Following a landmark relocation last year, the restaurant doubled in size, moving just metres within the outlet mall to a striking new 175-seat space. The expansion has proven transformational, delivering an exceptional year of trading and firmly positioning Salt Kitchen as one of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality success stories.

The move allowed Salt Kitchen to elevate its offering across every touchpoint – from enhanced interiors and expanded seating to greater kitchen capacity and menu innovation. Over the past year, the larger space has enabled the team to introduce new seasonal dishes, curated tasting experiences, and popular supper clubs, while maintaining its commitment to premium local produce, fresh seafood, and quality meats.

The expansion also saw the creation of 15 new jobs, bringing the team to 45 strong – reinforcing Salt Kitchen’s commitment to investing in people, service excellence, and the local economy.

Gary Scott, Chef/Director of Salt Kitchen, said: “Reaching ten years in business is something we’re incredibly proud of. Moving into our new space last year gave us the platform to grow properly – creatively and commercially. The past year has exceeded expectations, and it’s given us real confidence as we look to the future.”

With strong trading performance and continued demand, Salt Kitchen is now exploring further opportunities for growth as it builds on a decade of success.

As members of Food Heartland and Food NI, Salt Kitchen continues to champion Northern Ireland produce while attracting diners from across the region to The Boulevard and neighbouring Omniplex, who are also celebrating ten years in 2026 – further strengthening its reputation as a true destination restaurant.

Salt Kitchen invites customers, media and the local community to celebrate this milestone and experience the next chapter of dining at The Boulevard.

Bookings can be made online at: https://www.saltkitchenbanbridge.co.uk

Photo caption: Neil Walker, Manager of Salt Kitchen is pictured Gary Scott Chef/Director of Salt Kitchen.

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Nominations are now open for Receptionist of the Year, Most Promising Receptionist and Reception Team of the Year

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) has officially launched the NIHF Receptionist Awards 2026, celebrating the front-of-house team members whose skill, adaptability and professionalism are instrumental in creating outstanding guest experiences across Northern Ireland’s hotels.

This year’s awards will take place at the Armagh City Hotel, celebrating the dedication and skill of those working at the very heart of the guest journey.

A key fixture in the hotel industry calendar, the NIHF Receptionist Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role reception teams play in shaping first impressions and delivering consistently outstanding service. This year’s competition will feature a varied and engaging programme of tasks, designed to reflect the evolving and dynamic nature of the front-of-house role within today’s hotel sector.

Vicky Green, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said:

“Reception teams play a critical role in shaping the guest experience and are responsible for creating a positive first and lasting impression of our destination. Their ability to combine professionalism, effective problem-solving and genuine warmth ensures that every guest interaction truly counts.

“The NIHF Receptionist Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the talent, resilience and commitment of those working on the front line of our industry. Their contribution is fundamental to the success, reputation and continued growth of our hotels and wider hospitality sector.”

The NIHF Receptionist Awards 2026 will include three categories:

• Receptionist of the Year
• Most Promising Receptionist
• Reception Team of the Year

The selection process will consist of three rigorous stages:

• Friday, 06 March 2026 – Closing date for all online applications
• Tuesday, 24 March 2026 – Assessment Day at Clayton Hotel Belfast
• Tuesday, 14 April 2026 – Final Interviews at Clayton Hotel Belfast

The finalists will then gather for the Awards Dinner on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at The Armagh City Hotel, where the winners will be announced and celebrated.

This event is made possible through the support of valued partners including Tourism Northern Ireland, Guestline, Net Affinity, Insight6 and Life Adventure.

For full details and to submit nominations, please visit the NIHF website: www.nihf.co.uk. The closing date for online entries is Friday, 06 March 2026.

“Check-in” for the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) Receptionist Awards 2026. Following an assessment day at the Clayton Hotel Belfast, in-person interviews and a ‘mystery shopper’ visit, shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend an awards dinner on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at The Armagh City Hotel. The awards are supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Guestline, Net Affinity, Insight6, and Life Adventure. For full details and to submit nominations, visit www.nihf.co.uk. The closing date for online entries is Friday, 06 March 2026.

NIHF 1 (L-R) Clio O’Gara, Business Development Manager, Access Hospitality Ireland; NIHF President, Vicky Green; John Keating, Operational Director, Life Adventure Co; and Marius Gabriel Lungu, Account Executive, Access Hospitality Ireland.

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The development by the Duddy Group will form part of the Holiday Inn Express, where the group also opened a bar and entertainment centre, Kaboodle, last year.

Both projects were part-funded by the NI Investment Fund which provides debt or equity finance for commercial property, regeneration and low carbon projects and is managed by the CBRE Lending team on behalf of the Department of Finance.

Minister O’Dowd said: “Tourism is a key driver of economic growth and community development. Investing in tourism creates jobs, sparks innovation, and supports sustainable progress.

“I was interested to hear from the Duddy Group how funding from my Department through the Investment Fund has been instrumental in delivering this project which is supporting 30 new jobs.

“The aparthotel and entertainment complex received a loan of £3.3million from the Fund which shows how targeted investments can really make a difference in helping developers progress projects.

“The outcome is an attraction that not only helps address regional imbalance but boosts local tourism and helps unlock economic growth.”

Brendan Duddy Jr, from the Duddy Group said: “The Investment Fund has been critical in providing the funding for Kaboodle entertainment centre at Holiday Inn Express complex. This has proven to be a major attraction for visitors and locals coming to spend time in Derry.

“The development of the short-stay tourist apartment suites as part of the Holiday Inn Express complex provide facilities for visitors from overseas, the south and any one visiting the city.

“This site had been empty since demolition of the former site in the early 80s. Similar to the location Kaboodle now operates from which hadn’t had any business operating there for over a decade.”

William Church, CBRE Lending said: “This is exactly the type of employment-led scheme the Fund was set up to enable, supporting economic growth in Derry / Londonderry as part of a NI-wide strategy. We are delighted to see it all so close to completion and the Kaboodle element up and trading, adding to the regional economy.”

Since its launch in 2017, the NI Investment Fund has provided £178.5million in loans resulting in over 5,180 jobs being supported. More information on the Fund can be found at: www.northernirelandinvestmentfund.com/

L to R: Gordon Davidson, FJJ Consulting; Larry Duddy, Duddy Group; Patricia Duddy, Duddy Group; John O’Dowd, Finance Minister; Shauna Downey, Duddy Group; Brendan Duddy Jr, Duddy Group; Andrew Coggins, CBRE NI. Caption 02: L to R: Gordon Davidson, FJJ Consulting; Brendan Duddy Jr, Duddy Group; Shauna Downey, Duddy Group; John O’Dowd, Finance Minister; Patricia Duddy, Duddy Group; Larry Duddy, Duddy Group; Andrew Coggins, CBRE NI

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Delivered by Belfast Flavours in collaboration with Belfast City Council and supported by DAERA via the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, the industry-led event united chefs, producers, hospitality leaders and policymakers to champion local produce, sustainability and long-term growth across Northern Ireland’s food economy.

Pictured left to right: Alison Chambers, Director of Sustainable Agri-food Development, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA); Jess Murphy, owner and head chef of Kai, Galway and one of the event’s keynote speakers; Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tracy Kelly; Pamela Ballantine, Event Host; and Andrew Dougan, Co-Chair of Belfast Flavours.

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IFEX, NI’s premier food, drink, hospitality and retail exhibition, opened its doors, welcoming thousands of trade visitors to the event on the first day.

Home to some of the country’s biggest food companies, manufacturers, distributors and artisan producers, the event, organised by 365 Events Ltd, runs until this Thursday, 26^th February, and over 7,000 industry professionals are expected to attend over the three days.

From NI Chef of the Year, supported by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Food NI, the SCA Irish Cup Tasters Championship and the SERAC Ice Cocktail Competition, to artisan companies from across the Island exhibiting in the Great Taste Market, IFEX is the place where all of those in the food, drink and hospitality industries will be over the next few days. Live features also include the ever-popular Chef Skills Live Theatre, supported by Department for the Economy, showcasing top culinary talent in action, and the World Skills & Wild Food Arena, combining practical skills competitions with demonstrations focused on sustainability and alternative ingredients.

Chef, Niall McKenna MBE, officially opened the show and met some of the 20 plus exhibitors who are attending the event to generate new business and contacts. Niall praised the quality of local produce and the innovation on show and welcomed the large crowds on the first day of the event, “The foodservice and hospitality sectors are vitally important to our economy.  To see the scale and energy on display today shows just how resilient and forward-looking the sector remains.

“IFEX brings the industry together under one roof, attracting visitors from every corner of the industry – from independent operators and multi-site groups to specialist suppliers and major distributors to discover new products and explore emerging trends. At a time when the industry continues to face skills shortages, events like IFEX play an important role in showcasing talent, inspiring the next generation and helping to strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals. The level of engagement and business being done here highlights the real value of face-to-face trade events for driving growth and building long-term partnerships.”

Interest in IFEX 2026 has superseded all other years, with a sold-out show and record registration figures. There’s high expectations that IFEX will deliver new business for many companies in the food, hospitality and retail sectors in the months and years ahead.

IFEX opens at 10am daily and runs until Thursday 26^th February at 4pm. The trade expo is free to attend and you can register at www.ifexexhibition.co.uk

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