BELFAST – SHOPPING, MUSIC AND FASHION

FASHION, MUSIC, SHOPPING, CULTURE, HOSPITALITY… WHAT MORE COULD ONE WANT FROM LOVELY BELFAST. A CITY SO SMALL BUT VIBRANT, IT WILL SIMPLY TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! 

A weekend getaway to Belfast was on the cards. Flying from London Stanstead on Bmibaby. The journey to and fro was 55 minutes. Landing at Belfast City Airport was quick and efficient. The service on board Bmibaby was very good, the seats are spacious and the leg room is wide which is enough room for your handbag.

Fitzwilliam is a 5 star hotel located in the heart of Belfast, a unique gem of contemporary living. The hotel’s chic relaxed style is reflected in it’s service policy which is friendly and efficient, yet discreet and unobtrusive. As I entered, I was greeted by the Concierge team, check in was very easy, grabbed the key and off I went. As soon as I entered my room, I was amazed, it took my breath away. The room was quite airy with a personal sanctuary feel to it with relaxation in mind. Wonderfully comfortable beds draped in crisp white Egyptian linen, power showers and relaxing baths, designer toiletries to ensure you have a sublime stay. Bathroom is enticed with a large mirror, a walk in shower and a nice comfortable bathtub. The dresser is equipped with the essentials, I was greeted by a nice bottle of wine and dark chocolates. If you like spacious fashionable surroundings then the Fitzwilliam is definitely for you.

Later that evening pre dinner drinks and canapes were on the cards at the bar. Champagne, French Raspberry Martinis, Kiwi Bellini’s and Canapes were on the table before I could say a word. Each had an exquisite taste and the bar staff were great. Dinner was planned at Menu Restaurant, menu overseen by Michelin Star-Restauranteur Kevin Thornton. The décor was high class, as soon as I stepped out of the elevator I knew I had entered fine dining. The menu looked mouth watering, the staff were very attentive, it was a joy to sit where they took note of everything you wanted. For starters I opted for Roast Garlic and Fennel Veloute which was a soup, very rich and creamy with basil pesto swimming on top, to follow I opted for Raviolo of Mozzarella, Ragout of Roma Tomatoes, Confit Fennel and Roast Red Capsicum, the presentation was a delight, a work of art, I almost didn’t want to ruin the presentation. But as I was so hungry I dived in, and the flavours exploded in my mouth, a warm abundance of the red capsicum, the fennel almost aniseed like complimented the mozzarella well. Water was flowing and the wine too, never short of a dry mouth. The dessert menu was so vast, I decided to go for the most colourful fruity option of Pineapple Carpaccio Passion Fruit Sorbet and Coconut Ice cream, it was like sunshine on a plate, wow!

          

After dinner I headed out to The Crown Liquor Saloon, a traditional irish pub, the décor inside was superficial. I was told the ceilings are black due to the smokers, they tried cleaning it and it looked so horrible underneath that they decided to leave it as it was. The floor was laid in mosaic tiles, vigorous wood carvings throughout, ornate mirrors, wooden columns with Corinthian capitals and feathered motifs in gold. Painted and etched glass is everywhere you look. The long red granite topped bar is divided by columns and faced with coloured tiles.

Saturday was about strictly shopping and more food. I received a nice goodie bag of Matilda and Archer Travel products. I headed off to Una Rodden Couture on Upper Arthur Street, the dresses, jewellery were all so gorgeous. Headwear and Jewellery by bridal designer Catherine B were simply mystical, a bride-to be would be so lucky to have a custom handmade one off piece by Catherine. Also featured in the shop is Grainne Maher Millinery – bespoke headwear from a range of couture hats, fascinators, tiaras and corsages.

I love chocolate so when I went to Co Couture I was in absolute heaven. I tried four different kinds of chocolates, from solid dark coco to the finest smooth french beans. I was easily stimulated, the aromas were hitting the back of my throat. If you love all things chocolate from drinking to cooking to eating, and want that something extra special, Co Couture is the place to go, you won’t be left disappointed.

Once I had a little taste of Co Couture I headed off to St Georges Food, Craft and Antique Market in the Town Centre. As I walked in, my nose caught the quiff air of fish, and that smell literally makes me sick, so I had to hold my nose. Walked around and came across different stalls of food, sweets, drinks, jewellery, clothes etc. The stall that took my fancy was the Sweet Trees and the Glass Bottle Stall. A nice cultural shock to see a jazz band playing beautiful mellow tones and people sitting, eating with friends and family, a nice community coming together.

Any girl loves jewellery and the weird and wonderful things in life, Stray is for you, like it is definitely for me too. Stray is a cute quirky shop offering hand-crafted jewellery, owned by Julie Stray. Stray has a range of costume jewellery, fun gifts for quirky kids, sweet stuff for your home, weird ‘n’ wonderful stationery, and those pieces that will make you stand out from the crowd, because no body likes a sheep. It’s definitely a stand out from the usual boring high street shops.

I went inside Victoria Square Shopping Centre and went straight to the top of the dome, if you are scared of heights this isn’t for you, but I must say the 360 degree panoramic views are amazing, took the elevator right to the top floor and once I descended out I saw what was truly stunning.

Situated in the town centre on Arthur Street was Avoca – a family run company that spans one of the world’s oldest surviving manufacturers and Ireland’s most exciting stores and cafes. The shop was beautifully decorated, felt as though I belong there as I walked in. Went upstairs to the cafe for lunch. The setting and atmosphere was calm yet lively, just the kind of atmosphere one needs after walking around the shops, a good place to put your feet up and chill. With wooden tables and seating areas, on the table was a jug of water with fresh mint inside, refreshing after a long morning. The lunch menu looked appetising, spoilt for choice as always. I opted for the Salt and Pepper Calamari with Lemon & Basil Mayonnaise and Sweet Chilli Dip, it was very yummy, presented on a wooden board, with a bit of green salad. After lining my stomach I wondered off to have a look around on the ground floor, I came across some porcelain china teapots, it reminded me of when I was a  little girl, my grandmother would pour tea out of one every morning. Avoca looks to create colour, fun and style to seek out the interesting and the beautiful.

Next on the hotlist was Lizzie Agnew in the Fountain Centre on College Street. Lizzie makes fabulous vintage and antique style dresses and gowns from the most glamourous eras of the 1930s and the 1950s. Her studio was of a large size, her sewing machine so old school took me back to the days where my grandmother had one. I got to see the wonderful wedding, bridesmaid dresses and the beautiful veils and corsages. One of the most anticipated dress still under construction is the ‘Titanic Dress’, truly astonishing, cant wait to see the completed piece. Her showroom is every girl’s fantasy, gorgeous silk gowns and soft fabrics.

I was looking forward to visiting Lisburn Road, it is one of the finest shopping districts in the UK, currently nominated for Best Fashion Street by Google Maps. With over 100 businesses catering for every taste, it has never been more diverse, exciting and appealing. As I went down the stairs of Bedeck I came across Jacob street, which is owned by stylist Maureen Collins. The boutique offers original and quirky alternatives to the high street. The boutique features an array of hand-picked designer jewellery, home accessories, ornate furniture, and desirable vintage clothing. Maureen has incredible taste, the boutique was wonderfully set out, I found the bird cages and head fascinators lovely, its affordable glamour. Definitely one of my favourite vintage boutiques.

Last stop was Innocent Chaos created by local textile artist Sharon Hay. Innocent Chaos is a fashion and jewellery range that speaks of a world almost forgotten in adulthood. It’s a collection of bespoke jewellery designed to add a sense of playfulness and excitement to every outfit. Although it was a small studio, it had some of her best work, like the custom designed shoes, bridal brooches and vintage bouquets made out of buttons.

After a tiring day, dinner was at Love and Death located on the high street. The interior was simple, I did like the hanging bicycle from the ceiling, I started the night off with a Strawberry Daiquiri, the food menu was simple yet mouth watering. My eyes went straight to the Goats Cheese in Beetroot with Honey Glazed Walnuts and for mains the Fancy Fish and Chips. Presentation of both dishes were phenomenal, the goats cheese looked ravishing, and the fancy fish and chips on a wooden board, chips presented in a little cup like you get when your on the beach. The Goats cheese in Beetroot was very tasty, the flavours created an explosion, not too sweet or bitter, just cleansed my palette well before having the fish and chips. I would highly recommend both dishes, they weren’t too filling so had room for dessert. For dessert I opted for the Apple Tart with Peanut Butter Ice Cream and White Chocolate Parfait. My taste-buds were in overdrive. The staff were a delight, the food went down well and the drinks were flowing. Love and death is the kind of place that appeals to foodies, clubbers, live music lovers and cocktail drinkers.

My last day in Belfast, I wasn’t looking forward to going back to London. I was very excited about the Spa appointment at the Merchant Hotel. I needed to relax and unwind after two long days. As I arrived I was taken down the spirally wooden steps, unwinding to the basement where it was dark and airy. Sat down on the big white comfy chair to do a quick consult. As I dipped into the hydrotherapy pool the bubbles and the force came gushing towards me, it felt wonderful and I felt relaxed and calm, the stress was released and I went into zen mode. Next on my list was the sauna, as I love heat, it was perfect for me to just sit and relax and not think about anything. It was an incredible experience, the only downfall was the hotbeds weren’t hot enough. I was called for my 25 minute back massage by Carol, my masseuse, she was friendly and attentive to my needs, Carol used a chamomile and lavender herbal oil to de-stress and take out the knots on my upper back area. She applied medium pressure which I was very happy with. It felt as though a pile of bricks had been lifted off my shoulders and I could feel normal again. It was one of the best massages and spa experiences I’ve had.

After detoxing I was rather thirsty and hungry, so headed off to Berts Bar for a Jazz Brunch. Berts Bar is situated inside the Merchant Hotel and it encapsulates sleek elegance of the art-deco era, complimented by the very best in live jazz. It has a timeless setting transporting you back to the chic intimate jazz setting of 1930s New York. A French bistro style menu was presented to me, had a whizz through and chose the Portavogie Prawn Tagliatelle with chilli pistou, courgette, toasted pine nuts and garlic bread. It was the best option for me as it was light, fresh and gentle. The service was also exemplary.

It was a brilliant weekend in Belfast, highly recommended to anyone wanting a city break. The people are very friendly, and everything is literally at your doorstep. MTV EMA’s will be held at the Odyssey Arena on 6^th November 2011. I would recommend visiting in April 2012 as the centenary of Titanic’s maiden voyage sees the opening of the the state-of-the-art six storey Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, built at the head of the slipways from which Titanic was built and launched.

INFORMATION

Low cost airline, bmibaby, offers daily flights to Belfast City Airport (just minutes from the city centre) from East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport and a frequent service from London Stanstead. Recently voted Best Low Cost Airline by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller, fares start from just £14.99 one way including taxes. For further information or to book a flight visit: www.bmibaby.com

I stayed at the Fitzwilliam Hotel on Great Victoria Street in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The designer hotel has a host of packages including Autumn offers from £120 per double room per night, breakfast and a 2-course evening meal: www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com

For more information on what to see and do in Belfast, visit: www.gotobelfast.com

Katrina Doran Editor of Sugahfix.com

Sugahfix.com is Northern Ireland’s No.1 online guide to fashion, beauty, entertainment and style for fashion-conscious females. Winner of Best Blog at NISMA’s, Sugahfix.com is the go-to website to fill up your social calendar and get inspired with ideas on what to wear. Visitors to Belfast should check out Sugahfix.com’s Style section to get an insight into the style of Belfast fashionistas. The VIP Directory is a must to plan your shopping trips for all the best boutiques, indulgent spas, top salons and the sweetest treats, as well as current discounts and special offers. Log onto www.sugahfix.com

Words Priya Kerai