Taking a Break in Belfast City from my Dodgy DIY Goings On and A Visit to Muriel's Cafe Bar.

Hi there again!

Remarkably this is not a diy post, although I have, as always, been banging away at the walls and making a big mess, no folks this is a joyful foodie post and a little peak for you all into one of Belfast's best loved Cafe/Bars, affectionately abbreviated and known as Muriel's.

I decided off the cuff to pop in for lunch after I'd been wandering around Belfast city centre for an hour or so today (Thursday) on a little shopping excursion, taking in the local charity shops as per usual and swinging past TkMaxx (where I actually did buy something, I was out of luck at finding charity shop bargains today).

So INCREDIBLY embarrassing as it was I FORCED myself to talk to the lovely staff of Muriel's Cafe Bar and asked if it was ok to take some pictures and explained about my awful wee diy/food/whatever blog, discouraging them to look it up as I was embarrassed enough just asking and no really a flaming cocktail, although no doubt spectacular, was quite unnecessary and I was getting quite enough attention already but certainly next time let's go for it! (Thank you to Glen(n)?, a lovely lad, there's a pic further on!).

They said yes, work away at it and told me the story behind the bar's name.

On the premises that stands there was once a Milliner's shop run by a woman named Muriel. Now Muriel made her hats by day in the shop downstairs and by night, upstairs from her hat boxes, she scandalously ran a brothel, employing several women and encouraging 'going's on'!
This makes perfect geographical sense to me as a local as the shop as it would have been is only a stones throw away from the Albert Clock, (a Belfast landmark) which was notorious from the year dot for being a spot Ladies of the Night frequented, displaying their wares then knocking off down the numerous surrounding streets and alleyways with their clients!

So this is why upon entering Muriel's you will soon find yourself catching glimpses of mannequin heads and hat boxes stashed away in cosy corners while knickers and brassieres waft gently in the breeze above your head as the door swings softly closed behind you.
Because apparently Muriel  washed her lovely ladies undergarments and dried them hung from the rafters! So enjoy the pictures, it's a lovely spot and no I didn't score any free grub, lol! BUT I thought that some of you readers from further afield would like a wee look at somewhere that I always enjoy.

These intimates are all spotless!

The helpful, friendly and chatty Glen(n).

A vintage mannequin with a difference!

The sign says 'Wait Here, Ive Gone For Help' (or looking for for more undies perhaps?)

The lovely Muriel's namesake.

Super pretty display of cupcakes. You can see the lovely Muriel's lampshade in this picture!

I had a lovely lunch, a glass of red wine, gently spiced (with cumin and paprika) pork with bourbon in a brioche bun and salt and pepper spiked french fries.

Sticky sweet and delicious

Lastly a double espresso to get me up and running for the rest of the afternoon

.......so long Muriel, until the next time!

Now I hasten to add that the reason I got such nice pictures with nobody blocking my view was because I was there before the kitchen opened! It doesn't take long for this little spot to fill up! It's spread over two floors and folks it's not massive. It's intimate, vintage inspired chic with good grub and nice wine, you can sit outside on the paved street and watch the shoppers trek by if that's what you like to do or hide away in dimly lit corners of this wee gem.

So that's that. I'm off to bed and I hope this foodie/vintage post hits the spot!
Take Care,
Sam xxx

https://www.facebook.com/muriels.cafebar