Belfast City

Belfast is a flourishing culinary city with stacks of gastronomic delights created by a host of talented young chefs and critically acclaimed restaurateurs. Check out Belfast’s Restaurant Michael Deane; the more informal Deane’s Brasserie; the renowned James Street South Restaurant; and Paul Rankin’s award-winning Cayenne.

Belfast’s cool young things hang out in a variety of hip bars across the city. Try the relaxed vibe at The Apartment; the Eastern-themed Bar Bacca; the fashionable Potthouse, and The Cocktail Bar at the Merchant Hotel. Elegance is key at the Fifties-style Irene and Nan’s; the lavish Malmaison; and the super-stylish Northern Whig set in former newspaper offices. Meanwhile, the Lisburn Road and Cathedral Quarter are excellent hunting grounds for a great mix of bars, cafés and pubs.

Malmaison was voted Condé Nast Hot New Hotel 2005, and is predictably luxurious and decadent with all the modern comforts you could possible hope for. Inspired by oriental opulence, Ten Square is innovative and stylish with low-level beds, warm rich furnishings and an utterly chic atmosphere; while The Merchant Hotel, in the heart of The Cathedral Quarter, is a sumptuous, welcoming and intimate venue.

Discover Belfast’s vibrant scene and head to some of the city’s hottest nightlclubs. If you’re in search of some funk, hip-hop, dance or electro, try Milk or La Lea.

A good place to start is the beautifully ornate National Trust-owned Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street, which dates back to 1826. Make sure you pop into the tiny triangular-shaped Victorian Bittles Bar off Victoria Square. Enjoy some trad music at the relaxed John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant, or relax in one of Belfast’s longest established pubs, Robinsons.

A spectacular showcase for all things foodie in September, with delectable local cuisine, special set menus and special offers.