Owner of historic Belfast bar to retire after 50 years stating 'I've had enough'

A Northern Ireland publican has shocked the local hospitality industry by announcing plans to retire after nearly 50 years.

John Bittles, owner of the popular Bittles Bar in Belfast, has revealed that this year will be his last as he aims to bow out of the pub game.

Highlighting the challenges and a change in the local pub trade over the years, John hit out stating ‘it sometimes feels like you're just a collector of money for everyone else, with margins getting less and less’.

Northern Ireland publican John Bittles has shocked the local hospitality industry by announcing plans to retire after nearly 50 years. Owner of the popular Bittles Bar in Belfast, has revealed that this year will be his last as he aims to bow out of the pub game. He is pictured with friend Stevie Haughey, owner of Ireland Before You Die, a travel website dedicated to promoting tourism to Belfast

He explained: "After 50 years of running a busy pub, it's time for me to quit, step back and take a well-deserved break.

"It's been seven days a week without a week off since 1990. Next year I’ll be 65. Half a century in the industry is enough for anyone. I’ve a house up in Donegal and that’s where I’m going for a quieter life.

"The pub trade has changed a lot over the years. It sometimes feels like you're just a collector of money for everyone else, with margins getting less and less. I’m tired and fed up and it feels like now is the time. I’ve really had enough."

Since 1868, there has been a bar at 70 Upper Church Lane, however John Bittles, owner of the popular Bittles Bar in Belfast is still uncertain about the future of the premises. Credit: Bittles Bar

Since 1868, there has been a bar at 70 Upper Church Lane, however John is still uncertain about the future of the premises.

He continued: "It’s known as the Flat Iron Building and has been a landmark in Belfast for centuries. But I'm not sure if my sons are interested in taking over the bar. They might have seen enough of it to want a different path. Whether it remains in the family or is sold before I retire in the next year or so, I really can't say for sure.”

In announcing his retirement, John also took particular umbrage with “coffee drinkers, Coke drinkers, and the new one coming on the scene, water drinkers”.

He added: “They’re walking in – complete strangers, randomers – and telling me they want a pint of water. You can’t be coming in here and ordering pints of water. I know things are tough, but it’s like that for everyone. You might be able to get a pint of water with your pint [of Guinness] but not instead of it.”

Back in 2022, John also made headlines for refusing to serve customers Coke.