Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Designer: Patrick Flanagan, 1885

Masterpiece is an over-used word but in this case it is accurate. In a beauty pageant of Victorian gin palaces, the Crown is certainly Queen. Such is the priceless decoration of this one-of-a-kind watering hole it has a Grade A heritage listing and is owned by the National Trust.Trust.

What is so special about it? Well, for a start, it is remarkable that this dowager has survived intact because it is situated directly opposite the Europa Hotel that had the unfortunate experience of being bombed several times during the late 20th century terrorist campaign. And then there is the façade covered by polychromatic ceramic tiles and decorated by classical columns and pilasters, portholes and stained glass windows. Step over the mosaic entry floor and into another era with original gaslights (still working and used everyday), and along one wall 10 incredible snugs, or drinking boxes - carved wood and painted glass units that in class conscious Victorian times screened drinkers from the prying eyes.

Spectacular as the snugs are, the rest of the pub is equally notable with something new to notice during each visit. The bar servery is a long red granite topped fixture faced with yellow ceramic patterned tiles and divided by mahogany mirrored screens. A heated brass footrest runs along its base. Behind the bar is a hardwood cabinet decorated with coloured mosaic words that proclaim the pub's former distinction of being a 'High Class Whiskey Importer-Special Wines' and contains huge wooden casks with polished brass taps. The ceiling is decorated with a yellow, gold and red plasterwork and supported by carved wooden columns with Corinthian capitals, the walls are brocaded, pilasters are tiled, windows are stained and everywhere you look glass is painted or etched with shells, fleur de lys, fairies and pineapples (this fruit symbolizes hospitality). More is more is the concept here and it works beautifully because the pub is constantly busy with admiring customers.

Photographer: Helen Peyton