Set in a Victorian style Scottish Baronial former bank, this prominently located building opposite Belfast City Hall dates back to1904, but had been disused for some time so there was great interest when plans to invest in this fine boutique hotel started to take shape - and excitement a-plenty when it opened, ahead of schedule, in April 2026.
Completed with respect for the past (celebrating the city's linen industry in various ways, for example) and an eye to the future, the restoration is impressive - with the generous proportions of the Edwardian era well used to create elegant and very comfortable accommodation and some fine public rooms including the The Nineteen Hundred destination restaurant where celebrated chef Noel McMeel (formerly of The Ebrington in Derry) leads a strong kitchen team in showcasing Northern Ireland's seasonal produce.
The food here is a big draw for local diners as well as visitors to the city, and the offering is well considered, with a good sprinkling of respected local and Irish products named in eclectic dishes - Carraig Ban Goats Cheese & Spinach Spring Roll with Rocket, Pickled Asian Baby Salad, for example, or Slow Cooked Rump of Mourne Lamb with Pea & Mint, Comber Potato and Roast Lamb Gravy. Northern Ireland’s Best Seafood Chowder (local cod, haddock, prawns, Comber potato & carrots) is a sure fire hit and many are sure to come for Chef Noel McMeel’s very 'Northern Ireland' Signature Dish, “The Mixed Grill” (with all items cooked medium of course). It's good to see poultry name-checked - Rockvale Chicken and duck from both Silver Hill and Thornhill - along with Comber potatoes and traditional desserts like Armagh Apple Tart with Muine Glas Yellowman Ice cream. The Selection of Northern Irish Cheeses (Young Buck, Dart Mountain Dusk, Meeny Hill,Banagher Bold) is sure to please too - and it's served with Quince Jelly and Toasted Barmbrack for. a true taste of The North. A good range of Irish drinks to accompany too - local spirits, beers, ciders, whiskey, liqueur coffees - and the friendly and efficient staff, who are clearly proud to be working here, add to the pleasure of a visit.
