657 Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 4EF
A relatively new hotel (with only 22 bedrooms) built in 1980, it takes its name from Lansdowne Road, where it stands at the top. Immediately you enter, you get a homely feeling and the management, Croft Inns Ltd., and staff go out of their way to cater for the needs of the local people. It was a nice touch to call the various suites and function rooms after local names like Fortwilliam, Innisfayle, Somerton and Ashley.
The Buttery Lounge is a large one, but the square bar itself was designed specifically to facilitate conversation between staff and customer. This is the place to be on a Wednesday night, when the Trad. Jazz afficionados gather. Adjacent is The Garden Grill Restaurant, very tastefully designed, with an atmosphere of complete relaxation, overlooking a prizewinning landscaped garden with a fine view of Napoleon’s profile.
Finally, there is A.J. Raffles, a colourful (pink, green and white) up-market night club. Pink, blue and green neon with Tivoli lights running round the room, enhance the picture. Very nice indeed.