Spotlight
Dish Cult Dines: Seasonality
06 Dec 2024
06 Dec 2024
Welcome to Hastings Hotels Northern Ireland
The Hastings collection has six luxurious hotels across Northern Ireland, including four situated in Belfast. These include the five star Culloden Estate and Spa, the world famous Europa hotel, the four star Stormont hotel and the city’s largest five star hotel, The Grand Central Hotel. The Group also owns the four star Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry – Northern Ireland’s second city – and the historic Ballygally Castle, set on the stunning Antrim coast at the gateway to the nine Glens of Antrim, just a short drive from the Giant’s Causeway and world-famous Games of Thrones Tour. Excitingly, there are nearly 10 restaurants that you can book a table with through Dish Cult, so here’s what’s on the menu and where.
Ballygally Castle
Afternoon Tea, Bistro, Carvery
Set within the original 17th century walls, The Garden Restaurant at Ballygally Castle serves up a range of delicious bistro menus for dinner, featuring many dishes made using the finest local produce. One thing we highly recommend is the Sunday buffet in the magnificent Kintyre Ballroom. Here you’ll discover traditional roasts and contemporary fayre, all of which makes for perfect family catch-ups and stunning views across the bay and beyond to Scotland, making it a special place to be.
The Culloden Estate and Spa
Afternoon Tea, Irish, Fine Dining
Image: Facebook
Vespers is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. Located in the Culloden Estate and Spa, its décor is described as modern contemporary after an undergoing an extensive renovation in 2019. The food is gourmet chic, while waiters ensure your glass never runs empty. This is a fantastically fancy place for afternoon tea. Served daily from 1.30pm – 3pm, you can enjoy delicate pastries, scones and sandwiches with the finest blended teas.
Found in the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Culloden Estate and Spa, the Cultra Inn is one of County Down’s finest bars and restaurants. Offering a wholesome and exciting a la carte menu, the dishes here are made using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Why not start with Irish Smoked Seafood Chowder or Boneless Irish Chicken Thighs, followed by a Lisdergan 6oz Ploughman’s Gourmet Burger? Save room for the end because you’ll want round off with a classic Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Europa Hotel
Bistro, Irish, Afternoon Tea
Pull up a comfy chair and indulge in some gloriously good food at the Europa Hotel. As well as serving one of the best afternoon teas in Belfast, there’s also a very tempting a la carte offering too. The expert chefs pick the finest locally sourced ingredients and create simply sensational food. We especially love the Signature Thai Green Curry. Served with steamed basmati rice, crispy wontons, Clandeboye yoghurt and lime, it’s an absolute must-try.
The Everglades Hotel
Contemporary, Afternoon Tea
The Everglades Hotel has won awards for its afternoon teas and it’s now recently launched the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea. The menu itself is inspired by the hit Channel 4 show and features the Cream horn shared by Granda Joe & his floosy, a cone of chips in homage to the Chippy fiasco, the famous Derry sausage roll baps (so unnecessary… but so good!), a classic Tayto Cheese & onion crisp sarnie, as well as a host of local tray bake favourites that would make Ma Mary proud.
Grand Cafe
Bistro, Irish, Cafe
Vibrant and contemporary, the Grand Café in Belfast is a dazzling space. Perfect for a long latte, bistro bite or simply a glass of Sauvignon, it has its own exclusive cosmopolitan vibe. Located on the ground floor of the Grand Central Hotel, the Café is a place which is cool in an understated, laid back kind of way – coolness that’s countered by its spirited Belfast charm. Make sure to book in for the Grand Café’s amazing Sunday roast, which is served with traditional trimmings each Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
The Observatory at The Grand Central
Cocktails
The Observatory is The Grand Central’s jewel and the most spectacular and luxurious of liquor lounges. Take a seat and marvel over never-before-seen views of Belfast and beyond. From pavement to panorama, this is the highest bar in all of Ireland and it makes for a phenomenally dreamy destination. Take in the view, pore over the dazzling menu and savour the most masterful mixology creations in Belfast’s most memorable sky-bar. The Bollinger Experience is definitely not one to miss. While you gaze out overlooking Belfast city, savour a bottle of chilled Bollinger Champagne and divine handcrafted nibbles made for sharing, for a maximum of four people at a reserved window table, which will be yours for 90 minutes.
Stormont Hotel
Bistro, Locally Sourced, Fine Dining
The Stormont Hotel is home to one of Belfast’s best restaurants, La Scala Bistro. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, afternoon tea or the traditional Sunday buffet, the staff will welcome you and wait on your every need whilst you relax and enjoy the exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented food. We simply love the grand Sunday buffet lunch, served every Sunday 12.30 – 2.30pm. Famous across Belfast, this is real treat for everyone. Have an afternoon off from the dishes and indulge your taste buds with a choice of starters, mains and desserts. Not one to miss.
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