Belfast’s Ivy set to open in September

Joining 39 other locations in The Ivy Restaurant portfolio, the Belfast premises will launch across two floors at the historic Cleaver House on Donegall Square North, in the heart of the city centre.

Initially, the firm said that around 70 jobs would be created at the new luxury eatery but it has now been conformed  it will provide 100-plus jobs within the local hospitality sector and will be open seven days a week for breakfast through to dinner.

Laura Mills, managing director of The Ivy Collection, said: “Belfast has been in our sights for quite a while, and we are absolutely thrilled to be opening in this vibrant city.

“The city is one of the ‘must visit’ cities in Europe, if not the world, and we are excited to be a part of the emerging buzz and buoyant atmosphere that comes with that.

“We cannot wait for Belfast to experience the undeniable magic that The Ivy Collection is renowned for, and we look forward to joining the City’s already incredible culinary offering.

“We are currently recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals to be part of our dynamic team. Please contact us at recruitment@theivy-collection.com.”

The company is now actively recruiting for a range of jobs. That includes bar manager, sous chef and waiter roles.

Construction for The Ivy in Belfast began back in January of this year, and is said to be part of an overall £8m investment.

he building was originally constructed in 1888, designed by architect Young & Mackenzie, and was a department store until 1984.

The Ivy opened at its original location at West Street in London more than a century ago. It now runs more than 30 restaurants across the UK, including cafes and brasseries. It opened its first location in Dublin in 2018.

The original Ivy marked its centenary in 2017, and remains arguably London’s most famous restaurant.

It was first opened by Abel Giandolini as an Italian cafe in a building on the same site.

Noteworthy fans  include Laurene Olivier, Noel Coward, Tom Cruise, Stephen Fry, Nicole Kidman, and David and Victoria Beckham.