Bishop's Gate Hotel

Bishop's Gate Hotel has a story that stretches back over a century, right in the heart of Derry. The building started as two private residential houses, bought in 1881 by the Northern Counties Club. Local Army officers from the gentry transformed it into a gentlemen's club, adding billiards, private dining, and mess facilities. In the early 1900s, renowned architect Alfred Arthur Forman remodeled the building, giving it the style and structure that visitors still see today.

The Hervey Library, originally the club's smoking room, and the Northern Counties Ballroom, once the private dining room, are prime examples of spaces that evolved with time. A revolving door was added in 1916, and after the 1921 partition, frosted doors and ground-floor windows were installed to ensure the club's events remained private during a period of civil unrest.

During World War I & II, the building even provided mess facilities for Canadian, American, and local officers. The 1930s brought another change when the suffragette movement led to women being allowed into the club for the first time. Over the decades, the building quietly stood through The Troubles from 1968 to 1998, witnessing the city's challenges. After years of vacancy, the Inner City Buildings Preservation Trust (ICBPT) restored the building in 2016, transforming it into a 30-room luxury hotel.

Bishop's Gate Hotel is a Grade B1 listed building that brings together classic heritage and contemporary style in the historic Walled City. Set within an elegant Edwardian building that was carefully restored when the hotel opened in 2016. The exterior and original features reflect the building's history, and inside you'll find thoughtful design throughout. Each of the 31 guestrooms and suites is individually styled, with a rich palette of dove greys, moss greens, plums, and golds that reflects the hotel's heritage. Soft natural textures, oversized headboards, fine fabrics, and luxurious King Koil beds create a warm feel.

Many rooms offer views across the city's rooftops, with some luxury rooms even featuring balconies or original Edwardian details like high ceilings and fireplaces. The hotel's design continues outside the main buildings with the 9 London Street apartment and a collection of boutique one and two-bedroom apartments nearby. These spaces feel luxurious with stylish decor, giving guests plenty of room, light, and privacy while still feeling connected to the main hotel.

The hotel is wheelchair accessible and includes an elevator, along with facilities designed to support guests with disabilities. Throughout the hotel's common areas, original architectural details such as crown molding and refined woodwork sit alongside modern luxuries.

The Gown Restaurant

The Gown Restaurant is where guests at Bishop's Gate Hotel can enjoy a relaxed, hearty meal. Housed in the former Northern Counties Club, the spaces still retain original features like restored wall paneling. The Gown serves seasonally inspired dishes with local ingredients. Mains range from fresh fish and roasted duck to grilled steaks, with vegetarian options like lentil dhal or ravioli. Desserts feature classics like Apple Tatin Tart, Chocolate Brownie, and the impressive Bishop's Gate Baked Alaska.

Advance booking is highly recommended to make sure you get a table.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7:00 am - 10:30 am (daily)
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Monday - Saturday)
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (daily)
Sunday Lunch: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

The Wig Champagne Bar

The Wig is a lively space full of character, with unique legal-themed decor and an original Edwardian fireplace where people gather for drinks and casual meals. On selected days, the space hosts Gigs at The Wig, an intimate live music series featuring local artists. The menu is modern, with sharing plates and light bites, and mains like Pan-Seared Chicken or Hake with seasonal sides. There's also a children's menu, so the options are varied for all guests.

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Monday – Thursday) and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Friday – Sunday)

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Bishop's Gate Hotel is a relaxed way to enjoy a taste of history. Served in the Hervey Library, with its Edwardian decor, it brings the tradition of the 19th-century tea in a timeless atmosphere. The selection includes freshly baked scones, seasonal cakes, delicate pastries, and savory treats like finger sandwiches, mini quiches, and egg mayonnaise bites, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available, too.

Everything is handcrafted daily by chefs using the finest ingredients. The tea experience is complemented by a choice of premium teas or artisan coffee, with the option of adding a glass of Prosecco for a little sparkle. Booking is required, and a small non-refundable fee applies.

Bishop's Gate Hotel, set within Derry's historic city walls, provides a stunning backdrop for weddings with a unique touch of Edwardian architecture. Spaces like The Northern Counties Ballroom can accommodate up to 90 guests, while the more intimate Hervey Library offer versatile setting and can also be combined with The Northern Counties Ballroom to offer space for up to 120 guests. The hotel is fully licensed, allowing couples to host their entire celebration in one place.

There are two main wedding packages to guide planning. The Classic Wedding Package includes essentials such as a dedicated wedding director, private use of the events floor, a four-course banquet menu, refreshments, a dance floor for entertainment, and an overnight stay for the couple, along with preferential rates for guests. The Wedding Collection Package adds extra touches from local suppliers, including floral decor, a multi-tiered wedding cake, a five-course banquet menu, and additional celebratory options.

Even with these packages, the hotel is flexible; couples can personalize almost every aspect of their day, from decor and menu selections to unique entertainment, ensuring the wedding feels completely their own. Only one wedding is hosted per day, giving space and time to enjoy the celebration fully.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Bishop's Gate Hotel sits right in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter, which puts you in the middle of the city's history, culture, and sights. The hotel is a short walk from St. Columb’s Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Tower Museum, and the iconic Peace Bridge. Take a stroll along the walls for views over the city and learn about the history at the info points along the way. Guided tours are also available through companies like McCrossan City Tours, Derrie Danders, and Bogside Tours, including special routes around filming locations from the TV show Derry Girls.

For a quieter day, follow the Greenways along the river or explore the riverside paths and cycle routes connecting the Peace Bridge to St. Columb's Park. Art and music lovers can check out exhibitions at the Void Art Gallery, performances at the Echo Dance Theatre, or explore the Bogside murals that tell the story of the city's past.

Derry's museums offer plenty of history, from the Siege Museum and Museum of Free Derry to the Tower Museum, while historic churches like St Columb’s Cathedral and St Eugene’s Cathedral give a glimpse into the city's architectural past. Golf is also on the doorstep, with over 20 courses within an hour's drive, including Ballyliffin, City of Derry, Foyle Golf Centre, and Royal Portrush. Shopping is easy too, with Foyleside and Richmond Centres nearby, plus local independent shops.

Bishop's Gate Hotel hosts a range of private and corporate events, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings. For smaller groups, 7 London Street and the Harvey Library offer private, elegant settings with Edwardian decor, natural light, and flexible layouts. The Northern Counties Ballroom accommodates up to 90 people, or up to 120 people when combined with the library. Across the hotel, spaces like the Spire Bar and event floors can be arranged for meetings, workshops, or parties, making the hotel a versatile venue.