
06 Dec 2024
The most recent venture from Belfast’s local institution, Mourne Seafood Bar, The Shack offers casual street food under a heated, covered beer garden.
Ideal for the summer months, The Shack allows visitors to sample some of the delicious flavours of Mourne Seafood in a more casual setting. A welcome outcome of the pandemic, The Shack has allowed chef Ian Hunter to experiment, giving his spin on modern street food in a space separate from the original seafood bar.
As a result of Covid19, many businesses were forced to adapt their offering in order to meet restrictions whilst still operating effectively. In some cases this was done with little effort or passion, solely to bridge the gap until the end of the pandemic. However, The Shack has gone above and beyond, now forging its own path as a must visit food spot in the city.
Although offering street food classics, The Shack has remained close to its roots with a menu that utilises local ingredients, punchy flavours and, as always, the freshest native seafood. The team at The Shack has been hard at work to create a menu that elevates street food and dishes that incorporate the same love, passion and respect that diners receive when dining in the main restaurant.
When visiting, guests can expect classic seafood dishes such as seafood chowder, beer battered cod and chips, and salt and chilli squid. However, true to its pursuit to shake up tradition at The Shack you can also expect exciting takes on classic seafood dishes that won’t disappoint. Visitors can enjoy the venue’s now favourite loaded lobster burger topped with a bloody mary dressing and sandwiched between a soft brioche bun, as well as smoked salmon mac and cheese and garlic prawn dirty fries.
If feeling brave, diners can also enjoy The Shack’s oyster selection that is served three ways: the classic Au Natural, Mignonette style packed with fresh flavours, or the more outlandish Japanese style.
Seafood may not be to everyone’s taste, which is why The Shack has also added a number of exciting classic meat and even vegan dishes to its menu, ensuring no one has to miss out. In classic street food fashion, you can sample The Shack’s pork shoulder tacos, the shorthorn burger and even the fiery Korean chicken wings.
Although primarily focused on seafood, when it comes to the meat-free vegan option the team at The Shack ensures everyone is accommodated for. On the menu, meat-free visitors can enjoy a filling Super Salad. Don’t let the fact it’s a salad fool you, this salad is packed with brown rice, an abundance of veggies, slaw, hummus and topped with tangy green goddess dressing.
Although focused on modern street food, those with a sweet tooth needn’t feel disappointed when visiting The Shack. Offering a delicious selection of desserts and sweet treats to round up any visit, visitors will feel as though they are fine dining despite being seated outside in the bustling city centre.
If visiting, you can expect classic French sweet treats such as rhubarb panna cotta, chocolate fondant and even a classic Parisian creme brûlée.
What’s most unique about this city centre space is its atmosphere – the guaranteed famous Belfast craic that comes with every visit. Hidden in the back streets of the city, visitors can enjoy the great tastes of The Shack whilst enjoying live music under heated canopies making it ideal for the summer months. Between the servers, musicians, passerbys or the surrounding diners, any visit is sure to be filled with Belfast’s iconic atmosphere, which is sure to add to any dining experience.
A spot such as The Shack is hard to find in Belfast, one that offers quality street food, a wide selection of cocktails, beers, ciders and wines, as well as a relaxed and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick yet delicious bite to eat or a vibrant night in the city, The Shack is an obvious choice, guaranteed to meet everyone’s tastes and provide a memorable experience.