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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Lifestyle
Diane Burke

10 things you could do in 1990s Belfast that you can't do now

Over the years, a lot has changed in Belfast, from visual differences on our city's streets to where we eat, shop, and socialise.

Many things were different back in the 1990s and sadly we have lost many iconic businesses like nightclubs, restaurants and shops that were once part and parcel of Belfast.

Time moves on, of course, and while the city has gained countless welcomed new additions in recent years, it's hard not to look back at memories that we all share and reminisce on past Belfast times.

Read more: How Belfast used to spend Saturdays in Smithfield

Take a look at the list of 10 things you could do in 1990s Belfast that you can't do now. If we have missed any, let us know in the comments!

Spend the day in LeisureWorld

The inside of former toyshop LeisureWorld on Queen Street in Belfast (Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society's Facebook page)

It's a Saturday afternoon, you're walking down Queen Street and pose the question to your mother, 'Can I go in for a quick look?'

Those lucky enough to have known the beloved toyshop will fondly recall their captivating window display which set the scene for what your eyes would feast on inside.

Two floors of a child's wonderland - it was easy to spend the whole day wandering around LeisureWorld.

Eat a fry from The In Shops

When a full fry with chips and a can only cost £2.40 from The In Shops. We didn't know how lucky we were.

Get change from £5

Back in the 90s, you could pop down to the local shop for supplies and get change from £5. It was also the same decade when a fiver would pay for three pints in many Belfast pubs.

Shop in independent music stores

Before the rise of the internet which saw the birth of music streaming options like Spotify and YouTube, it was the done thing to shop from independent music stores.

Nothing could compare to the excitement of your favourite artist or band releasing their new album and heading to the music shop to pick up a copy. Some stores even had earphones so you could listen to music before you made a purchase.

Have a Birthday Party in Chicago Pizza Pie

A copy of Dublin's Chicago Pizza Pie Factory menu (Gary F. Perry)

Many Belfast children who grew up during the '90s would have chosen to have their birthday celebrated in The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory. Not only was the restaurant known for its pizza, but their garlic bread was also simply divine.

Rent a video from Xtra-vision

The Xtra-Vision in Omagh, pictured in March 2006. (Kenneth Allen (cc-by-sa/2.0))

Nothing could beat the excitement of taking a trip to Xtra-vision to rent a videotape (except Christmas, of course). It was a simple joy to sift through the shelves and hope with all your might that the video you wanted hadn't already been rented out.

Have an undocumented Night Out

In the time of no mobile phones or social media, you could live your best life without the worry of being captured on camera and posted online the next day.

Have lunch in Delaney's

The exterior of Delaney's restaurant on the corner of Lombard Street and Rosemary Street in Belfast (Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society Facebook page)

Delaney's was a go-to lunchtime spot back in its heyday. It was a ritual for many to head to the restaurant after having a look around the shops on a Saturday. To this day, people still rave about their lasagne and desserts like the apple pie and the strawberry pavlova.

Dance the night away in The Network

The Network nightclub which used to reside on Lower North Street was one of Belfast's favourite venues to dance the night away. You could tell it was a good night when you felt the sweat dripping from the ceiling, those were the days.

Get Pick 'n' Mix sweets from Woolworths

A small boy uses the Pick 'n' Mix inside the new Wellworths store on March 11 2009 in Dorchester, England. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A trip into town at the weekend was never complete without stopping at Woolworths to get some pick 'n' mix sweets for the journey home.

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