Status : Katy Dalys
17 Ormeau Ave, Belfast BT2 8HD
This is another new licence granted in 1987 to those masters in obtaining new licences, Messrs. Donnelly and Devlin. They, in turn, sold the derelict warehouse with the licence to the present owners, Danny McGuigan and Pat Lennon. Danny was a former partner in one of the original Nite Spots in Belfast – The Abercorn, while his partner Pat is a builder by trade. He was the builder of the lovely Linenhall around the corner. Both partners agreed from the outset that they wanted to build an upmarket Irish Bar that you would find in Dublin normally, but not here… In my opinion, they have turned their dreams into a reality. As a builder, Pat was very much involved personally in the project, and it clearly shows in the great attention to detail. The main features of the two-tier bar are: attention to the woodwork (wood ash) is extremely good, especially hand-done curly twisted hand rail and supports throughout the bar; the wooden pillars inlaid with mirrors; 6 large brass rings above the bar; wooden floor with black and white tiles around bar area, and lovely bevelled mirrors with many motifs on them. Suspended from the ceiling is an imitation of the City Hall dome (upside down), and finally, three-tiered wonderful leaded light domes. All in all, a very attractive and satisfying bar, which definitely deserves a look.
A separate entrance leads you into The Limelight, the niteclub, and it’s clearly to be seen from the start that this is a purpose-built niteclub which revolves around the stage. You wouldn’t believe it, but so many niteclubs give little or no thought to the siting of the stage. It is very much a question, when the disco business is slowing up, of “Where are we going to put the group?” There are some lovely features here, like the never-ending Tivoli lighting in the windows, neon chandelier, six pillars highlighted with special flaired lighting, and finally, as Danny says, built-in atmosphere.
Danny and Pat are very pleased with business so far, and feel the future is even brighter with the planned development for Laganside and Ormeau Embankment. The building of the new fire headquarters and cine multiplex close by will open up the entire area.