So it is fitting to see that it is getting a makeover at the moment to restore it to its former glory after decades of smoke from cigarettes, pipes and traffic layered on the grime.

The bar will now shimmer as its original designers intended, with the original vibrant primrose yellow, red and gold colour scheme shining through.

The delicate tiles, carvings and etchings that set the Crown apart date back to when Patrick O'Hanlon renovated his family's Railway Tavern in 1885. The elaborate work was carried out by Italian craftsmen who were working on the many churches springing up around Belfast at that time. O'Hanlon, it is said, 'persuaded' them to work on his gin palace in their spare time.

Today, the Crown, Grade A listed and owned by the National Trust, is one of the city's best known landmarks. Around £500,000 is being spent doing up the carved wooden snugs, mosaics, external polychromatic tiles and other high-Victorian wonders.

Now the scaffolding is down, and early indications suggest this has been money well spent. Cheers!