Smithfield House, Lisburn

The front bar is a real time-warp, refitted in 1954 with sleek detailing, typical of its time, and hardly changed since. It is really a single space but, on the left, are a couple of screens which mark out what are effectively three snugs (that at the rear, which used to have a pair of doors, is nicknamed ‘the confessional’). The smooth, curved convex plywood panelled counter stands on a plinth, which, like the rest of the flooring, is of terrazzo. The black counter top has what is claimed to be one of the first uses of Formica in Ireland (however, as the material had been around for several decades, this may be something of an exaggeration!). The bar-back has an elegant curved centre-piece with inset clock. Painted-over wooden panels to the ceiling. Don’t miss the front door with its attractive sun-burst motif in the glazing. There are, inevitably, some later but minor alterations. At the rear is a large modern lounge, popularly known as 'The Room'.