The Cloth Ear (The Merchant Hotel, Belfast)
A cosy, unpretentious hotel pub inside The Merchant Hotel, offering classic pub dishes, local beers and a snug atmosphere in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
The Cloth Ear is the cosy public bar inside The Merchant Hotel in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, occupying a corner of the hotel’s restored Victorian fabric and serving as an informal counterpoint to the hotel’s more formal dining rooms. Expect low ceilings, dark wood, locally inspired pub dishes and a well-stocked bar that suits relaxed lunches, casual evening drinks and post-concert pints in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to The Cloth Ear
- The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper St, Belfast, BT1 2DZ, GB
- +442890262719
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for weekend evenings if you’re in a group; the Cloth Ear is small and fills quickly during peak hours.
- Try a locally brewed beer or ask staff for seasonal recommendations to pair with the simple pub-style menu.
- If you want a quieter experience, visit during weekday lunchtimes when the room is typically calmer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxi or rideshare from central Belfast locations typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic; fares within the city centre are usually £5–£12; availability is high but expect slightly higher pricing and wait times late at night or during events.
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Rail plus short walk
Arrive at Lanyon Place (previously Belfast Central) rail station and allow 12–20 minutes travel time including a 10–15 minute walk across city streets; trains are frequent in the city region and there are multiple services daily; this option is practical during daytime and evening services.
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Bus from city centre
Local city buses serve stops within a 5–12 minute walk of the Cathedral Quarter; typical journey times from outer suburbs range 15–35 minutes and single-ride fares vary by operator (approx. £2–£4), with lower rates using contactless or day passes; services run frequently but schedules reduce late at night.
The Cloth Ear location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Cloth Ear
A warm pocket of conviviality in a historic hotel
The Cloth Ear sits within the Grade A–listed Merchant Hotel, occupying one of the building’s more intimate rooms where Victorian solid-wood panelling meets warm lighting and comfortable seating. The space was designed to feel unpretentious and inviting: lower ceilings and snug corners create a pub-sized scale that contrasts with the hotel’s grand ceremonial spaces, making The Cloth Ear an easy place to linger with a pint or a simple meal.Character and interiors that favour comfort
Inside you’ll find dark timber, leather-upholstered benches and an arrangement of small tables that encourage conversation rather than formal dining. Lighting is soft and lamplike rather than theatrical; a modest bar counter displays spirits, local beers and a concise wine list. Decorative details — brass fittings, framed prints and period touches — nod to the building’s 19th-century origins while the furniture and finishes keep the atmosphere warm and comfortably contemporary.Food, drink and the mood of the menu
The Cloth Ear’s menu leans toward informal, well-executed pub classics and light plates designed for sharing or a single-course meal. Dishes commonly combine local produce with uncomplicated presentation: think seasonal soups, fish and chips, burgers and daily small plates that change with supply. The drinks selection balances local craft beers and familiar draughts with a short list of wines and spirits, set up to suit both quick stops and slow evening sessions.How the bar sits in the life of the Cathedral Quarter
Positioned on Skipper Street, The Cloth Ear is part of a bustling pocket of Belfast where cobbled lanes, theatres and independent cafés cluster together. The cloth-ear pub functions as a neighbourhood bar for hotel guests and a convenient, relaxed meeting place for people exploring the Cathedral Quarter’s cultural offerings. Because of its central location, it often fills naturally with theatre-goers, shoppers and those planning a longer night out across nearby venues.Sensory details and small comforts
The room’s sound level tends toward comfortable conversation rather than music-driven noise; you’ll hear the clink of glasses, low conversation and the occasional laughter from a neighbouring table. The scent in the air is a blend of toasted bread, buttered chips and brewed coffee in daytime, shifting to malt, citrus and oak as evening settles. Staff presence is typically attentive without being formal, reinforcing the pub’s relaxed, easygoing tone.Practical notes on visiting the Cloth Ear
The Cloth Ear offers informal dining without the ceremony of the hotel’s fine-dining rooms, making it suitable for travellers who want a local-feeling pub within a luxury hotel shell. Seating includes bench booths and standalone tables; the layout favours social groups and individuals alike. The bar functions as a flexible stop — for a quick glass, a light meal or a casual afternoon — and its modest scale rewards patience at busier times when the Cathedral Quarter is active.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
