An enriching urban getaway on your doorstep …
STAY
Belfast’s newest hotel is The Bedford which couldn’t be more central, just behind City Hall. Housed in a listed Scottish Baronial-style property dating back to 1904, it has been sensitively restored and is quietly impressive. The 82-bedroom hotel combines period details and original features, such as original marble floors and ceramic tiling, with lots of luxurious textures and touch points. Pop in for a coffee or drink at its café-bar or book dinner in The Nineteen Hundred restaurant where Noel McMeel is head chef (formerly of Lough Erne Resort and Castle Leslie). Check out the special opening deals which include dinner, cocktails and an overnight stay with breakfast. @thebedfordhotelbelfast
SEE
Just opened in time for the long weekend is “Northern Threads” at Titanic Belfast – a celebration of style, creativity and contemporary design in Northern Ireland. This free, ticketed summer exhibition brings together four local designers – Hope Macaulay, Éadach founder Sara O’Neill, Gráinne Maher and Kindred of Ireland founder Amy Anderson. Also worth a look is the fascinating “Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy” celebrating the remarkable women aboard the RMS Titanic. This exhibition highlights their personal stories and features a rare lifejacket worn by survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli, personal secretary to fashion designer Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. Visit the Titanic Hotel where its Drawing Room is one of my favourite places to have coffee. @titanicbelfast
Also of interest, the “Ashes to Fashion” exhibition at the Ulster Museum showcases fashion from the 18th century to the present day, with rarely seen pieces from internationally renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera, alongside Irish icons including JW Anderson and Paul Costelloe.
SPA
Whizz out to The Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast’s grande dame, only 20 minutes from the city. It’s worth the journey for the views and privacy. Its posh spa has always offered a range of bespoke ESPA treatments and has latterly extended its range to include a full MediSpa. The team works alongside Holywood Private Clinic offering private GP appointments, minor surgery, physiotherapy and skin rejuvenating treatments including Dermalux LED therapy, IV Therapy dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Following any treatment, a must do is a dip in the pool or trying one of the thermal experiences (try the eucalyptus steam room and tylarium). Afterwards, visit the newly opened Bollinger Garden where sipping on some champagne and watching the sunset over Belfast Lough is the finale to an indulgent afternoon. @cullodenestate
SHOP
Those following SS26 fashion will know that balloon trousers, cobalt blue and rugby shirts are trending, as are tennis-inspired looks. For “Wimbledon dressing” and these trends, head to Kindred of Ireland on Belfast’s Hill Street where you’ll find gorgeous locally-sourced and produced Irish linen pieces that are classic, considered and understated. In addition, ten per cent off every order is donated to Flourish, a local charity that helps provide a brighter future to every individual affected by human trafficking. @kindredofireland
In the city centre, wander down the Victorian Queens Arcade – a fashionable promenade home to high-end jewellery brands and independent boutiques always worth a browse.
SIP
Belfast is not short of bars, but if you’re searching for style over the craic, check out Margot, an impossibly glam bar with a late night club downstairs that gives off a Hotel Costes vibe attracting the city’s cool girls. @margotbelfast
More established, but no less enjoyable, is Bert’s Jazz Bar where the line-up of music is complemented by its cocktail menu, which has put significant focus on its non-alcoholic cocktails for the sober curious. For classicists, The Merchant Hotel bar is always a great place to start or finish an evening. The hotel is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so expect lots of celebratory offers and events. @merchantbelfast
SEE MORE: Stay, See, Shop, Sip, Spa – London
