New spaces aim to boost capacity and live music in city centre club
Thompsons Garage, a long-standing fixture on Upper Arthur Street, has revealed plans and late-stage works to expand the venue ahead of this summer's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Management say the project will add new outdoor and indoor spaces intended to enhance patrons' experience and broaden the club's live music provision.
"Thompsons Garage has become a stalwart in Belfast's nightlife scene"
The development includes a glass-fronted balcony at the front of the building, furnished with colourful barrels and high stools, which offers views down onto the street. This area will be accessible both from inside the main club and via a separate entrance, giving it a degree of independence from the principal dancefloor and bar spaces.
New music room and events plans
Inside, a newly created room is being fitted out with a stage and a fully stocked bar, signalling a sharpened focus on live music. The club intends to programme performances in the new space and has announced a full line-up of events across the week of the Fleadh, when the city is expected to host large numbers of visitors.
- Glass-fronted balcony with separate entrance and street views
- New internal music room featuring a stage and bar
- Capacity for the new area of up to 150 people
- Permission granted for acoustic evening sessions in the function room
- Plans to introduce a food offering to the new area after summer
Belfast City Council's Licensing Committee has granted a variation to Thompsons' seven-day annual entertainments licence to permit acoustic evening sessions in the new function room. The licence decision paves the way for quieter, music-focused programming alongside the venue's existing late-night offering.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper Arthur Street, Belfast city centre |
| New outdoor area | Glass-fronted balcony with seating and separate entrance |
| New internal room | Stage, fully stocked bar, focused on live music |
| Capacity (new area) | Up to 150 people |
| Licence | Variation approved for acoustic evening sessions |
Work was still underway at the time of inspection, but proprietors aim to complete the refurbishment in time for the Fleadh, which begins on Sunday 2 August. After the busy summer period they plan to introduce a food element in the new area, broadening the venue's offer beyond late-night music and drinks.
The changes reflect a wider trend among city centre venues seeking to diversify their programming and provide daytime and early-evening options as well as traditional nightclub activity. For residents and visitors, the development will be one to watch during what is likely to be a particularly busy fortnight for Belfast's hospitality and cultural sectors.
Further updates on opening dates and the Fleadh schedule at Thompsons will be confirmed by the venue in the coming days.
