United Kingdom

Belfast

Skateboarding

Coffee

Jordan Nocturne

Producer and DJ, Jordan Nocturne, has toured the world having DJ'ed his genre-blending sounds since he was a teen. Currently, he runs his own label 'Nocturne' and keeps the city's nightlife scene alive by throwing an array of parties with 'The Night Institute'. A Belfast native, Jordan's guide touches on all the spots that are central to the city, from overindulgent sandwich shops to places to experience local art collectives and DJs.

"People always describe Belfast as the sort of place you can stop strangers and ask them for directions, they'll keep you talking for five minutes. It's a city with a lot of history and the people are full of character. East Belfast is going through a bit of an exciting time at the minute with lots of little pockets of creativity popping up, and I'm excited to play a small part of that with our parties over there." Read Jordan's guide to see the exciting spots that make up the ever-evolving Belfast today.

Originally destined to be a short-term pop-up, Freight is difficult to miss as it's housed in two shipping containers on the main Newtownards Road. It's brunch and dinner filled with Belfast character - the crispy shrimp po'boy is my pick, and if you ask for Christy you'll be well looked after!

A 'town square' in the traditional sense of the word. Enjoy a coffee and watch the diverse characters who have made the square home - from skate crews to edgy Gen-Z kids hanging out with their friends.

Dumplings & cocktails set to a soundtrack of balearic, disco or whatever fits the vibe.

Home to some of Belfast's most exciting creatives and independent artists, Vault is a community-driven collective of art studios based in an imposing former school building. From circus performers to musicians it's a genuine haven for eccentricity and art.

I came across rivet on the recommendation of my friend Timmy Stewart, who I run The Night Institute alongside. Run by one of Belfast's original rave crew, Ricky Johnston, I recently got kitted out from the comfort of Ricky's garage.

If you can brave the queue, your hangover is sorted. My tip is to pop to the off-licence down the road whilst waiting, grab a cold Estrella, and take your sandwich over to Stormont park and hope security doesn't notice.

CS Lewis Square

Related Guides