food and drink – Licensed & Catering News (LCN) – News Coverage from the Local Trade

Lisburn bar set for comeback after closure

Joe Kearney — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:24:23 +0000

A popular Lisburn bar is to reopen more than a vear after its owners announced they would be “retiring” the location.

The Speckled Hen, on the Derriaghy Road, closed in January 2023 after eight years and thanked its loyal customers for the patronage. However in a surprise post earlier this year, it hinted at a comeback – which has now been confirmed.

In a new post on social media, the eatery’s owner Martin said the bar will reopen from next month and will be considering third-party applications for its catering service.

“Hi, just to confirm the Speckled Hen will re open for drinks during May and food from mid June,” the post reads.

“The world of hospitality has changed dramatically in the last three years. The Speckled Hen going forward will reflect the changes while retaining a welcoming, comfortable and save environment for all.

“We are considering letting the food element of the business out to a third party. The terms will be very reasonable.”

Shortly before closing its doors last year, the pub’s management would frequently post on social media about the high bills it was experiencing, including over £9,000 a month in electricity.

In 2022, The Speckled Hen was named as one of the winners at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The bar is now on the lookout for local musicians to entertain punters upon reopening.

“Going forward we are looking for local musicians in particular traditional music. We are also looking for a talented local pianist,” its post added.

“If you know anyone please share this message. Regards to all and we look forward to seeing you in the not to distant future. Martin”

The Lisburn spot, with origins dating back to the 1600s, became popular for its classic bar style and menu showcasing local produce.

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Warning after diners’ bank transfer scam

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:47:53 +0000

Hospitality Ulster has warned restaurants to be vigilant of a bank transfer scam after one venue was scammed out of £300.

In a post on social media, the trade group said it had been contacted by an unnamed business that shared an encounter where three men ran up a large bill and later claimed they didn’t have cash or cards to settle the bill, instead asking if they could pay via bank transfer.

“One of the party showed the staff a text message allegedly from his bank, confirming that the funds had been transferred to the restaurant. He said that it could take an hour or more for the transfer to show in the recipient’s account, so the party would wait and have more drinks,” read the post from Hospitality Ulster.

“The restaurant owners grew suspicious and informed the party that they had contacted the PSNI, at which point they left the establishment. Police attended the restaurant and informed ownership that they were aware of this scam.

“Please remain vigilant to situations like this, or similar, where you are unable to confirm that payment has been made.”

The warning of the scam comes at a particularly difficult time for hospitality venues. In February, it was revealed a quarter of hospitality businesses have no cash reserves and a further 29% have less than three month’s worth, according to a survey covering the whole of the UK.

The joint survey by the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping, UKHospitality alongside Hospitality Ulster showed the overwhelming majority of businesses have seen costs rise across the board, and are struggling with additional pressures.

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Broker restaurant chef to take on venue after closure

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:20:15 +0000

A popular restaurant in east Belfast has announced its closure due to “impossibly high expenses” and staffing concerns..

Despite Broker opening in October 2022, owner Peter McCloskey, who also owns Belfast’s Oliver’s chain, is now closing the restaurant saying it “has never been harder”.

“It’s too hard to get quality staff here in Northern Ireland,” he said. “If we had the staff here that they have in other countries the industry would be totally different.

“Here, it is seen as a luxury to go to a restaurant but working in one is seen as just a casual job.”

Mr McCloskey feels the government can and should provide restaurants with greater support.

He said rate relief and reducing VAT to 13.5% from 20% (the rate for the hospitality and tourism sector in the Republic of Ireland) would help business owners.

“Restaurants in GB are paying discounted rates and down south the VAT is much more manageable, places here have such impossibly high expenses and then people can’t afford to eat out,” he said.

“The rates are just far too high here, you have to bring in an awful lot of money to make any money.

“We are heading to a place where the only restaurants that can afford the rates in Belfast are chain restaurants, and that’s not what we want, we want to see talented and creative chefs in the city, not just a lot of chain restaurants.”

Chef Chris Hayden plans to take over the unit where Broker resided.

“He is a very talented chef and he has a lot of ideas he wants to showcase, he is the head chef at a hotel at the minute but having your own restaurant means you can put your stamp on things and do it the way you want to,” Mr McCloskey said.

He added that Mr Hayden can offer customers in east Belfast a great menu and has a supportive staff around him.

“He is a good chef and he has good chefs who want to work under him, you need a good staff to offer customers food they are willing to pay for and he will have that,” Mr McCloskey said.

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Restaurant closes with dire warning for others

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:06:45 +0000

A popular restaurant in Co Armagh is to close having said rising costs mean it has become “impossible” to stay in business.

Clenaghans on the Soldierstown Road near Aghalee opened in December 2021 in between pandemic-era restrictions.

But now the restaurant, which had been trading from Thursday to Sunday, is closing. The apartment business will remain open.

The news came in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

Its owners said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Clenaghans will be closing its doors from the 28th of this month.

“With rising costs hitting us from all sides, it has unfortunately become impossible to keep the doors open and to continue to provide the quality experience that we love so much to bring to you all.

“We have seen many other much loved venues have to make this same decision, and if nothing changes for the hospitality sector, I am sure we will continue to see many more.

“We have made some fantastic friends and connections since taking the reins at Clenaghans mid-pandemic, and we would like to thank every customer that has joined us for a meal or a special occasion during our tenure.

“We are so grateful to all of you for the part you have played in our journey, particularly our regulars who have been with us every step of the way.

“And to all the front of house and kitchen team – thank you for giving us your everything and always bringing your A game. We love you loads, and wish every single one of you the best in whatever you go on to next.

“The restaurant will be open as normal for now, with our last service on April 28 so please get booked in and get any outstanding vouchers used up.”

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Why the tourism industry is growing green

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:19:37 +0000

By David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development Tourism Northern Ireland

Whether you’re offering somewhere to stay or somewhere to play, anyone involved in running tourist attractions, holiday experiences or activities sees the impact we all have on the environment every day.

Right now, the world is telling us that we must take action. More and more consumers are making ethical choices on which brands they support. As a result, businesses everywhere are adopting more sustainable practices and tourism is no exception. This is something the industry cannot afford to ignore and many are already embracing green tourism.

Northern Ireland has it all. From our big-hearted welcomes to our breath-taking surroundings. Our natural resources, rugged landscapes and our generous hosts are the reasons people come here and enabling visitors to enjoy a sustainable experience is one more way we can delight them.

Sustainable Tourism

The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

We need to understand that this is about more than energy saving and recycling – important as those are. It is about visitor management, supporting your community and helping visitors to do their bit, whether they’re with you for an hour or a week. Caring for the environment begins with us, in our homes, workplaces and communities.

So every time you suggest a green experience, offer greener options or nudge visitors towards greener actions, you’re promoting sustainability, giving yourself a competitive edge and making Northern Ireland an even more attractive destination for tourists.

Green Tourists

Sustainable experiences and getaways are where tourism is heading and in today’s society, everyone should be considered a green tourist.

According to studies by Travel Foundation and Forum for the Future, statistics show that 75% of travellers want to make responsible holiday choices and 66% want an easier way to identify green holidays. Booking.com have noted an increase in searches for green experiences – hiking 94%, clean air 50%, nature 44% and relaxation 33%.

Showing that the desire to recharge, rebalance and reconnect with nature has never been greater, businesses need to appreciate that this is not a niche market anymore, but rather a global trend.

Being a green tourist, is a more thoughtful way of travelling and experiencing our surroundings that protects the environment for the future. It means understanding the impact that we have on the places we visit and why supporting sustainable enterprises matters.

Right across Northern Ireland we have so much to offer these visitors. They are looking for hidden gems, to spend time with the artisan food producers, to seek out the local culture and to experience the uniqueness of our natural surroundings – all of which we have in abundance. Green tourists are inspired by meeting ordinary people who go the extra mile, getting the inside track from local guides and enjoying some distinctly Northern Ireland wit and humour.

Ideas and Inspiration

We have a number of trail-blazing sustainability tourism heroes in Northern Ireland who have taken steps above and beyond the standard and are becoming industry leaders that others can take inspiration from.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory (above)– The only accredited International Dark Sky Place in Northern Ireland, Davagh Forest in the Sperrin Mountains is known for its lack of light pollution and is on a mission to get the world to turn down the lights. Turning what was once a stop off into a staycation destination in the Sperrins, development and building in the forest had to be sensitive to its surroundings. Planting a sedum roof, using sustainable materials for its Solar Walk boardwalk and an eco-friendly heating system all preserve the nature of the site, whilst its dark night sky and observatory offer a magical experience to visiting stargazers, all evolving through green tourism.

Erne Water Taxi – With a passion for showcasing the beautiful county of Fermanagh and an inspirational idea to give visitors the chance to become immersed in the spectacular lake-land landscape of Lough Erne, Erne Water Taxi is a completely unique experience. An opportunity for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy an outdoor adventure off the beaten track, Erne Water Taxi inspires travellers to imagine Lough Erne’s ancient landscape through stories, told my knowledgeable and passionate guides. The new Island Discovery boat offers visitors a silent, all-electric eco-friendly motor experience and is the best way to appreciate the views and hear the distinct sounds of Northern Ireland’s waterways.

Salthouse Hotel – A carbon negative hotel located in the north coast seaside town of Ballycastle, The Salthouse Hotel is a stunning example of sustainable accommodation that delivers on every level. By using materials sourced within the region to deliver a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living, The Salthouse Hotel promises coastal calm in a luxury eco setting, inspired by nature and the best traditions of the area. Northern Ireland’s first eco hotel also boasts a number of eco-lodges which draw renewable energy from their own local wind and solar supply, keeping in line with The Salthouse Hotel’s actions to minimise any impact on the environment and offering sustainable luxury, a true example of green tourism at the highest of standards.

Using Digital to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Climate change is a defining challenge of our era, with no industry remaining untouched by its influence. It is undeniable that tourism has amplified our global carbon footprint, with millions journeying across the globe each year. However, the digital age does present a myriad of opportunities to make tourism more sustainable.

The main tourism-related activities that contribute to carbon emissions are transportation, accommodation, activities and catering but all carry the similar premise that the changing mindset of the modern traveller has the potential to positively affect them. A growing number of tourists are becoming more eco-conscious and actively seeking sustainable travel experiences, which has created a shift in demand that should incentivise tourism business to adopt greener practices and digital solutions.

As the world transitions to digital, tourism businesses have much to gain by adopting these advanced technologies. Integrating digital solutions provides numerous advantages for the travel and tourism industry: financial savings by going paperless and implementing smart energy management; improved customer experiences by digital booking systems; personalised recommendations and automative transactions and gaining a competitive edge by offering eco-friendly tech that will appeal to the growing number of environmentally friendly travellers; build a stronger brand reputation by proactively transitioning to digital future proofing of the business.

Adopting digital is now imperative for tourism businesses aiming for success, sustainability and satisfaction. The digital future is here and early adoption promises substantial benefits.

All Tourism Northern Ireland video, audio and photography production assets are produced in line with AdGreen principles. AdGreen is a platform that helps the advertising industry reduce carbon emissions from production. The production team actively manage the carbon footprint using the Adgreen Carbon Calculator which identifies where emissions are occurring and how to reduce and offset those emissions. For large scale productions a Sustainability Officer is appointed to oversee a sustainability plan for the production and ensure adherence across agency, client and crew. Tourism Northern Ireland is also working on a Carbon Calculator to measure, reduce and offset emissions from their advertising media activity.

Destination Sustainability Programme

At Tourism Northern Ireland we launched a 12-week innovative programme, which created a new opportunity for visitor attractions and experiences to confidently showcase sustainable tourism practices across Northern Ireland through peer-to-peer learning and business mentoring, inspiring collective sustainable action.

Having commenced in January 2024, the 12-week programme delivered by The Tourism Space will empower businesses to become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in Northern Ireland and to feel confident in sustainability and climate action, supporting them to manager their energy, water and waste consumption. Topics explored include Biodiversity and Business, Leave No Trace Awareness, Sustainable Storytelling and Waste Reduction and Waste Management in Your Business.

By completing the programme, businesses will achieve a holistic understanding of sustainability that focuses on doing less harm, doing more good and making the destination better as a result of tourism activity.

Through a blended learning approach of in-person group sessions, online workshops and 1-1 mentoring, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, solutions and challenges in relation to sustainability.

Leaner and Greener

We understand ‘Going Green’ is a common term that is often used when talking about sustainability but what it actually is, is the process of reducing carbon emissions caused directly or indirectly by your business. ‘Going Green’ means taking intentional action to reduce the carbon emissions of your business, mainly by managing energy, waste, water and transport more responsibly and more efficiently.

Tourism Northern Ireland has developed a ‘Leaner and Greener’ series which is helping those within our industry take practical steps to manage energy costs, food, waste, water and transport. We have a number of guidance reports available on our website and also host webinars for tourism businesses, that are focusing on Climate Change and Threats to Biodiversity in Northern Ireland. These sessions help businesses to understand Northern Ireland’s current standing point around climate change and biodiversity, gives advice on what steps you can take in each of these areas and the potential benefits to your business. All sessions are available to watch afterwards online at www.tourismni.com.

Sustainability Toolkit

Becoming sustainable is not something anyone can achieve overnight. What matters is that our tourism businesses in Northern Ireland keep learning, adapting and developing, no matter what stage they are at in the process.

At Tourism Northern Ireland, we have developed many resources to help our tourism businesses develop their sustainability strategies and practical solutions to implement these into their day-to-day practices such as a sustainability audit, help with setting up a green team and finding a green mentor, developing green experiences, supporting visitors, sustaining the local community, creating a sustainability policy and developing your online presence.

In addition, Tourism Northern Ireland has also produced a series of ‘bite-sized’ webinars called ‘Lunch & Learn’, as part of our ongoing Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) programme. These sessions include updates on the latest useful resources, toolkits and supports that are available for the NI tourism industry across a range of topics including Sustainability in Tourism.

Split into Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions, businesses can sign up to attend these sessions on www.tourismni.com and view previous sessions which might also prove beneficial.

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