Every stag do needs a base of operations where the lads can get together and start the night strong without having to wander the streets looking for somewhere else to go. And that place can be River Rooms Belfast. If you’re in charge of organising the groom’s last night of freedom, stick this on your list. It’s got cocktails, grub, music and plenty of craic all under one roof. We visited recently and it was absolutely spot on.
Cocktail Class at Cloud 9
Now, you might be thinking cocktails are more hen than a stag do in Belfast, but hear us out. We booked a cocktail making class at Cloud 9, which is downstairs at River Rooms, and it was one of the funniest parts of the night. Forget sitting in your usual pub, drinking a pint. This is a way more interactive drinking session. When you arrive, you’re given a welcome drink to enjoy as you sit down and have a chat with your group, breaking the ice. Straight away, the atmosphere was relaxed and a bit cheeky, with a bartender who had the banter nailed.
We’ll be honest and say the decor is quite girly, think rainbow clouds and Alice in Wonderland, but who cares when you’re having fun? We learnt to shake, stir and mix up a few classic cocktails. Let’s just say not everyone has the touch of Tom Cruise in Cocktail but plenty of fun and friendly competition was had. The best bit is you get to drink everything you make, so by the end of the class, the group was already a bit wobbly and definitely in the mood for the rest of the night.
For a stag, it’s brilliant because it gets everyone involved straight away. Even the quieter lads will end up laughing while trying to show off with a shaker. It also helps when you’ve got different groups of mates together, like uni mates, work mates and family, all mixing for the first time. A few cocktails in and suddenly everyone’s best mates.
Two Course Meal at Ted’s
After all that liquid courage, you need some proper grub and that’s where Ted’s Restaurant comes in. It’s the restaurant inside River Rooms and we had a two-course meal booked. You know what it’s like on a stag if you don’t get food into the lads early, half the group ends up wrecked before the night even gets going. Ted’s can sort out that problem.
The set menu had plenty of choices so everyone found something they were happy with, from steaks and burgers to lighter options. The portions were generous and the service was quick and friendly. That’s a big win with a big group of hungry blokes. The atmosphere in Ted’s is laid-back and relaxed, so you don’t have to worry about things feeling too formal. It’s a proper stag-friendly setting where the group can settle in and enjoy themselves.
Why River Rooms is Great for a Stag Do in Belfast
Very often, the biggest headache of organising a stag is logistics. You’ve got a bunch of lads with different ideas of what makes a good night and you’re trying to keep them all happy. River Rooms Belfast takes the stress out of it. You’ve got everything under one roof, including cocktails, food and music.
It’s also flexible. If you want a messy night where everyone goes for it, you can. If you want something a bit more chilled with just food, drinks and a laugh, that works too. The fact that you don’t need to drag the lads across the city means everyone stays together, which is key. Nothing kills the mood quicker than losing people between bars.
The location is spot on as well. You’re right in the centre of Belfast, so if you do decide to head on somewhere else afterwards, you’re close to everything. But honestly, we were more than happy staying put until closing.
Tips for Stags Heading to River Rooms
If you’re thinking about booking River Rooms for a stag do in Belfast, here are a few handy tips from our visit. First, definitely book the cocktail class. Even if the lads raise an eyebrow at first, they’ll be laughing their heads off once it gets going. Plus, who’s going to complain about drinks that taste so good? Second, don’t skip the meal. It’s tempting to dive straight into the booze but you’ll thank yourself later when the group isn’t crashing out by midnight. This is the last night of freedom, after all.
Third, no stress about the dress code. Smart or smart casual is fine and you won’t look out of place. The venue is stylish enough that you can make an effort but not so posh that you feel underdressed if you stick with jeans and a shirt. And lastly, give yourself time. Don’t treat it like just a stop on the way to somewhere else. River Rooms is the kind of place where you can spend the whole night and not get bored.
River Rooms Location
One of the best things about River Rooms is where it’s planted. It on Donegall Quay, right by the River Lagan, so you’re bang in the middle of Belfast, perfect for a stag do. You don’t want to be dragging the lads halfway out of town or wasting time arguing over taxis. Here, you’re right in the thick of it from the moment you arrive.
Getting there’s easy. If you’re local, there are car parks close by, and if you’re coming in from further afield, the city centre location means buses, trains and taxis will all drop you practically at the door. For those booking hotels, most of the decent spots to stay are within walking distance, so you won’t be herding drunk blokes across the city just to get back to bed.
Being on the river also gives the place a bit of atmosphere. In the day, the views are decent with the water and city landmarks in sight, and at night the lights bounce off the Lagan, giving it a buzzing backdrop for the evening. It’s convenient, central and sets the tone for a night that’s going to go down well with every single lad.
Our Review of River Rooms Belfast for Stag Parties
River Rooms in Belfast is a cracking choice for a stag do. It’s got the perfect mix of food, drink and atmosphere without any of the hassle or snobbiness. We had cocktails, a solid meal, lots of drinks and laughs, all without having to set foot outside the building.
If you’re in charge of planning and don’t want the stress of organising multiple evening activities across the city, River Rooms should be right at the top of your list. It gives you everything you need for a top night with the lads, whether you want it boozy, relaxed or somewhere in between. Why not check it out for yourselves?
