The Merchant Hotel

Along the streets of Belfast sits a gorgeous sandstone edifice built in Victorian Italianate style. Its modern name is The Merchant Hotel, yet back in 1860, it was the headquarters of the Ulster Bank. The bank actually acquired the site in 1836 but didn’t begin construction until 1857. The directors Robert Grimshaw and James Heron toured major Scottish cities, looking for inspiration. They then held a design competition, which was won by Glasgow architect James Hamilton. The construction was done by Messrs D and J Fulton, who also worked on Killyleagh Castle and Ulster Hall. They also drew upon Belfast's talented local craftsmen, including plasterworker George Crowe, who is credited with the incredible interiors.

In 2006, this Grade A listed historic building was transformed into The Merchant Hotel we know today. A significant expansion followed in 2010, adding many modern facilities yet carefully preserving the building’s character. For its excellence, The Merchant has garnered numerous notable distinctions and awards, including the coveted five-star hotel rating from The AA, as well as AA Rosettes for its restaurants.

The Merchant Hotel design is credited to the Glaswegian architect James Hamilton, who won the contest for Ulster Bank's new headquarters. His winning entry showcased a building in the Victorian Italianate style, intended to project elegance, substance, and prosperity, befitting of the main office of a major banking institution. The structure is built using Giffnock sandstone, presenting a facade adorned with sculptures embodying Commerce, Justice, and Britannia. The entranceway is led by a grand set of stairs, funneling guests and patrons toward the front door.

The most notable, well-preserved aspect of the hotel is the former banking hall, now The Great Room restaurant. This magnificent space features a soaring central dome surrounded by fruit and foliage friezes, stalwart Corinthian columns, and cherubic figures embodying science, painting, scripture, and music.

Since The Merchant is a Grade A listed heritage building, renovations and upgrades must be done with considerable care in order to preserve the various period details. These include the rich plasterwork, high ceilings, stained glass, and other classical ornamentations. This is why the guestrooms in the original building embrace Victorian-inspired decor and furnishings, particularly in the signature suites. In contrast, the 2010 extension introduced contemporary spaces heavily inspired by Art Deco, as seen in the newer accommodations and the spa.

The Great Room

The Great Room is The Merchant's ritzy fine-dining destination, set within the hotel’s stunning original Victorian Era banking hall. The outstanding service and marvelous food have won The Great Room 2 AA Rosettes, signifying its culinary excellence. The restaurant is also famed as one of Belfast’s premier dining experiences, featuring a la carte selections for all day dining, as well as exclusive tasting menus. Each dish offered also has its own recommended pairing, drawn from an extensive wine list of over 200 vintages.

Another signature experience is Afternoon Tea in The Great Room, which is served with all the hallmarks of a classic Victorian tea service. Nibble on delicate finger sandwiches, savor freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and discover the decadence of crafted sweet and savoury desserts, all enjoyed with the extensive selection of tea blends. Guests can also elevate the experience with a tall glass of Prosecco, a special cocktail, or a flute of Champagne.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: Monday to Friday: 7 am - 10 am; Weekends and Bank Holidays: 7 am - 10:30 am
Lunch: Monday to Friday: 12 pm - 2:15 pm
Dinner: Monday to Thursday: 6 pm - 10 pm; Friday and Saturday: 6 pm - 10 pm
Afternoon Tea: Monday to Friday: 12 pm - 4 pm; Saturday: 12:30 pm - 2.30 pm, and 3 pm - 5 pm; Sunday: 12:30 pm - 4 pm
Sunday Menu: 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tasting Menu: Only available Monday to Saturday from 6 pm - 9 pm

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the Afternoon Tea service, and can be made via the hotel's website.

Berts Jazz Bar

Bert’s Jazz Bar offers a stylish, Art Deco-inspired dining venue that brings back the glamor of nightclubs from the 1930s. Recognized as Belfast's AA Rosette jazz bar, this establishment offers live jazz performances seven nights a week. Enjoy sultry and lilting melodies alongside signature cocktails, classic wines, and the bar's exceptional French bistro-style menu, formulated by Head Chef Michael Weber.

Opening hours:
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday: 5 pm - 9:15 pm;
Friday & Saturday: 1st sitting: 5:30 pm, 5:45 pm, or 6 pm; 2nd sitting: 8:30 pm, 8:45 pm, 9 pm
A La Carte Lunch: Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm - 3 pm
Early Jazz Offer: Monday to Thursday: 5 pm - 6.30 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm - 3 pm
Bar Service Hours: 
Monday to Thursday: 4:30 pm - late
Friday: 4 pm - late
Saturday: 12 pm - late
Sunday: 12 pm - midnight

The Cloth Ear

For a more down-to-earth dining ambiance, The Cloth Ear is a welcoming pub‑style bar that offers modern twists on classic Irish fare. Known for its bright yet relaxed atmosphere, the bar features a wide selection of inventive drinks, ranging from craft beers, ales, whiskies, wines, and classic cocktails. Each beverage is meant to be enjoyed with its delicious food, which is made with seasonal, locally‑sourced ingredients.

Opening hours:
Bar Service:
Sunday to Wednesday: 12 pm - 11 pm
Thursday: 12 pm - 12 am
Friday to Saturday: 12 pm - 1 am
Food Service:
Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm - 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12 pm - 9:30 pm 

The Cocktail Bar

Though much smaller than the other dining venues of the hotel, The Cocktail Bar offers a sophisticated setting set within an elegant lounge. Showcased are classic features and fixtures, like antique Baccarat chandeliers and a striking, centuries-old fireplace. The menu boasts an extensive drinks list that includes rare spirits, vintage Champagnes, and both timeless classic cocktails and inventive in‑house originals. The bar has earned international recognition for its quality of service and inventiveness, including the prestigious 2 PINs - Outstanding rating from the world-renowned Pinnacle Guide.

Opening hours:
Bar Service:
Monday to Saturday: 10:30 am - 1 am
Sunday: 11:30 am - 12 am

Food Service:
Monday to Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm

Looking for a magnificent and bespoke wedding venue in Belfast? Since it opened in 2006, The Merchant Hotel has garnered praise and renown for its luxurious celebrations set in the heart of the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter. Expect ceremonies and receptions presented in timeless elegance, yet fitted with contemporary facilities and amenities. Choose from a selection of incredible venues, such as the iconic Great Room with its impressive dome and ornate plasterwork, to more intimate locations such as the rooftop garden overlooking the district.

Couples will be assisted by a dedicated wedding specialist who shall work with them from start to finish. Experienced with high-quality and bespoke functions, they'll ensure every detail is tailored to the couple's vision. Likewise, The Merchant operates on a policy of hosting only one wedding per day, meaning full focus will be given to your event. In‑house services are complemented by carefully selected external partners covering aspects such as photography, decor, entertainment, and many more.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Merchant Hotel is situated in Belfast, making it one of the best choices for a heritage stay close to many of the city's historic landmarks. But before you head out to explore the city, be sure to indulge in the exceptional wellness experiences offered. The hotel’s signature spa offers a tranquil retreat with five treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a hydrotherapy area. Expert therapists offer a range of personalized treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. Also available is a rooftop gym equipped with state of the art equipment, as well as thermal facilities such as a rooftop hot tub and a rock sauna.

Aside from wellness, the hotel also has monthly and seasonal curated experiences on offer. Winter, for example, is perfect for tasting sessions and involves various partner brands of the hotel, such as Moët Hennessy Champagne Dinners and Copeland Distillery Premium Tastings.

With the hotel set in Belfast's historic Cathedral Quarter, travelers will find many historic and cultural landmarks to be quite easily accessible. Just a few minutes' walk is St. Anne's Cathedral, colloquially known as the Belfast Cathedral. Also within a short walk is St. George's Market, known as the city's last surviving Victorian covered market, yet still actively in operation. A bit further is Titanic Belfast, a museum situated in the Titanic Quarter. Another immensely popular cultural center is the Ulster Museum, located in the Belfast Botanic Gardens, and boasts a vast number of exhibits.

The Merchant Hotel is always ready to support a wide range of corporate and private functions, ensuring your events are always executed with style and professionalism. The hotel offers a variety of dedicated venues, from a 16‑person boardroom to larger suites like the Rita Duffy Room that can accommodate up to 200 guests. There's also a chic and unique rooftop garden for a less formal setting. All event rooms come with state‑of‑the‑art facilities such as built‑in audiovisual screens, advanced lighting controls, adjustable climate systems. To ensure your conference or party is carried out flawlessly, professional event coordinators and dedicated hosts will be attached to assist with planning and execution. They'll help tailor the logistics and planning, whether it's for corporate meetings, training sessions, product launches, or private banquets and receptions.