Cellar Bar reopening at Belfast Castle creates 25 jobs
Belfast Castle has marked its 90th anniversary by reopening The Cellar Bar to the public with the team behind Crumlin Road Gaol having taken up the reigns and creating 25 new jobs.
Phelim Devlin from Crumlin Road Gaol, who is heading up the new project, said: “I am very excited about our new collaboration with Belfast City Council here at Belfast Castle. We are delighted to be taking over the catering and beverage offering at the castle including the Tavern coffee shop and the Cellar restaurant.
“We first established ourselves in North Belfast 12 years ago when we partnered with the then OFMDFM to operate Crumlin Road Gaol and a few years later we added Cuffs Bar and Grill. Our main aim in both these businesses was to have a product that is not only to serve the tourism industry but one which is accessible to the local residents also.
“We are delighted to have secured the services of Ben Brett, former head chef of Six by Nico, to lead our Kitchen team and he will be ably supported Eoin and Kyle and the rest our front of house team to deliver a quality service to our visitors.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast Ryan Murphy, who officially opened the Cellar Bar, added: “The castle as we all know and love is steeped in history, and with over 120,000 visitors each year, it is widely known for its beautiful gardens and views over Belfast City, the walks on Cavehill and of course the Castles’ architectural grandeur, all the things that blend its rich history, natural beauty and cultural significance together.
“Today is a very important occasion, not only for Belfast City Council, but for North Belfast and its residents who use the park on a daily basis.”
Belfast Castle will continue with their 90th Anniversary celebrations by developing an array of events. In June they will host a family fu day, there will also be yoga in the gardens, walks on cavehill, a summer Ceili and it will also welcome 70 visiting supercars in July.
