Pug Uglys Offers a Hearty Sunday Carvery Experience in Belfast

Pug Uglys, a well-known venue in Belfast City Centre, has once again captured attention with its Sunday carvery, offering a hearty meal that exceeds expectations. Having operated for seven years, the establishment, which rebranded from Morrison’s Bar in 2018 under the Clover Group, welcomed patrons for a long-awaited Sunday lunch that quickly filled up after our arrival just after 13:00.

The atmosphere inside Pug Uglys is warm and inviting, featuring an impressive island bar stocked with a diverse selection of spirits, beers, and ciders. The interior design creates a cozy environment, perfect for a casual gathering, while screens displaying women’s rugby contribute to a relaxed Sunday vibe.

Diners can select two meats from options including roast beef, turkey, or ham, accompanied by traditional sides such as roast and mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and mixed vegetables. My selection of turkey and ham was complemented by choices from friends, who opted for beef and ham. Drinks varied, with my Southern Comfort and lemonade contrasting with my friends’ alcohol-free choices of Corona 00.

The service at Pug Uglys was commendable. I had initially booked a table for two but called an hour prior to our arrival to change it to three. The staff, particularly Amy-Leigh, who appeared to be the manager, handled the request smoothly. She warmly welcomed us, explained the carvery system, and checked in regularly without being intrusive. Notably, she applied a 10 percent discount to our bill after apologizing for a minor delay in dessert service, a gesture that left a lasting impression.

The meals were generously portioned, featuring four slices of meat each. Contrary to common experiences at carveries, the turkey was tender and moist, while the roast beef was cooked to perfection. The homemade roast potatoes provided a delightful alternative to the often frozen varieties served elsewhere. The standout element of the meal was the rich gravy, which enhanced the flavors beautifully.

Desserts also impressed. I chose the Sticky Toffee and Hazelnut Pavlova, which was both sturdy and light, adorned with soft cream and an indulgent caramel sauce. My friend opted for a classic chocolate brownie with ice cream, which did not disappoint. The only drawback was the stuffing, where the flavor of sage was too dominant, overshadowing the other elements on the plate.

The Sunday carvery is priced at £16.50, with desserts at £7 and drinks costing around £8.10 for my Southern Comfort and £5 for the Corona 00s. Our total bill before the discount was £88.60, but with the discount, it amounted to £79.74, a fair price for three hearty meals, drinks, and desserts, especially in comparison to other Sunday roast offerings in Belfast.

Pug Uglys successfully delivered a comforting Sunday lunch that surpassed expectations. With a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and generous, flavorful food, it stands as an excellent option for casual meet-ups with friends or family. Despite minor issues with the stuffing, the overall experience was highly satisfying, earning a rating of 4/5 stars.