Galgorm Collection to reopen landmark cafe as events space

The Galgorm Collection is reopening a landmark city centre venue as an events space.

Cafe Parisien, on Belfast’s Donegall Street, closed at the start of the pandemic and has not reopened since.

A spokesperson said: “Since its closure in March 2020, we have experienced strong levels of demand from customers for its reopening and a real surge in enquiries for private-use hire, which led us to relaunch the venue as Parisien.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming back guests to enjoy our new-look offering, with bespoke function and wedding packages available to celebrate those important occasions and special moments which have long been missed over lockdown.”

The restaurant is located in Cleaver House, a historic building which once formed part of Belfast’s famous Robinson and Cleaver department store and overlooks the city hall.

The Galgorm Collection business is owned by brothers Nicholas and Paul Hill. Their other properties include the Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort near Ballymena, Fratelli’s in Belfast and The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick.

In April the company also bought the historic Old Inn at Crawfordsburn , which it plans to spend £1million on extending and developing with a view to opening later this summer.

It also plans to redevelop the former Holy Rosary Church on Belfast’s thriving Ormeau Road.

Having purchased the derelict property in 2018  it plans to transform it into a boutique hotel and restaurant, with the intention of starting work before the end of 2021.

Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Jonston said: “We are guided by entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the industry, and therefore will always consider and explore new opportunities

“Galgorm Collection’s ambition is to continually innovate and push boundaries to create world-class hospitality experiences.”