My first trip to the Parlour was way back before I ever made it to University. Coming from a small…read moretown, any pub in the bright lights of Belfast shone brighter than anything I had ever seen before. It is only three years after which I feel my judgement on what is good and what is bad in Belfast can actually hold some resonace.
The Parlour is quite literally a stone's throw from the front of Queen's University, one of the most prestigious universities this side of the continent. Obviously with Queen's, and in turn the Student Union opposite, you are more than likely going to bump into a student or two. Chances are they will be very friendly. The loutish students tend to go elsewhere.
Upon entering the Parlour, you will notice how clean and spacious it is. Pubs tend to ram in as many people as possible, yet the Parlour has a more relaxed atmosphere. The tunes are pumping, but not at the sort of level where your ears bleed and the only way to speak to anyone is through a series of dangerous hand gestures. I have been in many places where drinks have taken a tumble because people cannot understand my erratic gestures. Thankfully, for both me and my friends, The Parlour poses no such difficulty.
Upstairs usually hosts themed club-esque nights where most of the scantally clad clientele would go. It is free in which is a massive benefit to anybody and the music varies throughout the week so there is guaranteed to be at least one night where you bring your dancing shoes.
A recent introduction has been the smoking area/lounge area out the back, complete with bbq, picnic benches and mini beach.
The Parlour, unlike many other pubs I have stepped into, makes actually nice food!! Fancy that?! The food is far from the microwavable, cheap rubbish you would usually associate with pubs. Here, the food is tasty, reasonably cheap, and made infront of you in a huge stone pizza oven. The menu specialises in the £5 meal and portions tend to be well stacked but from personal experience, you cannot beat a pizza.
The Parlour has offers on a variety of drinks, from wines, cocktails, beers, etc. Something for everyone, whether you are a student after a "hard" day's work, or a 9-5 person who has actually earned a drink!
The Parlour in that respect has something for everyone. No matter what you go in the door for, you are likely to enjoy it and recommend it to your friends.