Cock and Hens on Lord Street in the east of the city is being sold by Whelan Commercial and been vacant since during the pandemic.

Portrayed as The Loyal in the fictional Mount Eden estate, Cock and Hens is the main setting for several scenes in the drama, which sees owner Lee Thompson (Seamus O’Hara) alongside his sister Mags Thompson (Seána Kerslake) and nephew Henry (Alfie Lawless) grapple with a loyalist feud in the estate.

It plays a focal part in one particular storyline in which Thompson aims to give the bar’s ownership over to loyalist leader Jim Dixon before the latter meets a grisly end.

Unlike typical productions, which tend to use an exterior for outside shots and a different location or set for interior, Cock and Hens’ interior and exterior featured in the series.

The listing describes it as a “long-established community bar in the heart of east Belfast situated just off the Albertbridge Road on a prominent corner site.

“The surrounding area is a densely populated residential area with a significant potential costumer base.”

Estate agent Brian Nixon said the bar has had significant interest since it was featured in the show.

“We have had lots of interest in it, even people contacting us from abroad,” he explained.

“It’s a local community bar, that’s really it. It’s been available since the pandemic when the markets were really affected and bars and restaurants had to close. There are very few bars in the east Belfast area now.

“Featuring in Blue Lights can only help things.”

Derry’s Bishop’s Gate Hotel is a new entry to the Best of the Best category and has been listed as No. 19 in the prestigious Top Hotels in the UK, behind the likes of The Resident in Covent Garden and The Chesterfield in Mayfair.

In 2020, the same hotel appeared in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards ranking sixth in the Top 25 Hotels – United Kingdom and Channel Islands’ category.

Nestled within the walled city, reviewers rave about its prime location for exploring local shops, bars, and historical sites on foot.

Northern Ireland also comes out among the top in the Small and Boutique Hotels category in this year’s awards, with The Harrison, Belfast named No.16 in the UK followed by Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, Maghera, at No.19.

In 2022, the bohemian Harrison Chambers of Distinction on the Malone Road took fourth place on The National Geographic’s “ultimate hotel guide to Belfast” which listed ten of the best places to stay in the city.

This year sees the launch of three new subcategories in the awards; Pet-Friendly, Sustainable and Wellness.

The No. 1 Top Hotel in the World for 2024 is Brazil’s Hotel Colline de France, a boutique hotel renowned for its personalised service and French elegance in the middle of the mountain town of Gramado.

For three consecutive years, the 34-suite Hotel Colline de France has been ranked in the top five, boasting more than 4,000 5-star bubble reviews.

Belfast City Council has given the green light for Kainos’ Bankmore Exchange HQ and for Queen’s University to develop managed student accommodation next to the Kainos building.

The company’s temporary leasing agreement with Trademarket, which currently occupies the site, will end as planned on July 31 this year with the statement confirming the food venue is moving on “to new ventures”.

The construction of the new Kainos headquarters is set to begin in September and the project is scheduled for completion within 24 months, with Kainos aiming to take occupancy in early 2027.

The tech firm said the news signifies a major investment in the regeneration of the city’s Linen Quarter.

“The project will provide a state-of-the-art workspace for its people and contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of Belfast,” stated the IT services company.

Russell Sloan, CEO at Kainos, added: “We are delighted to have received planning approval, and it is exciting to know we will be moving into our new headquarters at Bankmore Exchange in just a few years. This development not only marks a significant milestone in our journey but also reaffirms our commitment to Belfast, the city where Kainos was founded. As we look to the future, we are eager to continue making a positive impact, driving growth, and creating new opportunities in the region. I would also like to take a moment to thank Trademarket for their partnership. As they move on to new ventures, we wish them every success.

“Kainos is dedicated to fostering community development and enhancing the technological landscape in Belfast. The company is eager to see the positive changes its new headquarters will bring to the local community and industry.”

Queen’s University is planning to welcome students to their new facilities for the beginning of the September 2026 academic year.

Kainos now employs some 3,000 staff across its sites.

Last year, the FTSE 250 company announced it would invest £10m in the advancement and scaling of generative AI.