Well well well, all I can say about this little bar is that you are best to avoid it during the day…read moreif you want to have a private conversation and are female. My friend and her boyfriend had hit a rocky patch and she asked to meet me at 1pm for a few day time jars and a chat. I'd suggested the maypole as it is very close to where I was that day. This is a long established pub in the middle of town and it homes all the regulars during the day. I wasn't expecting a modern sheik establishment and that was lucky because I didn't get it. The best way to describe the Maypole is that it is an old mans bar - I have no idea what it is like in the evenings but in the day time it seems to be a meeting point for old gentlemen who sit at the bar and put the world to rights. The bar is bright enough and the Guiness and Harp mirrors make it feel bigger. There are small tables and a long leather bench. They stock a full bar but don't expect fine wines of cocktails as this really is a beer and bitter kind of pub. Anyway I listened to my friends problems as did two or three elderly locals, we all gave our opinions and left it at that. To be honest we both enjoyed the social interactions but a lot of it was to do with us being youngish ladies. An old man's bar so if you do enter in the daytime, be prepared!

A real Irish pubread more

This is a relatively new bar opened on the main street which advertises live music through out the…read moreweek. The pub that was here before had a bit of a reputation for attracting a rough and tough crowd but apparently, according to my local Holywood source, those days are gone and welcome to a really nice, friendly and somewhat quirky little bar. Ascend the stairs into a somewhat dark bar with a nice open roof terrace that offers table service! I love that no more in and out to the bar. There is a quiz on a Wednesday with a special local knowledge round in an attempt to beat the iphones! Karaoke on a Thursday and 2 for 1 cocktails with a live acoustic set on a Friday. Saturday is disco night with Sunday providing the end of the weekend chill out. I like the feel to this bar and I think it is the kind of place Holywood needs - I'm a fan of live acoustic music anywhere so I will definitely become a frisky regular - as in a regular to the bar not some kind of weird horny person!!

Frisky Bear is a strange name for a bar but these days it seems the more obscure the name the more…read morepopular, especially if you put an adjective together with an animals name, like the 'Agitated Cat' for instance. I made that one up but sounds like a bar doesn't it? Anyway back to my review, The Frisky Bear seem to have followed a tried and tested quirky bar formula. Add old bits of clutter like granny lamps, retro toys and mismatched furniture and you've got yourself a hipster hangout. Despite this formula The Frisky Bear isn't quite a hipster hangout. It attracts a mix of older locals and office workers. I visited with the intention of taking part in the free Wednesday night quiz but there were so few people taking apart I ended up leaving early. The guys hosting the quiz were great, really funny and I ended up 'loling' a few times which I rarely do. The bar itself is fully stocked and they do a good selection of 'Dead Rockstar' cocktails served in jam jars. I'd recommend the Amy Winehouse if you like your rum. The bar is located on the second floor and is a bit of a rabbit warren with a hidden games room (pool table and a few slot machines). They show all major sporting events and although it wasn't pulled down last night they have a large projector screen. Overall The Frisky Bear is a jack-of-all-trades - live sport, hipster décor, local bar flies, decent cocktails and live events nearly every night of the week. You're bound to find something you like about the place.

As promised in my previous review of Johnny the Jig I am updating things as I've now tried their…read moregrub. I was actually lured in here yesterday by a sandwich board outside saying 'Buy one get one half price on Burgers' but to my disappointment that deal only starts after 6pm - so don't get caught out. Once inside I didn't want to be 'That guy' who leaves once he finds out a deal isn't available - no one likes 'that guy'. So I stayed and I'm glad I did. The lunch menu isn't too expansive - it consists of a few starters, mussels, wings and chowder and for mains you can pick from 7 pub favourites like fish and chips or burgers. Having convinced my wee brain I was getting a burger before I walked in I went for a Mexican burger - it was priced at £12 which I initially thought was quite steep but once it came out I realised it was well worth the money. The burger was cooked to perfection (we were asked how we'd like it cooked - I opted for pink) and it was topped with spicy beef chili and huge chunks of chorizo - nice and sloppy and full of flavour. It was accompanied by potato cut chips, you know the type that have the skin still on one side for added authenticity. Can't fault the food at all and the staff are excellent - we were seated promptly, offered drinks and our orders were taken as soon as we were ready. A really great lunchtime destination. 5 Stars for food!

I was absolutely plastered when I went here. Disregard this review but I will go again. Im pretty…read moresure I enjoyed myself though.

I highly suggest you indulge yourself in some of the delicious, golden, salt and vinegar battered…read morescampi. Truly one of Northern Ireland's finest.

Nice group of people working. Patio is great for lunch with a view. Fun seeing all the dogs.read more

If you are looking for some yummy cocktails but don't want to venture into the bright lights of the…read morecity, Tates is the place for you. Replacing The Platform, Tates opened up a few years back to add some life to Holywood. Since then it has taken off and become one of the regular watering holes for locals. The decor is modern and glam, with the central bar gleaming with shiny bottles of joy. The bar also has an area reserved for diners which looks nice. I haven't had the opportunity to sample the food but I've heard good things and will update if I ever go. The only points that let Tates down for me are: 1. They reduced the cocktail menu substantially from the original (they probably make anything but the menu was full of good ideas) 2. I miss the train carriages that formed part of the platform.

Tates has a different feel to other bars in the area. Bringing a more classy, cocktail style to…read moreHolywood to compete against the more "local" feeling alternatives. With food available, a dj at tye weekends and a vast array of cocktails on the menu, tates is a great lace for a group to go. Spacious enough that you are not knocking in to others and plenty of room at the bar to get served. Although this is not my favourite bar in Holywood, I can see why it is popular to others. If you do stop in, id recommend the dark and stormy

There aren't too many actual pubs or what not in Holywood, it is more of a place to go and get…read morelunch or to head out for a bite to eat before you head out in Belfast. I have been here a couple of times and found the staff to be chilled out and helpful. The interior is modern and funky without being too pretentious. The Attik Cafe Bar is located in Holywood High Street and offers a fine array of beers and cocktails. Every Sunday they host a live performance from a local band. There is a pretty good bar with plenty of selection at a pretty good price.

Now known as the Attik, good bistro restaurant downstairs, pub upstairsread more

Well, being as my last several reviews have been either Haikus, Songs or poems I figured I would do…read moreanother one while here enjoying various places around Belfast, Ireland. Here's an Irish folksong-style review of Fibber Magees: Oh, Fibber Magees, a pub so grand, In Belfast town, it takes a stand. With friendly staff and patrons too, It's the place to be, that much is true. For traditional Irish music, you can't beat, The sessions they hold, you'll stomp your feet. And on a Monday night, you'll hear with glee, The Buckmad Bhoys, a sight to see. They mix the old with the new, you see, From fiddle tunes to heavy metal, it's a spree. And their fiddle player, oh what a treat, Oh you know, He'll have you tapping your feet. So come on down to Fibber Magees, And raise a pint, with friends and glee. For a great night out, with music and cheer, It's the place to be, it's crystal clear.

We came in here when we were heading somewhere else and to our surprise and luck some live music…read morewas getting started. This was very fun. The place is nice but the crowd definitely made the experience less than stellar. Obviously when it's crowded you lack personal space but some people were just so oblivious and downright shoving. Everyone is here for a good time but we can still be polite.

This place could be 5 stars with better trained employees. The folks working here are extremely…read morenice but made many goofs throughout the meal. They wanted to bring the appetizers and main course at the same time but we stopped them. They then proceeded to bring and open the wrong bottle of wine. They brought red and we ordered white. Other than that the food was amazing all the way around. I have the pork chop and it was cooked perfectly.

Not a large range of vegan options, but what was available was tasty - opted for a curry with rice…read moreand Nan bread. Service was good and staff helpful in checking with kitchen which menu options could be veganised. Its a lovely spot to sit outside on a summer day. Enjoyed my visit and meal.

This must have been my good luck bar because we happened upon it by accident and as we were waiting…read morefor a drink a stool happened to become available right in front of a group of trad musicians! The bartenders were friendly and the vibes were great. We really enjoyed the hour or so we spent here.

Classic cool Irish pub which started in 1720. Walls are full of various Irish memorabelia. Wanted…read moreto try their infamous stew but we were unfortunately too late The place was JAMMED packed w/mainly local folks, young & old. VERY loud. Had a couple pints and a bit of crack. Hope to try the stew next visit. Waiters mighty busy & on top of their game!!! Inside & outside seating w/heat lamps

My hubby ordered a Guinness of course. Great atmosphere. Very crowded. It's in an alley way off the…read morebeaten pass.

We were all over Ireland and North Ireland last week and spent a couple nights at this nice bar and…read morethe super cool area just outside it (with all the lit umbrellas). Really enjoyed the bar and the area. Have to remember that they don't take tips anywhere in Ireland or North Ireland. I kept telling the bartender to keep it (I'd hand him a 20 for 18 bucks of booze) and he'd just walk away - no acknowledgement or anything. Were able to try some good whiskey's here including A Friend in Hand whiskeys (this is an amazing whiskey store just down the street). The whole time we were there we got no rain (same as our first time) so we sat outside a lot, people had cute pups out there. Super nice. Didn't know UK stuff was on yelp, hope to leave a few good reviews here.