Bar-restaurant in Co Antrim closes after racially-motivated arson attack

A beloved bar-restaurant in Co Antrim has been forced to close its doors after a devastating arson attack, which police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime.

The former Railway Bar and Steam Dining restaurant, located near Newtownabbey on Ballyclare Road, was targeted in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Parts of Ballyclare Road were closed as firefighters battled the blaze, which left significant damage to the building’s roof and exterior walls. The restaurant had recently rebranded as an authentic Indian and Nepalese eatery, offering takeaway services that had only begun days before the attack.

In a heartfelt statement, the owners expressed their devastation at the loss of their establishment. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our beloved pub and restaurant. This journey, filled with countless memories, has come to an unexpected end. Our establishment, once a place of joy and community, has fallen victim to a devastating act of organised hate,” they said.

The restaurant, which had been a community hub, was more than just a business to the owners. “This venue was more than just a business; it was a piece of history, a place that brought people together and created lasting memories. We are shattered and deeply saddened to see it destroyed,” the statement continued.

The owner, a young Nepalese-British individual, shared the personal impact of the attack. “As a young Nepalese-British individual, born into a Hindu family, raised and educated in Belfast, I never imagined that my skin colour and religion would make us a target for such a hateful act. My sole intention was to run a business, provide jobs, and make a modest living. Unfortunately, the reality we faced was beyond anything I could have imagined.”

CEO at Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill stated: “Hospitality Ulster condemns in the strongest terms the targeting of hospitality premises and completely rejects the racist ideology behind the attack on Railway Bar and Steam Dining restaurant.

“Pubs and restaurants are positive contributors to their local communities, providing employment and a place for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. They are the antithesis of those who seek to cause division within our communities. To see this arson and the disgraceful graffiti on the restaurant is very disheartening, but we are certain that both the hospitality community at large and the local community stand with the owners in their time of need.”

Local politicians have also condemned the attack, expressing their support for the business owners and the community. South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron denounced the attack, stating, “This was an attack on a local business. There can be no justification for attacking any property and particularly for the sinister graffiti that was sprayed onto the building.”

Cameron also praised the efforts of the restaurant’s owners, who had worked tirelessly to build up their business and contribute to the local community. “Their efforts are a world away from those with nothing to offer but hate, destruction, and chaos. We will continue to stand with all those who want to build a better Northern Ireland,” she added.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane also condemned the arson attack, describing it as “sickening and deplorable.” He emphasised the importance of unity in the face of such hatred, stating, “These disgusting and disgraceful attacks which are fuelled by racism, hatred, and discrimination have no place in our inclusive and forward-looking society. Those intent on causing hate and stirring up division must face the full force of the law.”