A “boundary pushing” Belfast cocktail bar has been named the best in Northern Ireland in a national competition.
Rattlebag, an innovative late-night cocktail spot which is part of Belfast’s Bullitt Hotel, claimed the title at the CLASS Bar Awards held on May 21 at London’s Battersea Arts Centre.
Rattlebag at the Bullitt Hotel took home top honours Wednesday at the CLASS Bar Awards in London’s Battersea Arts Centre
Speaking to The Irish News, Rattlebag manager Chris Wareing said the award was a testament to the bold innovation and unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality.
“It was an honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s best-known bars,” he said.
“From the outset, Rattlebag has set out to push boundaries, blending innovation with a friendly and personalised service that makes people feel like they are part of something special.
“After a brilliant night at the awards in London earlier this week, we’re looking forward to getting back to what we love doing.”
The longest-running and best-attended UK bar industry celebration, the awards were judged by the CLASS Collective (a group of 170 bar aficionados from across the UK) and 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 Garrick on Belfast’s Chichester Street, which was part of the Beannchor Group until 2007, also made the shortlist.
From left, Matthew Knight, Hannah Marro and Chris Wareing
This is the latest in a series of accolades for Rattlebag. In 2024 it became the first cocktail bar in Ireland to feature in the in the Pinnacle Guide, described as the ‘Michelin guide for bars’.
It remains one of only two on the island listed, with The Merchant’s Cocktail Bar for esteemed company.