Floating Belfast restaurant sunk by Covid
A restaurant with one of the most unique views in Belfast has closed its doors for the last time.
Hollohan’s at The Barge said it was closing as result of Covid-19 and other “operational issues”.
The floating restaurant was set on a converted barge based in Belfast’s Lanyon Place and in 2015 won a Business Start Up of the Year award.
A statement on social media said they would now be consolidating the restaurant into their existing Holohan’s Pantry, based close to Queen’s University.
It added: “It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the closure of our much-loved Holohan’s @ The Barge restaurant in Belfast.
“Due to several circumstances beyond our control, we will be consolidating our operations at Holohan’s Pantry in the Queen’s Quarter on reopening
“It is a tough loss, coming at the end of a very tough year but the combination of Covid, insurance and other operational issues and a very uncertain future have rendered it effectively impossible to continue trading at this time.
“It has been a fantastic eight-year journey building one of Belfast’s most successful restaurants and the people we have met along the way – wonderful staff, brilliant supportive customers and amazing local suppliers – have made it a rich and rewarding experience.
“It would have been difficult enough to have to close a struggling restaurant, but to be forced to close such an iconic, successful, and well-loved restaurant is devastating and really hard to bear.
‘Devastating’
“We will be expanding our opening hours, combining our staff teams, and relaunching The Pantry with the best features of both restaurants and with plenty of new additions as well!
“Our stunning Blue Room is being transformed into a very accessible wine and cocktail bar, the perfect place for an aperitif while waiting for your table, or to continue your evening once your meal is complete.
“From all the management here at Holohan’s, we thank you for your support over the years and hope to see you again very soon.”
