The Empire is a large(ish) bar in the basement, and a 500 capacity live music venue upstairs, and was built in a converted church.
The bar itself downstairs, is nice and friendly, on of the few bars in the city that haven’t been turned into pseudo-wine bars, and features a decent selection of beers, wines and spirits. The staff are well informed, friendly and co-operative. It also regularly plays host to ‘The Empire Laughs Back’ a regular Tuesday night Comedy night that has seen well know names like Junior Simpson play, with comedians from as far as field as the USA and even Iran performing there! The event is always sold out, so getting there early is well advised, and they also run a waitress service, as getting to the bar can prove somewhat difficult with 400 people squeezed in!
The music venue upstairs is probably one of the best smaller live music venues in Belfast. It regularly plays host to both larger local bands as well as touring bands of all genres, from acoustic groups to gridcore such as Napalm death. The sound is usually great, and it usually doesn’t take too long to get a pint. The beer is quite expensive though; with it being one of the most expensive bars I’ve been in recently. The gigs are usually well organised and promoted, and the venue also plays host to a number of club nights.
My main complaint with the venue, is the over zealous, ‘big-man’ attitude of the bouncers, a problem that is also prevalent in numerous other venues / bars / clubs throughout the city of Belfast. Especially at metal gigs, they deem anyone they dislike, or who makes the ‘crime’ of questioning their authority really isn’t in for a good night, or indeed, likely to get in! I personally have seen people get turned away for no reason, and I have also ‘bouncers’ beating seven shades of s**t out of the people they are paid to look after!
Overall the Empire is a great bar if you just fancy a pint, something to eat or indeed to see a live band in a great venue. Just don’t so much as breathe out of line around the bouncers if you fancy a ‘quiet night out’……
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As a member of the door staff in the Empire I would like to say I find this review very unfair. I have been doing this job for two years now & I for one have never hit anyone at all....... So I find the comments very over rated and would ask the source to have a closer look at the job we have to do!!!!!!
iatethewholebag 14.12.2003 03:54
You're right about the bouncers in belfast, they all seem to think they're the dogs b*llocks.
Louise90 23.06.2003 00:50
Apart from the bouncers, it sounds like a great place! Louise. x
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