Front Page

The front page is one of those places that has been here for what seems like forever. They host alternative music gigs and you will always have a good night if you’re into that kind of thing. Stuff like techno, drum and base, punk and everything in between. Based in the ever popular cathedral quarter it’s in the hum drum of nightlife in Belfast.
If you’re a poser, then this probably isn’t your place and you should perhaps go to the box where someone might care what you’re wearing or how good your tan is! The Front Page, wont win any prizes for interior décor (nor cleanliness for that matter) but its a good traditional fun night. It does has a bit of a rep for trouble but I’ve never seen any!

The Front Page is an unassuming bar with some great live music on show. I’ve been here (this is becoming my most overused phrase!) to support a friend playing at an open mic night.
The open mic night was impressive and featured some great acts. It;s a laid back bar nothing fancy but cool. It really reminds me of my favourite bar in Dublin, Doyles (across from Trinity) and this can only be a good thing.
When I was here the crowd were a random bunch altogether. There was a Polish woman across from where we sat slumped in a chair all night, we couldn’t even tell if she was still alive. By the end of the night she was up fighting with the bouncer and obstructing everyones exit down the stairs. They eventually got her to shut up but the bouncers were well able for it and didn’t tolerate any crap.
My housemate is going to see a crazy ‘comedy breakcore’ artist from Brighton called Shitmat (yeah, I know) here on next month and is trying to convince me to go too. She’s even bought a pair of space bopper headband things and an inflatable monkey for the night. Don’t ask.

Where to start with The Front Page?
This is one of Belfast’s most well established alternative music venues with gigs of all ilks being put on here from punk to techno to folk to drum and bass and everything in between. Based right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter it is a bar/​venue that does not and will not win any prizes for its interior or even its cleanliness but it has great history and I have never failed to have a fun time here.
Its location is brilliant and the staff are laid back and always friendly. You will bump into people who are a bit worse for wear in here but the crowd means there is never any bad feeling or trouble.
Look out for people like Bad Operator and De Twist playing as they always put on a good show.

This usually has quite an alternative punk-​hippie-​rock kind of vibe going on when you get inside, and I’ve got friends who prefer that sort of music that were always spending their weekends here, and one in particular whose band even had a few gigs in it too. It’s got a laid back, unpretentious attitude, and I wouldn’t advise going here for a night if you want to ‘see and be seen’ — it’s a good honest watering-​hole for those who enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, and without the airs and graces and fancy décor that other bars, pubs and nightclubs have. It’s not pretty, nor is it appalling, it’s just a basic Belfast pub with a loyal clientele. If you like an alternative night out — this is a good place to start.

The front page is a nice wee intimate music venue to play in or to watch bands in. Nice music and nice atmosphere, although mostly to quiet for me.