Is Ben Madigan’s Belfast’s favourite new local?

At the helm of this successful business is owner and director Kelvin Collins. Originally from Derry, Collins came to Belfast in 1995 to complete a degree in environmental engineering at Queen’s University, and, during his time at university, he began working in the Student’s Union Bar. It was here that he revealed his flair and passion for the hospitality industry, which he has worked in ever since. After two decades of working across various roles and businesses in the industry, Collins took over the old Cavehill Inn in North Belfast in 2019 and transformed it into the area’s new favourite local, Ben Madigan’s. Soon, word got out and people from all across the city and further afield were booking in to see what all the fuss was about. You can bet they weren’t disappointed!

Delicious local food and fun family events

Serving up everything from traditional pub grub, with dishes such as ‘Ben’s Big Burger’, complete with a 6oz beef patty, pulled BBQ beef, smoked cheese, tobacco onions, and fresh salad, to a delightful range of vegan options, including Salt and Chilli Tofu, a Vegan Nut Roast, and much more, Ben Madigan’s is the perfect blend of modern and traditional. Priding itself on sourcing the very best of Northern Irish produce and ingredients, the website states: “At Ben Madigan’s, our ethos is locally sourced ingredients, cooked fresh. Where possible, all our fish comes from local waters, and all our beef is Northern Irish Farm Quality Assured.”

Still, it’s not just the food that brings diners rushing back to Ben Madigan’s. Rather, it’s the friendly local feel, and fresh and fun atmosphere created at the foot of Cavehill. Each Wednesday, the place hosts fun and lively quiz nights starting at 6pm and each bank holiday, you can expect exciting family-friendly events, with live music, special set menus, face painting, and more. So, if you’re looking for a great day out offering something for all the family to enjoy, make sure to check Ben Madigan’s for up to date information about what’s on.

North Belfast’s newest local

Opening in 2019, Collins immediately came up against one of the biggest ever challenges faced by the hospitality industry: the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as things were taking off at the North Belfast bar and kitchen, it was forced to close indefinitely. However, faced with this challenge, Collins adapted his strategy to make the business bigger and better than ever.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he said: “During the first enforced lockdown I took the opportunity to refurbish the first floor of the venue to provide a separate private hire area. We got all the dusty, noisy, dirty work out of the way while the customers were gone.”

He didn’t stop there, either. During the lockdown of early 2021, Collins worked hard to expand his business further, reopening with a newly developed area that could cater for private parties, functions, and meetings. Learning to adapt and make the most out of a difficult situation, the staff at Ben Madigan’s worked during the first lockdown to provide 135 meals every day to the elderly and vulnerable of North Belfast. Then, during the 2021 lockdown, they launched their brand new ‘Ben Madigan to go’ menu, providing restaurant quality food at home.

Now that things are going back to normal, Ben Madigan’s has had the chance to welcome customers back through the doors to the wonder and delight that lies within. Speaking again to the Belfast Telegraph, Collins revealed his hopes for the future of the business. He said: “In a few years, once we have had a proper few years trading post-Covid, I would hope to have venue number two under my belt or in the planning stages.”

Growing upon his already successful business, he explains his plan to open “somewhere with a similar ethos to Ben Madigan’s, but in a different part of the city. However it would need to be the right venue with the right location. I’m not going to rush into anything. The last year has taught me that nothing can be taken for granted.”