Welcome to Sunflower Public House
Sunflower Public House opened in December 2012 on the corner of Kent Street and Union Street, a site on which a public house has stood for over 100 years. It is right behind Belfast Central Library in the heart of Smithfield and Union.
Sunflower is a simple corner pub, it is free of gimmicks or themes, and it is one of the few remaining. It is instantly recognisable by the security cage on its front door, a relic from the Troubles. While the cage is no longer needed for security reasons it has been kept and preserved as part of the city’s social history.
We have live Music in the main bar every night, with a diverse range of events also taking place in our upstairs venue every day. Local Craft beer and Cider is our passion, and you will be spoilt for choice by our selection on draught and in our fridges.
Fresh, woodfired pizza is provided every day by The Boxing hare PIzzeria from 3pm to 10pm, with vegan options also available.
History of Sunflower
A public house has stood on the corner of Kent Street and Union Street since the late 1800’s, an era when most city centre street corners would have had a pub on them. Sadly most have long since disappeared. Prior to the Sunflower Public House opening in 2012 the pub was called The Tavern, a name which previously belonged to a bar in Unity flats until its demolition in the 1980’s. Sunflower itself took it’s name from another demolished pub which once stood on Corporation Street. For many years before The Tavern the pub was called The Avenue, a name which our older customers still use to this day.
Its current incarnation was opened in 2012 by Pedro Donald. Pedro retired in 2024, handing the keys over to Richard McCallion and Bob McManus, who helped open the pub with Pedro way back in 2012. In it's short history, Sunflower has quickly cemented itself as one of Belfast's most iconic venues. Our first few years were turbulent to say the least. Opening up during the flag protests gave us a slow start and we were also threatened with closure from developers. But we weathered it all, fought the developers with the help of our great friends and customers, and won the right to remain where we are from Belfast city council.
Since then we have gone from strength to strength, providing an inclusive and safe space for locals and visitors to call their own. Where they can meet friends or make new ones, listen to world class music and sample some of the best drinks in the land.
And we wouldnt have it any other way.
Live Music Everyday!
This Week At Sunflower
The Sunflower Folk Club
Every Thursday at 9pm
The Folk Club draws its inspiration from the many successful Belfast folk clubs over the years. In particular we acknowledge the legacy of the original Sunflower Folk Club which ran from the 1960’s until the 1980’s in the old Sunflower Bar in Corpration Street in Belfast’s Sailortown area. The format each week will be a guest artist/artists supported by regular performers and ‘floor’ singers.
The World Famous Beer Garden
Sunflower opened in December 2012 and the garden in December 2014. It very quickly became the jewel in the crown and is a lot of customers favourite place to meet, even in the middle of winter!
South facing, it is hard to beat on a summer’s afternoon with a cold beer, a pizza and a good conversation with friends or maybe even strangers.
Deliciously Fresh Wood fired Pizza
From the Boxing Hare Artisan Pizzeria
Come and sample the delicious, authentic, hand made, wood fired pizza from The Boxing hare pizzeria. Each Pizza is made to order & baked to perfection in minutes in a traditional wood fired oven. The perfect accompaniment to a cold craft beer or crisp local cider.
Open Every day from 3pm to 10pm. No Reservation required.
Dog Friendly
Your four legged friends are always welcome at the Sunflower! We supply water bowls and treats are available.
Do you have any pictures of your pooch in our pub? We would love to see and feature them on the website. Email your pictures to sunflowerbelfast@gmail.com
Sunflower Merch
Room Hire
Our upstairs room can be hired anytime for gigs, book/album launches, parties, readings or plays and at quieter times for rehersals, classes or meetings.
Room Specification
Capacity: 60
Kit: in-house p.a. system, mixing desk, 2 x mics/stands & leads. Projector & screen.
Cut off time: Sunday-Thursday 11:30pm. Friday & Saturday 1am.
Cost: £50 deposit secures the booking, which is fully refundable on the night and any cancellations must be a minimum of 7 days in advance (or the deposit will be lost).
For room availability please call the bar on 028 9023 2474 between 11am and 5pm
or send us a message on the form below.