The Crown Bar, one of Belfast's most historic pubs, will be back in business today after temporarily closing its doors last week because its drinks licence had expired.
The Crown Bar, on Great Victoria Street, is owned by the National Trust but is operated by licensee Mitchells & Butlers.
It is a key tourist attraction and a popular haunt for both locals and visitors to the city.
Pubs of Ulster, the industry trade body, has confirmed that the historic Belfast pub had been granted a new liquor licence at a court hearing in the city yesterday.
A spokesman for Pubs of Ulster said: “This has no doubt been a difficult week for one of our most iconic pubs but we are glad to see that common sense has prevailed and the license to sell alcohol has been granted.”
The Crown Liquor Saloon (its official name), dates from 1826, when it was known as The Railway Tavern, reflecting the commencement of a Belfast to Lisburn train service.
It was made famous by Patrick Flanagan, who transformed it into a “gin palace” after being inspired by travels around the world.
