjed in her order, to which the barman just ignored everyone else and served her. When I finally got served, I made it my only drink to avoid going through that pain again and left. I don't want to write this bar off just yet. I hope maybe this review would lead management to tell their staff to sort it out. Many other people I've spoken to have shared the same views and...

If you're looking for the best traditional pub experience in Belfast, look no further than Kelly’s Cellars. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic pub is one of Belfast’s oldest and most beloved establishments. Steeped in history since 1720, Kelly’s Cellars offers visitors an unforgettable blend of character, atmosphere, and authentic Irish hospitality.

From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by low ceilings, open fireplaces, and a warm, friendly crowd. Live traditional Irish music fills the air most nights, adding to the pub’s unique, timeless feel. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Belfast or a local out for a pint, Kelly’s makes everyone feel like family.

The drinks selection is fantastic, with perfectly poured Guinness and a wide range of Irish whiskeys and craft beers. The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and always up for a chat, making the experience all the more personal.

For anyone wanting to experience authentic Irish pub culture in Belfast, Kelly’s Cellars is an absolute must-visit. With its rich heritage, lively atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s no wonder this pub continues to be a local and tourist favourite. Make sure to stop in for a pint...