HALT announces three vendors prior to opening

As Belfast gears up to welcome a fresh addition to its hospitality and cultural scene, HALT, positioned at Weavers Cross in the city centre is preparing to open on Tuesday, July 8.

Billed as a new social space bringing together “food, drink, culture and craic,” the development aims to offer a blend of culinary options, retail, entertainment, and event programming in a dynamic indoor-outdoor setting.

HALT promises an eclectic mix of flavours, with a dedicated bar and container-style vendor units forming the backbone of its setup. In anticipation of its opening, the first three vendors joining the project have been officially confirmed.

Among them is Franky’s Lasagneria, a name that might already be familiar to those who visited Trademarket before its closure. Currently operating from The John Hewitt pub, Franky’s is known for its comforting, home-style lasagne. HALT teased the offering with enthusiasm:

“Dive into layers of pure bliss with Franky’s rich, home-style lasagne, crafted using locally sourced ingredients and melted cheese with every bite!

Whether you’re craving classic beef, indulgent veggie, or seasonal specials, each oven fresh tray promises warmth, flavour, and satisfaction.”

Coffee aficionados will also find a home at HALT thanks to Root & Branch, a well-regarded local roastery. Their new espresso bar is designed to highlight both ethical sourcing and flavour innovation. As described on HALT’s social media:

“Harnessing flavour with an eye to coffee chemistry sits alongside their desire to improve the economics of the coffee industry for their farmers.

They are excited to open their new espresso bar at HALT, designed to introduce you to some of the most celebrated and diverse coffees from around the world.”

Adding bold Japanese fusion to the mix is Katsu Kitchen, another vendor that previously served crowds at Trademarket. Their menu brings comfort food with a twist, offering everything from hearty curry bowls to plant-based bites. HALT highlights their culinary style with:

“Specialising in mouth-watering katsu dishes, they serve up everything from crispy chicken katsu to loaded fries, vegan cauliflower katsu, and signature Japanese curry bowls. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a flavour-packed dinner, Katsu Kitchen is comfort food with a modern Asian twist.”

With just days until opening, excitement is building for what looks set to be one of the city’s most talked-about new spots.