So, the Christmas break is over, the weather is awful and we're all watching are pounds. Looking pretty bleak, eh? For us, that's reason enough to get down to the nearest pub and start 2016 off with a bang.
Below is a list of five bars which should help you cheer up a bit in this bleak winter month. So huddle round the fire and order your hot whiskeys, because it's always five o'clock somewhere, isn't it?

Lavery's

You may be new to Belfast and don't know where to start, however Lavery's is always a safe bet.
Located on Bradbury Place, this family owned bar consists of the Back Bar & Beer Garden on the ground floor, Mister Tom's Lounge on the middle floor and on the top floor, The Ballroom.
Each bar has a great selection of drinks and serves food daily until 10pm. In addition, sports can be shown on a range of HD TV's throughout the complex.

On the third floor, The Ballroom has 22 high-quality pool tables offering a great time for both experienced and casual players.
If pool isn't your thing, there is plenty of space to just sit around and chill out. It even opens out onto two open-air roof terraces so you can step outside for a bit of fresh air.
In addition, every Saturday night the pool tables are cleared away and The Ballroom turns into a nightclub, with DJ's playing a mixture of electronica, hip-hop and house music.
With different events on each week from open mic nights, comedy clubs and live music acts, it's fair to say that Lavery's is a cornerstone of entertainment in Belfast.
Opening times: Mon - Sat 11:30am-1:00am, Sunday 12:30pm-12:00am.

laverysbelfast.com

The Parlour

If you are a student, stressed about exams and in need of some much needed TLC, then The Parlour is probably where you want to be.
Located on Elmwood Avenue just across the road from Queens University, this bar is in the heart of Belfast's student quarter. It has plenty of seating, warm fires and large leather sofas so you can just sit back and soak in the atmosphere.
For food enthusiasts, try out the pizzas made in an authentic wood-burning oven, with a buy one get one free offer every Tuesday.
There are always a host of events on each week as well, ranging from Bingo nights on Wednesdays to Quiz nights on Friday.
On Saturdays and Sundays, make sure to bring your dancing shoes as DJ's play a mix of RnB, Dance and Indie songs until the early hours of the morning.
In addition, the large outdoor beer garden complete with gas heaters has a large screen to watch sport, so you can sit outside and watch your favourite team with a nice cold drink.
In short, The Parlour sums itself up perfectly: "It's not a night out, it's a night in."
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 11:30am-Late.

parlourbar.co.uk

The National Grand Cafe

Found in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The National Grand Cafe is perfect for any time of the day or night.
With four floors and three venues, this place has plenty of drink choices and a dynamic cocktail list.
The garden at the rear is one of the largest in the city. At the weekend, it livens up with large crowds, but it can also be nice and tranquil for those chilled sunny afternoons.
For colder nights, blankets and heaters are available, while The Winter Tent and all year round BBQs makes the garden an ideal retreat.
Once you're in the mood to dance, the Sixty6 nightclub and cocktail bar has live music and DJ's playing into the early hours of the morning.
Or if you're looking for a unique view of Belfast, head on up to the rooftop bar. A spokesperson said: "If you're lucky enough to get a seat out there at the weekends, you won't leave until the music stops."
Opening times: Sun – Wed 8:30am–9pm, Thus – Sat 8:30am-1am.

facebook.com/NationalBelfast
sixty6belfast.com

The Hudson

Opened in September 2011, The Hudson is definitely a funky and fresh addition to the city.
Found on Gresham Street and spanning across three floors, this modern retro venue has a large beer garden called The Yard, containing gas heaters and a DJ to play soothing tunes while you enjoy your drink. The Heel bar is also available to rent out for private occasions.
While certainly not your average local, the venue has a wide selection of craft beers, ales and whiskeys, including its own Hudson Craft Lager.
With a range of events during the week, as well as fantastic food, The Hudson is cosy gem where you can really relax.
Opening times: Mon – Wed 11:30am–1am, Thurs – Fri 11:30am–2am, Sun – 12:30pm-12am.

hudsonbelfast.com

The Perch

Belfast's newest bar, The Perch is another excellent inclusion to the city.
Opened in June 2015, this appropriately named venue is a rooftop bar located on Franklin Street.
As well as being open seven days a week, the bar stays open until 1am, with DJ's playing live music every Friday and Saturday night.
In addition, The Perch is half covered so if you don't fancy sitting outside there are still places to sit and. During colder nights, furry blankets, umbrellas and hats are available if you start feeling that good old Northern Irish weather.
During summertime, the bar opens a charcoal BBQ pit which serves food daily until 9pm.
Head up the stairs and you'll find yourself inside Chinawhite, the Perch's in house nightclub which stays open until 3am and is great for dancing the night away.
When asked about it offers for drinkers, a spokesperson said: "Perch prides itself on its seasonal cocktail lists which offer a range of drinks from marshmallow white russians, hot mulled cider to jugs of Summer sangria and rum fruit punches! "Whatever the weather, Perch has you covered!"
Overall, the Perch is shaping up to be a great addition for Belfast's bar scene.
Opening times: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri & Sat 1pm-1am, Sun 5pm-12pm.

theperchbelfast.com