Experience a ‘taste’ of Belfast!

CITY’S GASTRO REVOLUTION COOKS UP A STORM 

Northern Ireland has been hitting the culinary heights recently, thanks to rave restaurant reviews and regular television appearances by well-known chefs such as Paul Rankin, Michael Deane and Danny Millar – the latter appearing on BBC cookery programmes, Saturday Kitchen and The Great British Menu where he won the Northern Ireland region for two consecutive years.

Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast is a vibrant and dazzling destination that has been riding a wave of optimism that seems to be growing in momentum.

Nowhere is this feeling of confidence more evident than in the area of hospitality. And thanks to leading ferry company, Stena Line whose fares start from as little as £69* single, car and driver, there’s no brighter place for an autumn car-cation full of good food, fun and Irish flavours than Belfast.

The city has a wealth of wonderful bars and restaurants for foodies of all tastes and budgets.

Visitors can enjoy fine dining at a reasonable price in the award-winning Deanes and James Street South, both recently awarded the Bib Gourmand award by Michelin,  and the highly recommended, Ox; enjoy five-star luxury in the opulent Victorian and Art Deco splendour of The Merchant Hotel’s Great Room restaurant and bar and maybe sample an original Trader Vic’s Mai Tai – at £750, reportedly, the world’s most expensive cocktail; or enjoy traditional Irish favourites such as champ, colcannon, boxty and the famous Ulster Fry at any number of good quality pubs and unique restaurants, like Made in Belfast.

Recent figures reveal that the number of people coming to Ireland has risen by almost 10% and the desire to experience an Irish pub influenced the decision to visit of 80% of tourists, so no trip to the Emerald Isle would be complete without a pint of Guinness, or a wee dram of Bushmills Whiskey.

Where better to sample the local firewater than the world-famous Crown Bar with its gleaming brasses and tiles, ornate ­woodwork, stained-glass ­windows and cosy snugs. Or sample ‘the black stuff’ at its best in traditional music pubs, such as Kelly’s Cellars – one of the oldest pubs in Belfast – Maddens and The Kitchen Bar – all located in the buzzing city centre.

New kids on the block, such as Aether and Echo, The Dirty Onion and The National, cater for the cooler customer, while The Spaniard, The Harp Bar and The John Hewitt lure those seeking a more bohemian, artistic ambience.

Visitors wanting to try local delicacies are also spoiled for choice.

Underneath the cavernous roof of St George’s, the last surviving Victorian covered market in the city, all manner of farm fresh foods and local produce is on offer.  The venue hosts a weekly Friday Variety Market, the City Food and Craft Market on Saturdays and the Sunday Market.  On a Friday, the fish section alone contains 23 stalls and holds the reputation for being the leading retail fish market in Ireland.

For the tenth year running Belfast will welcome back its Christmas Continental Market hosted on the grounds of the historic City Hall.  The City Hall will be transformed into a bustling Continental village providing a great shopping and dining experience with food and drink from across the world on offer.

“Belfast has really established itself as a must-visit destination for foodies looking for an authentic experience,” said Marc Casey from Stena Line. “The city’s restaurants and bars have embraced the positivity of recent years and risen to the challenge of attracting custom from all over the UK.”

He continued:  “The city also boasts some great visitor attractions such as Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction located on the very slipways where the ship was built; Crumlin Road Gaol, which dates back to 1845; Belfast Zoo – which has just welcomed the first baby Goodfellow’s kangaroo to be born in the UK and Ireland ­– and the historic buildings of Belfast City Hall and Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

“If a spot of retail therapy is more your thing, the independent boutiques and shops on the Lisburn Road and Bloomfield Avenue are not to be missed. For the latest designer gear and accessories, head for the ultra-modern Victoria Square Shopping Centre, right in the heart of the city.”

Marc said:  “Stena Line has responded to the demand for convenient, affordable and hassle-free travel to Northern Ireland with a range of great-value fare options to suit families, couples and groups of all sizes, who wish to experience Belfast’s food and drink and exciting vibe for themselves.”

Visit Stena Line’s website www.stenaline.co.uk and check their Low Fares Finder for the latest deals.

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. See website for full details.

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For further information, please contact Michael McCrory of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.