Stopped by about 9:20 pm on a Friday and it was very chill - only a few people here, but I…read moreunderstand that it picks up. We enjoyed some C & C (Cider and Cher) in the light of the CCCP sign. Great ambiance and service. Really cool and unique vibe. Props for the trans pride flag flying outside.

International visitor here. I am visiting Belfast for a few days on a multi-city trip from…read moreoverseas. First thing, the side of the building says "Kremlin" and on the other block there's a sign for "Shoe Factory," both of which show up when you search for gay bars in Belfast. I walked up on the Shoe Factory side and there was no signage explaining where the entry is. Thus, I headed over the Maverick, where I had a pleasant cocktail and drag show. From there, I went onto the sidewalk and saw the sign for Kremlin and walked up the steps. Two gentleman explained to me that's not where the entry is, it's around the corner. So for those out of towners like me, in the center of the alley street there is a group of bouncers and a line - that's how you get both into Kremlin AND Shoe Factory (in case you stumble across this review while googling, now you know). Security checks IDs so be sure you're carrying something valid. I had a EU and US passport - showed the bouncer my EU passport and he gave me an odd look, which made me wonder - maybe they don't get many tourists? There was a £6 cover charge, which you can pay by card. I went inside and on the Kremlin side, they had good drink specials. Ordered one cocktail but the dance floor and bar were dead, so I headed to Shoe Factory, which was more my vibe. While I was there, I was taking some videos of the atmosphere and people dancing and sending it in a group chat to my friends in the US to show them how Belfast gets down. When I went to get another drink at Kremlin - since that side of the bar is dead, I started to video the dance floor and then decided not to because it was dead. The bartender at Kremlin (a she) asked me if I knew the girls on the stage / she had to ask me like 3 times cause I couldn't hear her, and I told her no, and she walked away to grab security. They escorted me out and when they brought me outside, the security guard told me I was taking inappropriate videos of girls and being a creep, and needed to leave. lol. For one, I'm not into girls...and second...I was taking video of multiple spots to share on my blogs, with my friends, and in reviews. I wasn't gonna argue so I just left. Needless to say, here is what I have to say in a nutshell: *Belfast does not have a "gay" scene. It is very small, so if you're looking for a gay bar on a visit, I recommend you skip that part of your trip and find something else to do. *I am not sure if this place is a "locals" only place and if maybe I looked out of my place with my foreign IDs, non-Irish accent, and cultural difference. For example, in Amsterdam and in the US, clubs would *want* you to take video and post them in reviews so they can attract more visitors. *in future bar/club visits, I'll ask the bartenders/staff when and if it's appropriate to take pix and videos - which of course, they are going to take as "weird" but apparently that's what you need to do. Don't assume. At the same time, they could've handled it better and told me not to record and/or ask more questions than assume I'm some kind of pervert. *I would not recommend this place to anyone. As I said above, have a nice cocktail somewhere else and don't expect to find a thriving gay scene in Belfast. *I am not sure this business really wants people other than locals because there was no "clear" signage or direction on how to enter. If it wasn't for the dudes on the steps of Kremlin, I would've never made it inside. Also, the way the security guard looked at me after checking my ID, suggested some kind of prejudice. It would not surprise me if maybe to the staff inside I wasn't welcome (again, a very "local" crowd).

Best Nightclub in Belfast Tuesdays with the greatest EDM music in town and if you like mosh pits…read morethis is the place

Zane Lowe was playing a DJ set at Thompsons. While trying to get tickets, I asked a passer by…read morewhere Thompsons was and he replied "It's down there, but don't bother it's sh...engus anyway." And it seems that lots of other people think this too. Maybe it was Zane Lowe and his set; I don't know if it maybe brought in a slightly different crowd, but I had a great night. The drinks were pretty cheap and there is a great little rooftop smoking area. I danced like a retarded monkey 'til the wee hours and left feeling drunk but happy. Getting a taxi home was quick and easy, since Thompson's is next to City Hall and the centre of things. I didn't see any trouble, but I don't think I'd go out my way to go to Thompson's on a regular night. It was cramped and a little pongy, but I was all over Zane Lowe (his music people, just his music) like a big dirty rash, so much that I didn't care.

I shouldn't really do a review based on a drunken night! But I think I had a good night..we had…read moredrinks in the bar at the top of a very steep staircase & then we ended up in a club like place with a dj booth..dance floor & big cave like bed areas. I don't think I'm explaining this right at all. Off the side of the dance floor they have leather bed like seats..anyway this was great for when the dancing feet got sore. Drinks wise I think all I tried was the tequila shots...gooood & then they do Estrella bottles which are v gooood in my eyes!! I must try this spot again soon..don't even know if it's still on the Belfast hot list as this was back in May this year..hope it is though.. I'd like an Estrella, a dance & a wee lay back on them beds!

Firstly I would have loved to run off with the painting on the stairway. That was the first think…read moreI noticed the painting and furniture were totally my taste. Love that it is situated over three floors. Although not so sure how good that would be if you were drunk. It can get very busy quickly. If personal space is a issue, then this isn't the place for you. I had to grab into my chair for fear of being absorbed into the dancing mass. The music was great, the bars on each floor are tiny. Had a good night. But too truly finish the review I would need to go back when I'm drinking. Purely for a health and safety, stairs to drink risk you understand.

Anywhere serving drinks for £2 and doubles for £4 gets my vote!…read more Don't come here if you're not a fan of the 'student' scene as that's very much what Scratch is all about! They are located in the centre of the student quarter and hence aim to catch the trade from the students. The music is your usual current chart stuff and the vibe is actually pretty fun and full of energy. I loved going here as a student for obvious reasons (cheap, cheap, cheap!) and still have a guilty trip over every now and then! It's always a good nigh especially if you're with a group...or if you're a student!

Located just off Botanic Avenue, Scratch is the nightclub part of the Tap House. This in itself is…read morethe refurbished version of what was known as the Fly many years ago. It does not take a genius to work out Scratch has been designed for students to get drunk and get with each other. The music is current, with Cool FM (Belfast radio station) often having DJ's playing at it. The door tax plus the clientele do not make this the sort of place that will appeal to everyone but its proximity to the student area known as the Holylands make this an obvious choice for many students and drinkers alike. Offers do apply to Scratch, with £2 a bottle of beer and £4 for double vodka and Red Bull. Doors open at 9pm. The food downstairs is actually very nice, with burgers being my personal choice. As there are offers on during the day, this can make for quite a pleasant experience. Downstairs also comes complete with pool table which is always a good thing. This night club may not and does not necessarily appeal to everyone and bar staff tend to be quite slow to serve. Though if you do just want a club to go to then make your way to Scratch. Do not expect too much.

I've been to ollies now a few time and I've really enjoyed both nights!! The first was nearly a…read moreyear ago before it got done up. It was a Saturday night and it was a friends birthday, we went up about 10.30 and the queue was long enough but luckily it went down quite quick. The bouncers are iffy about who they let in. So I would definitely advice dress smart, nice shoes and maybe stay clear from wearing trainers. When we got in and the girl at the door told me it was £10 in and I thought she was taking for me and a friend but she wasn't, I really couldn't believe a club would charge so much in but anyway I paid it (which really broke my heart) When I finally got through the door the club seemed really dark which I really liked, a lot of people didn't though. The place was busy but a really good busy (if that makes sense) the bar from me was the only let down. As there is only one bar and takes along time to get served. And with zero drink promos the wallet can take a big hit as its not the cheapest. The music is good and the dancefloor gets full very quick! And it can get a bit sweaty. I came back on Monday just passed there and it was really different. It was a student night and was only three pound in. The dress code is a lot different it's very causal trainers etc. It was far busier which wasn't great. Very hard to move and a lot harder to get a drink. It took me nearly 20 minutes to get a drink which isn't great. But what can you expect when the drinks are £2.50. None the less it was a fantastic night. Smoking area is good with live acoustic set which was a really nice touch. So I would definitely say there is a big difference in the nights so don't judge one without trying the other. On anther note you might even bump into a few celebrities. I met Stephen Davis professional footballer for Southampton and more importantly Our Wee Country!! He was lovely fella and took time out of his night to have a lengthy discussion on footie. I also know friends who have met Ed Sheeran and Rory Mcilroy. So that just says what type of club it is!!

Ok, positives first. I love the idea of this club - deep down under a plush hotel, used to be a…read morebank vault, walls covered in red brick and velvet. It's all very glamorous. However. The bar is waaay too expensive, it takes forever to get served, the aforementioned velvet on the walls just makes the place warm, sweaty and smelly, the music is a little schizophrenic and the crowd is just too tanned for my liking! Also, they have a "Platinum Entry" system where you can bunk the queue if you contact them in advance and pay an extra 50% on the door price. To my mind this appeals less to an exclusive crowd and more to a "more money than sense" crowd! But to each their own, I suppose, and to be fair, the queue on a Saturday night can stretch the whole way down Waring Street and beyond. At the time of writing, Ollie's is closed for refurbishment, so I'll maybe go back and write another review later. Unless nothing's changed, in which case I stand by every word!

I really love club Mono. Its really deceptive from the outside and you'd expect it to be one of…read morethose old run down clubs still trying to hang on past its sell by date, but the truth couldn't be further from the truth. Its really modern and new inside! The bar is pretty big as is the dance floor (what else matters?) and they even have a seating area where you can just chill out with your friends or your date. The music is spot on too. Fridays they mash up some R'N'B with some dance and Saturday it gets electro. Love it! Mono attracts big name DJ's including Ministry of Sound so your always guaranteed a good night with a mix of the new and oldschool! We always come here as a group and always have a fantastic night out! I really can't get enough of this place and as always get there early if you want to avoid the big queues!

I've got to say my night out at Mono was probably one of the best nights i've had in a long time…read morethanks to club mono, belfast. It was my birthday and as another venue had let us down at the last minute I had to look around for somewhere else that could facilitate my party, in steps club mono and offers me their lovely VIP Lounge. I would recommend this club to anyone who wants a good night out, good music and friendly bouncers.

I have been going to el divino for a few years now and I have never had a bad night in the place…read more My favourite night to go to is 212 on a Friday night as it is mostly R&B and hip hop music they play and that's the music I listen to but there is also kneedeep on a Thursday and Tabu on a Saturday which are also great nights It is a great place for a group of people to go to as you can book tables out on any of the 3 floors and the drink promotions are very good. The only fault I would have with el divino is the bouncers can be annoying sometimes and try not let you in for the silliest of reasons such as dress code and if you're with a big group.

So last night I went with a group of friends to El'D as it's currently known, and fair play to the…read moreorganisers cause the place looked outstanding, the music was pure class and the floor staff were friendly, but whoever does the interviews for the bar staff would need to take a class in customer service, cause what i witnessed was stand clear, lack of enthusiasm, poor attitude, no smile, slapped the change on the counter.. Usually I wouldn't mind but the queue was four lines back and the bar staff simply made us feel like we were taking the money for the drinks out of their own pockets. It's not to often I'd complain but last night was stand clear bad service, go to this club for the music but don't expect anything more.

Belfast's nightlife has a lot of variety to offer, and for a city that's still up and coming as a…read moredestination for nights out clubs like Rain have a captive audience. When I visited Rain I expected a slightly meat-market style student night out, but was pleasantly surprised when I stepped through the busy front doors. The punters were largely student-aged, though I didn't feel I stood out as there were plenty of people accompanying me in the mid-twenties and older age bracket, providing a welcome relaxation to the atmosphere. It felt as though this was a city venue, not a necessarily a student-aimed do. The club is quite luxuriously decked out, so there's a bit of an upmarket air that departs from the grottier feeling of some of the city's other venues. Rain is sizeable with a large main dancefloor as well as upstairs lounges for those looking to drink and chat instead of sweating it out to the music. The outdoor beer garden is surprisingly huge, with a band performing on the night I visited, providing an equally Saturday night atmosphere while you're cooling down or simply resting your ears from the impressive volume levels indoors. The music is the usual mainstream fodder, with chart stuff, pop and a bit of hip hop thrown in for good measure. I wasn't expecting anything less or more, so was quite impressed with the selection of music on offer. In a larger city this club could fail, but since it's a cut above many of the student bars in Belfast it's worth a visit. Just don't forget to change out of your trainers first.

I hated rain. I'd rather stand in a club where it was actually raining. It'd be more fun than Rain…read more It has preposterous music, gaudy looking girls who wouldn't go amiss on Snog Marry Avoid and boys who don't have any body hair and favour David Beckham style diamond earrings. I was here after a gig with mates, it was a Sunday and all the good places were closed. I knew I would hate it. I'm sorry to be so harsh but places like this make me cringe. I remember standing on the dance floor with a gin and tonic in hand and watching as a group of kids who looked like they were jumped up on sugar, or err booze and hormones bumped and grinded to 300 beats per minute pop tunes mixed in with dance music. Eek! I tried to dance, but just couldn't. It also didn't help that I had just come from a gig and was wearing a wooly jumper! My friends and I made our way down to the smoking area to find our friend Fiona. She was puffing away on a ciggie looking like she would kill the next page 3 wannabe who bumped into her. "I feel like a geriatric in a f**king zoo!" she exclaimed. And with that we left. Never again!