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  4. Belfast/Antrim
  5. Belfast
The Cloth Ear, Belfast,
The Cloth Ear, Belfast,
The Cloth Ear, Belfast,
The Cloth Ear, Belfast,
The Cloth Ear, Belfast,

The Cloth Ear

4.5
4.5
777 Reviews
£25 and under
Irish
Top Tags:
The Cloth Ear provides patrons with a pleasing twist on the quintessential Irish Pub. We are nestled in the oldest quarter of Belfast and we’ve woven a rich seam of our wonderful Victorian heritage into what is ultimately a thoroughly modern experience. At The Cloth Ear the welcome is warm and the atmosphere convivial. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the gentle art of conversation.
Our drinks list combines classic creations and innovative ideas. From punch bowls to hoptails and wine by the keg, we’ve carefully crafted an eclectic array of drinks to quench your thirst, tickle your tastebuds and get the conversation flowing.

We are story tellers and we look forward to hearing your story too.
No shaggy dogs, no braggarts, no windbags. Just tall tales,

All Tables reservations are for dining unfortunately we do not take drinks only bookings.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Irish, European
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    028 9026 2719
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanthotel.com/the-cloth-ear
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
  • Neighborhood
    Belfast
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 777 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for brunch

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for groups

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Northern Ireland

    Healthy

  • Northern Ireland

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Northern Ireland

    Lively

  • Northern Ireland

    Most Booked

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for brunch

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for groups

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Healthy

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for fine wines

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Romantic

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Lively

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Most Booked

777 Reviews

  1. NadineB

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely and attentive waiting staff. The Belfast bread sharing platter was amazing. Sat at the back which helped with the noise levels.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great location for lunch. Warm friendly atmosphere and reasonably good menu choice at affordable prices.

    Is this helpful?

  3. MaybethW

    N. Ireland

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great menu with good quality food… a good choice!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service from Richard and very enjoyable evening but I don’t know why you asked on booking if we were celebrating anything because no one said birthday to us so that was the only disappointing thing otherwise great evening Thanks guys

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    enjoyed our time at the Cloth Ear for lunch, food good, service good and staff pleasant and very professional.

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  6. JayneG

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    Food was not hot, fish and chip meal was disgusting, large piece of thick undercooked batter with very little fish. Complained and meal was taken off bill. Server said themselves that it was awful. Very disappointed as we were out as a family to celebrate our son and daughter’s birthdays. Definitely would not be back and wouldn’t recommend.

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  7. CatherineB

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    I was really disappointed with the food brought friends who were visiting thinking that we would have a great meal as I have before but it was not a good experience the kids wanted chicken goujons what they got was little bits of chicken in a cake batter my fish was the same the batter was that thick it didn't even cook inside it was replaced with a dry burger obviously had been ore cooked too I complained on all matters got 5 pound off the bill I will never be back or recommend to anyone again how hard is it to make a decent batter or cook a burger ridiculous.

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  8. KarenM

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice food . Lovely friendly staff. Always good.

    Is this helpful?

  9. CatherineC

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Will be back again for another meal

    Is this helpful?

  10. MatthewMcC

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had some lunch here on a Monday afternoon and it was perfect. The restaurant was spotless, all staff were very attentive and polite, and of course the food was amazing! Already planning our next return visit, but with family and friends this time!

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  11. DeniseK

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food was lovely, but we were there for an hour before we got our food. Servers very friendly but the service was very slow

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  12. FrankieFox

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch food and drinks ' served by pleasant staff

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  13. DermotC

    Thailand

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great staff, good food and value for money in Cathedral Quarter.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Slainte

    N. Ireland

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed our visit. It has been a while since we were in The Cloth Ear, had forgotten how good the food is! Five of us and everyone enjoyed their choice of meal. Service was pleasant and efficient. We were in early evening so it was a quieter time but still a nice buzz!

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  15. Daniel

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Arrived at the restaurant to be pointed vaguely to the corner (where there were several empty tables laid for two), rather than being shown to our seats. The food was very tasty but unfortunately the service was poor. Ordering was slow, drinks were slow to arrive, our Sunday roasts were placed at the table and we were told the Yorkshire puddings and stuffing would arrive separately in a few moments. It never came, and nobody came to the table to ask how our meal was, therefore no opportunity to say anything. Overall quite disappointing - great food let down by lacking service.

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  16. VictoriaC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great atmosphere, great staff, great food! Lovely Saturday afternoon!

    Is this helpful?

  17. LynneW

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were out for my sisters birthday. Were served by a gentleman named Richard. He was beyond efficient and well mannered. In fact was so well mannered it completely made our day. The food was also fabulous. Am most looking forward to coming back over the Christmas period. Really hoping Richard will be working again that day!

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  18. MelanieP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Service was excellent very attentive and friendly lovely atmosphere and loved the fact that we could sit as long as we wanted and weren’t rushed out ir asked to leave for the table to be used would definitely recommend and return

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  19. GrainneQ

    N. Ireland

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Lovely food and good for my son and I who are both coeliac. Good choice, a bit pricey, but portions were generous.

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  20. JodieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love going to the Cloth Ear for food and drinks, there’s always a very good vibe and atmosphere in the place which makes it more enjoyable. Very friendly and attentive staff! I’ve never tried a French Martini like it before they’re so good!

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  21. Annon

    London

    32 reviews

    1.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Our starter, chowder was really nice, but service was slow and the main courses were not hot and very poorly cooked. The signature dish, chicken curry was not in a bowl as shown on their website and there was no curry powder in it. The cod weather was very dark and crispy due to either poor oil or overcooked. Manager spoke with and gave 20% discount, but still Wouldn't go back there again, sorry.

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  22. HeatherK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good pub grub in the heart of Cathedral Quarter. Lovely surroundings and relaxed vibe. Would definitely recommend even if it’s only for one of the delicious cocktails on offer.

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  23. PetraC

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was gorgeous as always, the chowder is delicious. Comfortable, cosy and attentive staff. Always a pleasure - Sunday lunch is a particular favourite

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  24. AndrenaS

    N. Ireland

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We all really enjoyed our lunch service was excellent as the bar was really busy.Will definitely go back.

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  25. CaroleF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, great environment & friendly helpful staff

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  26. DeniseR

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Ordered the curry which I have had a few times however portion size was much smaller than usual. Bit expensive for what I got. Disappointing. Otherwise service was good & staff friendly.

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  27. BernadetteG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    I would highly recommend the cod seafood chowder, it was delicious & the presentation was fab 😊

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  28. Ngnsireland

    Palm Springs

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food as always and super relaxed atmosphere

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  29. NEOKLISPAP

    N. Ireland

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent once again!!!! The dinner was so tasty!!!

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  30. KimW

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, really nice pub with good decor and feel.

    Is this helpful?

  31. anthonym

    Berkshire

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    I’ve always loved and recommended yourselves but today we sat 45 waiting for our drinks order, on arrival we got water then ordered our drinks and as I said we waited 45 minutes. Then when I complained I was shouted at, I’m not blaming the staff but seriously guys you need more staff the guys you have were backed up. I shall not be back.

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  32. MichelleC

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Had expected more from the food given the connection to The Merchant to be honest. I had a burger with bacon & cheese with skinny chips. I had to send the fries back as they were over cooked & disgusting, there wasn’t much flavour from the burger either to be honest! My wife had the roast beef which was not great either, the meat looked like it had been sitting under a heat lamp….overall quite disappointed.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Lovely place, nice atmosphere. Main disappointment was a place of this calibre not having olives to make a martini!

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  34. SusanM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brought friends from USA they loved it food lovely

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  35. ME57

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not a vast selection in the menu, but the chowder is out of this world. Highly recommend

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  36. MarieO

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely food, service and atmosphere. Definitely be back

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  37. PaulD

    N. Ireland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. Great atmosphere and food is always perfect. The staff are friendly and efficient.

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  38. JackM

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent meal with great service from Lesley. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcome

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  39. Finn

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food and excellent service, lovely atmosphere

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our waiter Richard was excellent, great service and food

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Cloth Ear is rated 4.5 stars by 777 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for The Cloth Ear

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Belfast
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Irish, European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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