McHugh's Bar
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McHugh's Bar is a public house in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Located on Queen's Square in Belfast City Centre, it is one of the city's best known pubs and the oldest building in Belfast.[1]
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[edit] History
McHugh's was originally built as a private dwelling on the old Town Dock around 1711. Some time after this the dock was demolished and the River Farset was covered, although it still runs under Queen's Square and the adjacent High Street. Between 1715 and 1725 it was converted to a small pub.
McHugh's has been given a Grade A Listed Building status by the Environment and Heritage Service.[2]
[edit] Renovation and current status
In the 1990s the bar underwent a £1m renovation and expansion, enclosing the neighbouring DuBarry’s Bar, an establishment with a dubious reputation. The current owners are Botanic Inns, one of Belfast's largest pub and restaurant companies, whose establishments include The Botanic, The Apartment, The Fly, The King's Head, Madison's, Ryan's Bar and Grill, The Northern Whig and The Globe.[3]
The expansion included a brand new section, but the existing building retains much of its original features including the massive 18th century oak beams.
[edit] Tourism
Not as popular or well known with tourists as the The Crown Liquor Saloon, McHugh's has become more popular in recent years, benefiting from the redevelopment of the surrounding Queen's Square, Customs House Square, and the Albert Memorial Clock.
