Merchant Hotel (The)

Luxury City Centre Hotel

What makes a great hotel? Is it the grandeur of the building, so opulent and impressive as to have us swooning in its splendour? Is it the stylishness of the food, created on our plates like a piece of lovingly crafted artwork? Is it the sumptuous of the linen, the indulgent antique furnishing, the stunningly appointed rooms? Or is it the warmth of the staff, the welcome of the lords and the attention to detail at every turn? If the greatness of a hotel is measured by and or all of these then The Merchant has is in abundance.
        
The building is a nineteenth century Giffnock sandstone structure, designed by Glaswegian architect James Hamilton (he being awarded the contract despite efforts to find a suitable Irish candidate), originally the headquarters of the Ulster Bank and a well loved landmark in Belfast for many years hitherto. When Bill Wolsey re-invented it as a hotel, opening its doors in 2006, it was to the delight of the Belfast populus. A well known and highly regarded publican and business man, Bill had a real love for the city, a genuine respect for the building and was determined to honour its traditions as its new custodian and he and his team have done it proud.
       
We arrive in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter much wearied after a day's travelling and are immediately struck by the majesty of The Merchant Hotel, resplendent in all its Victorian grandeur, a gleaming Bentley parked at the foot of its entrance steps We are also taken with the sympathetic restoration work. Nineteenth and twentieth century traditions are honoured in both the furnishings and the stunning artworks on display in the entrance foyer 'Art Gallery'. More impressive still is the warmth of welcome. Though stumbling accidentally upon the restaurant, we are deftly accompanied by the wonderful assistant restaurant manager, to the front desk where we witness the first of many glimpses into the real joy of The Merchant. General Manager, Adrian McLaughlin is passionate in his approach to customer service. 'Surprise and delight the guests' is his mantra and this approach to client needs is evident throughout the experience. There is a real absence of obsequiousness in the service style, the staff are genuinely pleased to help and all are clearly passionate about the business, which has, of course, hospitality at its core.
    
First, to the food - The Great Room is where the real magic happens. The space is stunning. Originally, the main banking hall of the building, it has been appointed to lose none of its original grandeur but cleverly raised to keep it from being cold and adding a little coziness. The room is almost sultry at night and bather in ambient lighting. Lush, striped carpets follow the style of the rest of the hotel and warm gold and red velvet as well as the Tyrone Crystal chandelier provides the drama. Executive Chef, Tony O'Neill and Head Chef John Paul Leake work closely to create an elegant but accessible menu. We start with a glorious amuse of local lamb fillet with Jerusalem artichoke and purée and its own crispy crackling...melt in the mouth delicious. Next a sublime ham and Gruyére soufflé, perfectly cooked, the ham so succulent, it was almost hock-like, the cheese, poured into the centre by the waiter, nutty, mellow and quite stunning producing a soufflé that was at once light, fluffy and intensely flavoured. The sommelier suggests a glass of Gewurtztraminer and this proves to be the perfect match. Next a single scallop, seared to perfection and cleverly served with a Staunton's black pudding rosti had some counter-balancing creamed leeks. After this came a fillet of renowned Hannon’s Hereford beef, cooked rare as requested and served unusually, on a brioche instead of spuds, an ironic nod to a steak sandwich. It was perfect, he meat full of flavour and perfectly presented with some truffle and Madeira sauce and a slab of melting foie-gras. All this among some mellow sounds, snazzy service and a real feeling of hotel chic. The dessert selection shows a little of the chefs playfulness with banana tarte tatin and rice pudding panna cotta nestling among traditional favourites. Both of these proved as delightful as they are adventurous and piece of Irish artisan cheese was the magical end to a stunning meal, which displayed a real emphasis on local and seasonal produce as well as a deft, classical cooking style.
            
After a nightcap in the The Cloth Ear Bar (think Chesterfield armchairs and blazing log fires), we retire to our glorious suite, complete with four poster bed from an old Irish country house, opulent tapestries, crisp linen and a stunning, Italian marble bathroom. Great care is evident in the balancing of traditional, antique piece and contemporary, even technological comforts and the overall effect is of sheer luxury, comfort but a serious respect for the locale and tradition. Breakfast the next morning was another feast of local produce. Have it in your room or in The Great Room but be sure to sample some of the stunning selection of in house, award winning pastries, breads and cakes. We opted, indulgently, for the Irish breakfast with dry cured bacon from Kettlye's wonderful stable, McCartney's pork sausages, Staunton's black and white pudding and home made Belfast speciality, potato bread and soda farls. We also sampled some of Walter Ewing's smoked salmon and scrambled eggs...delicious!

Available later in the day, Afternoon Tea at The Merchant has become one of Belfast's fastest growing traditions, with lunching ladies, families and friends enjoying the grandeur of the hotel while sampling some unusual teas and a tiered cake stand brimming over with delights form the pastry kitchen...what better way to spend an afternoon?
        
We leave The Merchant feeling rested, pampered and wonderfully sated with the delights of the kitchen. Most of all though, is the warmth that remains. A sense of genuine hospitality, impeccable house-keeping and a real passion for the business of food, sleep, luxury and most of all, that quality for which we are renowned in this little country of ours, the Irish welcome. Long may it continue, The Merchant is a true Irish gem!

MENUS:

The Great Room Lunch Menu>>>

The Great Room Afternoon Tea>>>

The Great Room A la Carte Menu>>>

The Great Room Tasting Menu>>>

The Great Room Set Menu >>>

The Cloth Ear Bar Menu>>>

The Great Room Mother's Day Menu >>>

The Great Room February Sale Menu >>>

Berts Sunday Menu >>>

Berts Set Menu >>>

Berts A La Carte Menu >>>

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

16 Skipper Street
Cathedral Quarter
Belfast
Co Antrim
BT1 2DY
+44 (0) 28 90234888
Email: info@themerchanthotel.com
Web: www.themerchanthotel.com

 

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