From left, Chris Wareing, Hannah Marro and Matthew Knight from Rattlebag
Rattlebag, the cocktail bar in Bullitt Hotel, has been named Best Bar in Northern Ireland at the CLASS Bar Awards
The Merchant Cocktail Bar, shortlisted for the Best Bar in Northern Ireland award
Performers at Bert’s Jazz Bar, shortlisted for the Best Bar in Northern Ireland award
The cocktail bar at a Belfast city centre hotel has been named Best Bar in Northern Ireland at a UK-wide competition.
Rattlebag at the Bullitt Hotel won the title at the CLASS Bar Awards on Wednesday at the Battersea Arts Centre in London.
From left, Chris Wareing, Hannah Marro and Matthew Knight from Rattlebag
News Catch Up – Thursday 22 May
Judged by the CLASS Collective, a selection of 170 bar experts from across the UK, the CLASS Bar Awards recognise the talent, achievements and diversity of the UK bar scene.
The Best Bar in Northern Ireland is a new addition to the awards line-up, with three of the four finalists coming from the Beannchor Group stable: Rattlebag, The Merchant’s Cocktail Bar and Bert’s Jazz Bar.
The Merchant Cocktail Bar, shortlisted for the Best Bar in Northern Ireland award
The Garrick on Belfast’s Chichester Street, which was part of the Beannchor Group until 2007, also made the shortlist.
The latest win follows Rattlebag becoming the first cocktail bar in Ireland to feature in the Pinnacle Guide, described as the ‘Michelin guide for bars’. Rattlebag, and The Merchant’s Cocktail Bar, are the only two venues on the island listed in the guide.
Performers at Bert’s Jazz Bar, shortlisted for the Best Bar in Northern Ireland award
Rattlebag manager Chris Waring said: “We are proud to win this award, which recognises the exceptional quality of Northern Ireland’s bar scene on a national stage.
“This is a credit to the passion and innovation of our incredible team, who continue to strive to create exceptional drinks, events and experiences.”