A Belfast supermarket opened a pub, and now everyone wants to see it

NewsA grocery store tried something unexpected, and now people are flying in to see itCustomers visit The Middle Ale, a pub beside a Lidl supermarket near Belfast that was created after the retailer struggled to obtain an alcohol sales license.Getty ImagesWhat if your grocery trip came with a stop at a pub?That unusual idea is now real in Northern Ireland, where discount supermarket Lidl has opened its first-ever pub next to one of its stores near Belfast, The Wall Street Journal reported. The pub is called The Middle Ale, a playful nod to Lidl’s famous “middle aisle,” where shoppers often find surprising bargains such as tools, outdoor gear and home goods. The pub opened in Dundonald, a suburb east of Belfast, and quickly drew attention from curious customers. Inside, shoppers can order drinks while sitting in a space decorated with Lidl colors and grocery-themed decorations. Some seating even resembles shopping carts, adding to the fun, The Telegraph said. The reason for the pub goes beyond novelty. Northern Ireland has some of the strictest alcohol licensing laws in the United Kingdom. Lidl wanted permission to sell alcohol at the store but could not get the type of license it needed. Instead, the company successfully applied for a pub license and built a bar next door, according to rte.ie. The move has sparked fresh debate about whether Northern Ireland should loosen its alcohol laws. Some musicians and business owners say current rules make it harder for nightlife and entertainment venues to grow. Others worry that changing the rules could hurt existing businesses that paid large sums for their licenses. For now, The Middle Ale remains one of the most unusual attractions in Belfast. Some visitors have even traveled from other countries just to see it for themselves. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.