The Underground Bistro brings new flavour to Lisburn Road

A new restaurant has opened on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, creating 15 jobs to date.

The Underground Bistro is the latest hospitality venture from Ciaran Keenan, who owns Springteen’s Diner on the same south Belfast road.

The venue, which was previously part of Emma Bricknell’s Made in Belfast restaurant group, has been reopened following a £100,000 refit.

The Underground Bistro has been described as a departure from the the traditional offering of Springsteen’s Diner.

The venue said “classically trained chefs” have been employed to create an extensive menu “featuring everything from brunch to desserts, with innovative dishes that include ‘cloud cakes’, a batch of matcha-scented, fluffy pancakes with cherry hibiscus syrup, chantilly cream and mixed berries”.

The restaurant’s new manager, Gary Smith, above left, said: “Belfast has an excellent restaurant scene, and we are delighted to launch a brand-new addition to the Lisburn Road area.

“With The Underground Bistro, we have combined a first-class eating experience with a quirky aesthetic and calming ambience.

“Our classically trained chefs have created a menu with amazing flavours from around the world and we’re excited to welcome everyone to come along and try it.”

New head chef Leon Davis ,top right, said: “We have assembled a top team of chefs who are bursting at the seams with talent and ideas.

The restaurant was initially open between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Sunday for July and from mid-August will extend its opening hours to offer a night-time menu.