Boom as 12 new businesses open in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

With Belfast in full swing to recovery from the turbulence of recent years, the Cathedral Quarter has much to celebrate.Businesses are still continuing to choose this art, culture and heritage hotspot to set up base.

Business Improvement District manager Damien Corr said the number of businesses opening in the area is an encouraging sign of the times.

He added: “The Cathedral Quarter remains a jewel in the city’s crown.

“The BID is encouraged that entrepreneurs are voting with their feet and choosing Cathedral Quarter as the best location for their new business.”

Mr Corr said the development of the university nearby had acted as a catalyst and increased footfall could already be seen.

“I have no doubt that these 12 new businesses are just the beginning of the resurgence of the Cathedral Quarter and I look forward to working with them and the many who will follow,” he said

The new businesses include:

n Common Market, Dunbar Street – a street food market, bar and events venue, including options from Ball & Roll, Moon Gelato Co, Lasa, Hey Chick!, Oui Poutine, Al Pastor, Baps by Freight and Rebel Dough;

n Deerah, Royal Avenue – one of the only Lebanese cafes in the area with a handpicked variety of high-quality dishes created with the freshest and finest ingredients available;

n Neighbourhood Cafe, Donegall Street – dubbed “the coolest coffee shop in Belfast”;

n Never Never Clothes Shop, Donegall Street – an independent physical and online clothing store with a range of authorised dealers and products to choose from;

n The Academy Restaurant, Ulster University, York Street – combining learning, culinary talent, and a dine-in experience;

n Cathedral Pizza, Donegall Street – available for sit-in or delivery into the early hours of the morning;

n The Quarter by Warren, Donegall Street – provides a range of facilities for all guests, including room service, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk;

n Unique, Ulster University, York Street – a student led art shop of the Belfast Art School;

n Libertine, Tomb Street – the Cathedral Quarter’s newest gay bar, nightclub and garden;

n The Reporter Bar, Union Street – Inspired by the history of the newspaper industry, The Reporter is a dog-friendly bar that pays homage to Belfast’s printing and publishing heritage;

n Mackles Ice Cream, Hill Street – tagged as having ‘the best whipped ice cream’, the menu also includes a range of drinks and sweet treats;

n Waterman House Cookery School, Hill Street – available for a day of cooking, one meal wonders, or even classes on global favourites, such as curry, sushi and cocktails.

Cathedral Quarter BID Chair Les Hume said he was delighted to see the area being rejuvenated: “The business community have voted with their feet and are investing in our area but they want assurance that at the very least our public realm will be fit for purpose when people return.

“We are committed to working in partnership with business and statutory partners to ensure that streets are safe, clean and welcoming … these baseline services should be a given.”

n For more information about the Cathedral Quarter or the CQ BID go to cathedralquarterbelfast.com