Maverick looks to reach new heights with rooftop bar

Owner John McElhatton has applied for planning permission from Belfast City Council for extensions to the first and second storey of the popular gay nightspot, as well as for a rooftop bar and other alterations.

Plans have been lodged on the Department for Infrastructure’s planning portal and GMR Architects has been appointed to work on the project.

The Maverick, on the corner of Donegall Street and Union Street, opened in 2013. It’s now a popular night-time venue known for “cabaret and craic” nights featuring popular drag queens.

Mr McElhatton previously operated traditional pub The Front Page on the site, pulling in drinkers from the nearby offices of the Irish News, Belfast Telegraph and News Letter.

Its location on Donegall Street had meant it became known as Belfast’s Fleet Street, although all three have now left the area.

The Irish News was the last of the three newspapers to leave, upping sticks this year for a new home on Fountain Street.

The locality’s closeness to the new Ulster University campus means it’s now the site of several blocks of student accommodation. The old Irish News offices were bought by Ulster University.

But, in a nod to the old days, The Maverick building includes a small pub called The Reporter and is decorated with pictures of distinguished journalists from over the years.

The area has now become a centre for gay nightlife in Belfast.