The fabulous new Observatory Bar in Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

There's a new sky top bar in Belfast and it's truly stunning. Its the Observatory in the new Grand Central Hotel in Belfast with amazing panoramic views!

I was delighted to be invited to a special cocktail making event to celebrate the opening of the Observatory Bar in the new Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. Believe me when I say this is one spectacular venue, it really is the last word in luxury. From pavement to panorama, it is the highest bar in all Ireland and enjoys spectacular never-before-seen views of Belfast and Beyond.

On our arrival, we took some time to gush over the views and take photos of the views before being introduced to mixologist, Joe, our host for the event. Joe treated us to a range of cocktails to sample, Our first was the “Bees Knees” with gin honey and lemon juice. Next up was Bollinger Champagne with orange sherbet followed by gin with rhubarb, raspberries and lemon- all totally delicious. While we sampled these we were invited to some tasty treats, mini pulled pork burgers, finger sandwiches and sweet treats from the afternoon tea menu.

Joe then invited us to the bar to watch him create a special cocktail for us- Hoxton gin with pomegranate liqueur, pineapple juice, sugar syrup and orange sherbet. I have to say, this tasted divine.

Next up, we divided into groups to create our own cocktails, I worked with my pals Karin and Pamela to create a rather lovely rum cocktail. Rum, pineapple juice, lime juice and sugar syrup. Who knew I liked rum but it really was delicious.

While the others created their special cocktails, I was pleased to meet hotel chef Damien, who talked me through the menu and its local suppliers.

I have to say, this was one of the most fun nights out I have had in a while. Whether you live in Belfast or are just paying a visit, you definitely should check out the Observatory- it really is a bit special!

Bollinger Champagne with Orange sherbert

Caroline and Fiona making their cocktails

Mixologist Joe and I with my rum cocktail

the Visit Belfast ladies shaking their cocktails

Me more excited to meet chef Damien than he is to meet me!

The Grand Central Hotel is the largest and most expensively constructed hotel project ever seen in Northern Ireland. Residents of Belfast have watched over the past two years as Windsor House has transformed from an unloved office block to one of the key feature on Belfast’s skyline, with its unmistakeable Seahorse logos and shimmering charcoal panels visible across the city.

The £53 million committed to this project by Hastings Hotels has created an beautiful and upscale venue for locals and visitors alike with 300 rooms available.

The hotel exudes personality, with its bedroom suites paying homage to the Linen Barons who first occupied the Linen Quarter in which the Grand Central sits, to Sir William Hastings, the founder of the Hastings Hotels Group who have delivered this new project.

Its dining options range from the city chic Grand Café on the ground floor, to the design led Seahorse Bar & Restaurant overlooking Bedford Street, to the small plates cocktail lounge, the Observatory on the 23^rd floor.

To find out more about the Grand Central Hotel, click on the link.