A beautiful boutique townhouse and events venue set in four Grade II listed Georgian terrace buildings in Belfast's Queen’s Quarter, Regency House is the luxury destination par excellence.
Near Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens, it was established by Anthony Kieran of usedcarsni.com, who put a huge amount of time and resources into bringing these elegant old buildings back to life - and reimagining them to become one of Belfast's most desirable hospitality addresses.
Initially opened in 2022 with six suites, a second stage saw the addition of eight new individually designed rooms in 2025. Then, in summer 2026, there was much excitement surrounding the opening of the restaurant and the arrival of experienced custodians Chris McClurg (Co Down native, Great British Menu chef) and Alice Stewart, who met at Padstow's less talked about destination restaurant, Paul Ainsworth at No 6. Their vision, as stated on the (very informative) website, is simple: "to create a truly owner-led boutique hotel where exceptional food, genuine hospitality and meaningful human connection define every guest experience." And so it is coming to pass.
Overlooking leafy Crescent Gardens off Botanic Avenue, The Regency takes full advantage of its unique location, notably in the first floor Drawing Room looking over the park - the perfect spot for dining guests to relax and enjoy a cocktail before heading down to the atmospheric restaurant, where Chris McClurg's produce-led cooking is served with warmth and charm. Menus for all meals are on the website and it is worth taking the time to look at the seasonal offering beforehand - especially for dinner, as the Regency's emphasis on conviviality and sharing is seen especially here in main courses that are designed as generous Plates for the Table - Murley Mountain Lamb Saddle, for example, with aubergine, mint & labneh, or Seaview Farm chicken with Morels & Sauce Supreme. Suppliers' names are sprinkled through menus and helpful staff are happy to chat about them, and to help guests find the perfect wine to accompany.
Brunch is also available from Thursday to Sunday, and an attractive option for locals. You'll find carefully sourced versions of all the breakfast classics, the house speciality Potato 'Cake' - which is not what lovers of traditional Northern Irish dishes will expect and has to be tried - and a Signature Sourdough Pancakes menu, made with freshly milled Irish wheat and the house soudough starter
Most special dietary requirements can be allowed for, with notice, and - while the ambienc generally is grown-up - children are welcome. There is no special menu but they will enjoy having staff talk through the options to find what they would most enjoy.
So, a good start all round to this ambitious project - and it's only a 15 minute walk up from Grand Central Station, so very accessible without bringing a car.
