About

The Watson is an entertainment venue located in the heart of Belfast’s City Centre, with 4 exciting venues - The Library - Café Bar & Cocktail Bar, The Watson Draught House, Frames Pool (& Shufl) Hall & Poke Club.

Built in 1896, The Watson building was originally known as Library House and was one of the most elegant buildings in Belfast. The building was known locally as the ‘Smoothing Iron’, with its shape resembling an old-fashioned iron ‘Granny’ used to smooth the clothes. A Rich Heritage The building was home to the well-known furniture manufacturer, Robert Watson & Co Ltd, whose beds were used by royalty & also passengers on-board the world-famous Titanic. Robert Watson & Co Ltd occupied the building for decades before closing in the late 1960s. In 1983, it reopened as the Frames Complex and soon became the biggest snooker and pool hall in the U.K.

Their front bar, The Library, occupies two floors, both ground and first floor, with a continental feel which is different from anywhere else in the city. The ground floor café bar offers a great range of teas, coffee & wine, beer & spirits. Why not try their Flight Boards, featuring 3 x 100ml wines of your choice for a unique wine tasting experience. The upstairs cocktail bar with its very own curated cocktail list opens at the weekend, and with its vista from our first-floor windows, it is the best seat in town. 

Library Café Bar is open Monday to Sunday from 12pm.

The Library Cocktail Lounge is open Thursday 5pm – 12am, Friday & Saturday 5pm – 1am.

DRAUGHT HOUSE

Their lively public bar features a diverse draught beer selection, with both local craft breweries and renowned international brands on tap. Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders are always ready to recommend the perfect pint, based on individual preferences, enhancing your overall experience. Open Monday - Wednesday 5pm - 12am, Thursday 5pm – 12amm, Friday 12pm – 1pm, Saturday 12pm – 1pm, Sunday - closed. 

LIVE MUSIC & DJS

With live music & DJs at the weekend and major sporting events shown, this is the ideal spot for both casual gatherings and dedicated beer enthusiasts.

CHALK UP! CALLING ALL HUSTLERS

Frames Pool Hall is legendary in Belfast. After lying vacant for several years, it was reopened in 1983 when snooker was one of the biggest sports on UK television. Once home to over 50 tables across 5 floors of the venue, it soon became the biggest snooker and pool hall in the UK. Now featuring 10 pool tables (with more to come) in 2 beautifully restored rooms, it's time to bring back the nostalgia of the past whilst giving a new experience to our future regulars.

Our third Pool Room has just opened, featuring two new electronic shuffleboards - the first in Belfast, four new pool tables and a bar!

Frames Pool Hall open Monday to Thursday 12pm – 12am, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 1am, Sunday 12pm – 12am.

*Please Note: Under 18s  must be accompanied & supervised by a responsible adult (parent or guardian) at all times and adhere to our dress code policy.

POKE CLUB

Poke Club at The Watson offers delicious fresh-cut, triple-cooked Belgian-style fries and creamy mash. Choose from a variety of homemade speciality sauces and toppings on your poke (cone), tray or bowl.

Grab your frites to-go from our takeaway hatch or enjoy at your table inside any of our three venues. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour, proper fries – every time.

Poke Club open Monday to Thursday 12pm – 8pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 10pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm.