The Parlour Bar & associated sites are located at 2-8 Elmwood Avenue & is situated in the University Quarter of Belfast, a mixed-use area that includes residential properties, commercial units, and educational institutions. The immediate surroundings include Queen’s University Belfast, the Queen’s Students’ Union, and a number of cafés, pubs, and retail units concentrated along Botanic Avenue and University Road.

Elmwood Avenue forms part of the Queen’s Conservation Area. This area is characterised by Victorian red-brick townhouses constructed during the late 19th century.

Existing Use

The Parlour Bar is a licensed hospitality venue with an established beer garden. The adjacent property at No. 8 Elmwood Avenue is currently occupied by small businesses, such as tattoo and beauty service providers. The land to the rear of No. 8 Elmwood Avenue is used as a surface car park.

Proposal

In May 2025, Regency Hotel (Northern Ireland) Limited submitted a planning application (LA04/2025/0734/F) proposing an extension of the existing beer garden into the rear yard of No. 8 Elmwood Avenue. The extension will provide approximately 120 square metres of additional outdoor space. This area will be fitted with seating for an estimated 70 patrons. The proposed design includes low-level seating, covered areas using open-sided timber canopies, and planters to introduce soft landscaping. A small outdoor bar and a fire pit are also included in the layout.

There is also proposals to refurbish No. 8 Elmwood Avenue for use as office accommodation. The works will involve replacement of windows and cosmetic improvements to both the front and rear façades. The rear yard will be adapted to provide additional parking spaces for staff or visitors.