The Merchant Hotel

What a fab way to spend a Thursday evening with friends at the Roof Top Garden at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, courtesy of Fivemiletown. There was some tasting of the cheese products-​which was fab! After the speeches, which include the guys from Fivemiletown, there was more tasting and mingling. The venue was amazing and really did offer a great forum to discuss our cheese and how to promote it worldwide.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit The Merchant hotel on a cople of occasions,
1. Arranged a Christmas afternoon tea here for the gals in the office — a boozy night out just ain’t for everyone, sometimes we like to pretend to be ladies.
A wonderful afternoon filled with festive cheer, EXCELLENT attentive service and stunning foods. Highly recommended for a treat.
2. Attended the Fabulous Fashion Teas event — a fashion show event with afternoon tea to follow. A wonderful decadent day out.
I could not recommend The Merchant Hotel enough. It’s certainly the ideal venue for adding a little bit of glamour to an occasion.

Went out with my partner and her father. Started with cocktails in the lounge. After we had finished our cocktails they invited us over to our table. Once at the table we ordered our wines and our starers. We told the waiter there was no rush with the food as we were here for the evening. The wine list was very extensive and included a lot of high quality wines of which we chose two. Our starters arrived which were of a very high quality and the presentation was great. The waiter then brought water to go with our mains. After our starters we ordered our main course as we were happy to wait a while longer in the beautiful surroundings. The main courses were delicious but not quite to the same standard as the starters — I should have just ordered another two of these. The waiting staff was fantastic. Just what you’d expect in a silver service restaurant– very unobtrusive. After another two bottles of wine we ordered ports and the cheeseboard to finish and my partner had a desert which looked delicious and very well presented. The cheeseboard was outstanding and the meal was rounded off nicely with a second port. The bill for the meal was quite substantial but considering the time we spent there and the experience was so exceptional I had no issue with this. We then moved in to the Jazz lounge and finished the evening with a few gin and tonics. A great experience all round. I cannot fault the merchant. It is one of the most superior restaurants in Belfast and I would dine there more often if I could afford it.

This place was recommended to me by a friend from Belfast and it didn’t disappoint.
From the second you walk through the door, this place has the wow factor, The Great Room is really beautiful and really takes your breath away (see my photo to see what I mean!). We were slightly concerned that we were a little underdressed (we had layered up as it was a cold day outside!), but there didn’t appear to be any snootiness here.
We had afternoon tea here which was extremely good. The sandwiches were delicious and the cakes, scones and desserts that followed were all really tasty. The waiters/​waitresses also brought round a few little extras in the form of macarons and chocolates which were also very good. They have an extensive list of teas which are served in proper tea pots with strainers, no tea bags here! The staff here were extremely attentive and pleasant throughout and there was a live band in the corner of the room which just added to the atmosphere.
We couldn’t finish everything so asked our waitress if we could take our remaining cakes away with us and they came back in lovely individual boxes.
I would really recommend this fabulous place to anyone spending some time in Belfast.

Had a small wedding dinner last night in the Great room of the hotel. The service was excellent, could not ask for better. We all liked the food also, great fine-​dining experience. Had a few cocktails, which we were not soo keen on, but the presentation was amazing. Probably just picked the wrong cocktails for our taste buds. Lol. There are plenty of choice on the menu, I had duck myself, it was tender and tasty, ordered some califlower gratin as a side dish, it was really nice and cheese, just the way it should be. They also have a wide variety of different types of alcoholic beverages from around the word, the boys were happy to see Becherovka and Unicum on the menu. Would definitely recommend it for special occasions, a bit pricey for a Saturday night dinner treat.

I brought my Mum to the Merchant for an afternoon tea treat and a treat it really was. The Merchant is upscale and luxurious situated in the middle of the city centre. It is based in a historic old bank building and the interior reflects this. Staff here are attentive, enthusiatic and go above and beyond. We were quickly guided to our seat on a platform in the main restaurant. We were sat on comfy chairs surrounded by plush cushions and a perfectly set table. The restaurant was very busy but had a very calming relaxed atmosphere thanks to a pianist playing in the corner. Once settled having taken in our beautiful surroundings we browsed the extensive tea menu. Im not a tea drinker at all so i thought id just order something and probably leave it and drink the water provided. Eventually we settled on the «apple loves mint» tea and the «lemongrass and ginger» tea. Both Suki teas which i had heard alot about. Our afternoon cake stand arrived promptly. I was beyond impressed by the perfectly equally sized dainty sandwiches, warm scones wrapped in a napkin with fresh cream on the side and mouthwatering colourful pastries and cakes.
Everything was so fresh and flavoursome. We really couldn’t decide which item was best. Having struggled through the difficult task of tasting them all we decided to leave some to bring home to the rest of the family as we felt guilty they were missing out. That and the fact we wanted to get them hooked so that we would have an excuse to make another visit back here with them. The waitress took the stand away and placed the remaining items in a box without any hassle. We then sat suitably full watching the staff as they laid out one of the tables. I was intrigued at the attention given and the apparent measurement that went into just laying out the tablecloth and how perfect each napkin was folded.
I would definitely recommend the afternoon tea here and cannot wait to return. It’s actually got me drinking tea. I’ve even bought my own lil Suki teapot and lots of their different flavoured teas. I feel like a proper grown up now :)

As someone who is a huge fan of afternoon tea, I had never been to the Merchant Hotel’s acclaimed high tea offering. This week I was invited to their «Fabulous Fashion Tea» event, combining, as the name might suggest, afternoon tea with the world of fashion.
The Fashion Teas are now in their 9^th year, with the shows taking place every spring/​summer and autumn/​winter season. Guests enjoy a fashion show whilst sipping Champagne and sampling a range of tasty sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a large selection of succulent sweet treats. (There’s also the chance to shop at the pop-​up boutiques from the weekend’s featured retailers and designers.)
I attended the 1pm event which was showcasing the David Yurman range from Lunn’s Jewellers. What a delight it was to see some of David’s spectacular creations, all while enjoying the mouth-​watering food and drink in the beautiful setting of the Merchant Hotel. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this is a hotel is something special– oozing luxury! I would definitely do afternoon tea here again!

Went here with my mom, aunt and sister for high tea
It is beautiful in there and the history of the old bank and it’s timeless beauty is very interesting. The service was wonderful as was the different sandwiches and desserts. I ordered a nice bottle of prosecco as well. Will def go back the next time I’m in Belfast!

A place to go and relax in decadent opulence. Beautiful surroundings that make you feel special with waiter service — although you pay 10% automatically onto your bill for the privilege. Extensive bar menu and even a water menu which if you really want to splash the cash you can pay over the odds for a glass of water all because it trickled down a glacier in the Arctic, apart from that though it is a beautiful bar with amazing cocktails. In the winter it has an open fire which is cosy and welcoming and the velvet sofas let you sink into them and never want to leave which I am sure is the plan.

For gold-​lined pockets or a special treat. So cozy around christmas time with the décor and fireplace. I wore ripped jeans and felt like a hobo (whoops). Great cocktails and ambiance when you’re in the moment. Credit card bill kind of slaps you in the face — you decide if its worth it!

I attended afternoon tea at the merchant a couple of weeks ago with work. Given my irrational anger towards over priced coffee shops, I was warned in advance (by one colleague in particular) that I had to be on my best behaviour. Being the consummate professional that I am, I listened and in fact I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
The service was very professional and relaxed (apart from the bit where the waiter puts the napkin on your lap for you?). As for the tea and food, I again was very impressed by the selection, quality and amount provided.
I don’t think it’s the sort of thing I would go to on a weekly basis but I would certainly go back for a special occasion.

Decadent, indulgent and delightful. Impeccable service — however be warned a whopping 10% is automatically added to all bills including your bar bill! Amazing wine and cocktail menu though and a delightful old world atmosphere. Have eaten in the bar (good), Berts Jazz Bar (very good) and had the afternoon tea here (good also). A great place for comfy evening drinks or to rest weary feet after shopping.

The Merchant hotel is no doubt very beautiful and has exceptional staff. The problem is the food in the great hall, it’s just not that great. I played safe and ordered the corn fed chicken. It actually tasted like corn. It was served strangely skewered as a breast and leg portion, looking anaemic and under seasoned, the gravy came separate and ws equally tasteless. We were hungry so ate everything. We were also thirsty and had a couple bottles of good red wine that was fairly priced for such an astonishing venue.
Maybe the chef had a bad day as I’ve not heard many bad reports on the restaurant. Just except to pay a lot and not be blown away by the food.

Yes, this place is pricey, and yes, you might feel a little under-​dressed in your battered jeans and Converse but if you eat in The Great Room it is beyond worth it. The lavish surroundings with the great domed ceiling are the perfect backdrop for the treat your mouth is about to get. The food rocks! The presentation is delicate and modern, but not over the top and not at the expense of the flavour. And boy do the plates have flavour. On my last visit I had pigeon for starter, something I had never tried before, and just wow. On the downside my pudding was fabulous (crème brûlée) but my OH ordered a medley of deserts, got four full size puddings, and didn’t want to share!
I would definitely recommend the Merchant for a special occasion and can’t wait to go back.

Where do I start? I love this hotel!
The Great Room Dinning: I have dinned a few times in the Great Room, however my favourite experience was a tasting menu night for a reasonable £70. Each course was accompanied by a generous glass of wine and a brief history of the wine, and why it suited the dish that was about the be served. They run this event every few months however price varies. P/​T menu starts from 2 courses for £18.50
The Cocktail Bar: I have a love/​hate relationship with this bar. When I was in with friends the staff were very attentive and cocktails were as expected outstanding. Although, quite pricey in comparison to other venues in Belfast, the price is justified for the 5 star location.
The thing I dislike about the cocktail bar is the staff pick and chose who they are ‘nice to’ I have seen them been quite snobby to some customers because of where they are from or what they look like despite the fact all customers pay the 10% service fee on all drinks.
Rooftop terrace: This is an ideal venue for any private party or event. I was lucky enough to attend one of my best friends birthdays at this venue and it did not disappoint on a warm summers evening and chilled house music in the background I felt I was on the sunset strip in Ibiza
Rooms: I have only stayed in the Merchant once and it lives up to its 5 star rating in comparison to the Fitzwilliam. Rooms are very spacious and bathrooms are to die for. It can be a bit pricey for Belfast however in February the offer a sale on the rooms and in the great room which is definitely one to look out for. From memory I think the rooms are £180 per room and 3 course dinner in the Great Room for £23.

I loved this place– almost everything was perfect. The room i stayed in was 1920s style and massive and the bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in. The gym is better than most hotel gyms and has decent set of free weights as well as the usual range of machines. And the rooftop hot tub– well, its different, but actually not that hot. The only downer fotr me was that, after we had paid an extra £50 for late checkout, we were harassed by the staff on the morning and told «we are fully booked, and you wouldnt have been told you could have a late checkout today” — well we were and i dont like being called a liar (which is pretty much the implication). But for this it would be 5 stars. Oh and the restaurant has a wonderful veggie menu– but you have to ask for it separeately.

I have been here twice for cocktails, amazing, a bit pricy for Belfast but worth every penny. Cocktails were excelent, must say top 3 I’ve ever tasted, bartender always recommended the best fit, was friendly and provided 5* service. Snack coming with drinks is just underlining best in class approach towards customers.
Bar with the fireplace is cosy and perfect for relaxing evenig. Bar on the left side is not so detaily designed as expected but still nice to spent a time and enjoy your drink.
When going to Merchant first time, mind there will be a lot of dressed up couples or single ladies giving you unwelcome looks. However, even though not wearing evening dress and highheels could enjoy couple of cocktails more than overdressed ladies sharing midprice kava.

WAU!
So far. meine Lieblingsbar in Belfast. Wahrscheinlich die beste Adresse für Cocktails auf ganz Irland.

I recently went to an interview at the Merchant Hotel, Classy eh? Well let me tell you if there is one way of making interviews more nerve racking it is probably to stage them in Northern Irelands most opulent venue.
I was told in the letter to report to the hotel reception but when I entered, all dressed up may I add, I was confronted by the Top hats men at the entrance, «Afternoon Sir!» I think I got Sir bit because of the suit. This threw me off slightly and the reflective black floor at the reception allowed me to review my appearance and decide that I should have definitely wore a different tie. This threw me off further. I was greeted by a female concierge all in black, she took me up to the meeting rooms and she was extremely charming explaining the process and telling me not to be nervous, I considered this flirting and y mind began to wonder away from the interview. So this was now three times that I had been distracted from the matter in hand.
Anyway while I waited to be called for my interview in took in the grandeur around me, 18^th century French furniture, chandeliers, violin music and crystals. Those words pretty much sum up the Merchant.
This did not put me at ease.
When was eventually called into the meeting room, I was seated at a huge stained glass table that was shaped like a triangle with me at the top point and three interviewers judging, I mean interviewing me Dragons Den style. The meeting room had huge windows looking over Belfast and the natural light reflected my damp forehead and blinded the interviewers. Well that’s my excuse for not getting the job anyway.
This was a different experience of the Merchant Hotel, it is obviously available to hire for meeting rooms and interviews but I was an employer I would probably stick to the office and put your interviewees at ease. The staff at the Merchant are great, really well drilled and they treat all exactly the same.

Following a rather impressive re-​vamp, the best hotel in Belfast has somehow managed to get better. I remember walking past this palace a few months back and as there was loads of building work going on, I struggled to see what the fuss was all about. But now they’ve finished, it is simply stunning.
You have everything you want from a hotel, and then a bit more and then a whole lot more on top of it.
The price cannot be avoided unfortunately which if money isn’t an option then this place has to be the top of your list for everything.
However, if you have to work to earn your money and if you are trying to save money to invest in a house or a family car, don’t even consider this place. It is unfortunately one of those places that paupers like us can walk past and go «ooohh» but never actually check in.
I think it’s good that Belfast has one of these hotels, something that can compete on a worldwide scale because the city has been crying out for something special in the hotelling industry.
Sadly though, it not only laughs at other hotels, but it also bends them over and kicks them firmly up the backside too.

I almost feel like the Merchant is considered to be the jewel in New Belfast’s crown. And I think I’m ok with that!
Architecturally, it’s stunning. Faithfully restored, it’s a really eye-​catching building in the Cathedral Quarter. And inside, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s opulent to the extreme!
The public side of things consists of the bar and the Great Hall restaurant. The bar is lovely. Waiter service and with a mind-​boggling choice of drinks (you know you’re in a classy place when they ask you what type of gin you’d like with your tonic!). They also have a cocktail menu of world-​class standards (literally. It claimed the title of «World’s Best Cocktail Menu» last year).
Actually, the cocktail’s deserve a bit of attention. To call it a menu isn’t accurate. It’s a recipe book. Hundreds of pages long, it’s a little daunting, but oh-​so tempting!
The service is world-​class as well. I remember going one night to celebrate a friend’s new job. We had personal advice on which cocktails to select from the head barman, and on one occasion, someone made the wrong choice, didn’t like their drink and was able to order a different one at no extra cost (and we got to keep the unwanted one. Waste not, want not and all that!). We also had a bit of craic with the barstaff, so it wasn’t all fussy and formal.
The bill was a little frightening at the end of the night, but to be honest, it wasn’t much more than we all would have spent at a regular bar, and we got much better value for money.
I’ve sampled the food in the Great Hall once, for a birthday celebration. It was early February, so there was a great deal on a set menu. It was delicious. I had fois gras to start, chicken for my main and profiteroles to finish. Everything was prepared to perfection and again, the service couldn’t have been better.
This isn’t really a place to go on a random night, but it’s the perfect place if you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just fancy escaping the normal bar scene and stepping into what is for most people (myself included) a different world.