April/May 2026


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THE LOCAL TOURIST | 57


vault doors still intact - some of which feature


original


ornatient- glass-stained


windows within. All rooms showcase a beautiful contract of deep colours with modern creams. Find ‘historical’ artwork modernised showcasing the juxtaposition of the very building in its own unique way. Built back in 1904, the hotel will now go


hotels not far from where we sit today. I’ve always had an eye on this building.” Sitting in its central position, the show-stopping red- bricked building sits to the back of Belfast City Hall . Mike continued, “ an opportunity arose for me to have a look at it, maybe a couple of years ago, and I gave careful consideration. Once I understood the quality of the product and what the owners wanted to provide, then that was what attracted me to come along.” Mike is joined by award-winning hotelier


Ciaran O’Neill, its new Managing Director, where he oversees both The Bedford Hotel and The bishop’s Gate Hotel. “It’s a mighty force now” said Mike, when speaking of the introduction of Ciaran . With a historical nod to its ancestors, past occupiers and local area, I wanted to find out what can guests expect when planning a stay at the new hotel? “When you pull up outside The Bedford Hotel, you’re going to have high expectations because the exterior of the building


is absolutely stunning.”


Explained Mike. “ I believe we’ve done an equally good job internally and on the ground floor, we have a very tastefully decorated restaurant, cafe and bar. Beyond that, and to support that, we have brought in a world-renowned chef, Noel McNeil, and he has set about putting


together


an incredible team around him.’ Mike highlighted how the hotel boasts a pastry chef, head chef then headed up by an executive head chef, and a dedicated team who are passionate about the hospitality industry. It’s clear to see that not only the stay but the experience had within the hotel is at the forefront of its planning. “Equally the service, the drink quality, the


cocktails that we will be providing and just the general hospitality from you walking in the door - I’m really confident that we will be setting a benchmark in Belfast.” “We absolutely want people to come in


off the street. And it will be, I would say, a landmark restaurant in the Belfast city


centre area. Lately Belfast has gone into a cathedral quarter-style, which would be an entertainment, more drinks oriented area and over the last number of years, the city hall, Donegal square area, has now become a sort of an eatery. You know with some of the nice restaurants around this area that we’re sitting close so we’re going to add to that and actually elevate that I believe. But what sets this new kid on the


block apart from its nearby rivals? Mike highlighted the lure of its surroundings and guest journey as vital parts of the hotels hope to bring guests fourth. “Everyone’s welcome here and I hope


they come in their numbers… it will be providing service, drinks and food to equal anything in the city. So I think that’s what {will stand out as} it’s all encased in such stunning surroundings.


fabric of this hotel building, to the bar and restaurant and then married up with all of our service and our food quality and drink quality. It’s the complete package.” “Opulent.” says Mike when describing


the vibe of The Bedford Hotel. With a ‘classic-meets-city-centre’ vibe, the warming greens and deep reds of the rooms highlight its modern flare in the shared space. The boutique hotel is hoping to attract


many to its doors, with international visitors as far as North America already showing interest in enquiries. Mike has said the hotel is perfect for that “special occasion” and will be looked at as a ‘real treat’ for visitors. Twelve different room types make up the new boutique hotel,


with stunning stand-


out features and hidden delights in all. It’s turret rooms boast a spacious sleeping area, with large, modern bathroom. Take time to people watch within its turret overlooking city hall. “We have beautiful bay window rooms and then, obviously this building with its historical ties to the finance and assurance industries, holds a number of rooms featuring large vaults”. The vault rooms pay homage to its past with original


on to create new memories and historical milestones of its own, but what history sits within its walls now? “ we’ve looked upon the history of this building and we’ve incorporated it in what we’re actually doing.” He continued “on the windows along the outside of the building, you’ll see there’s a timeline… the bar itself is called the nineteen hundred and that’s a reflection of when the building was built and it’s also on our uniform” The red brick building sits on a corner


which has witnessed many historic events throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland’s past. The Bedford Hotel is hoping to focus on the achievements and events of the past in its own way. “The windows then have a timeline, which


has little gold notches. Henry Seaver, born in Northern Ireland, was the architect on this job.” The windows also pay homage to other known figures such as Dr. Thomas Joseph Cantrell, a chemist who is credited with inventing the world’s first ginger ale. He


joins Frank Pantridge who created the portable defibrillator - also from Northern Ireland. “ We’re paying homage to [the history of Northern Ireland] by bringing this old building back to life.” And in a final remark ahead of its opening, Mike says he can not wait to welcome guests to the boutique hotel. “ I would like to say, please come along and have a look in. I hope you like what we’ve done to the building. There’s been a lot of effort, time, tears, blood, sweat to put this back together again - this is for the people of the city. This building lay as a dark corner for too many years and the owners have really put a lot of consideration and we’ve all put some time and effort into getting this. Say hello, have a look in and if you do come and stay, please ask for myself and we would love to see you come and enjoy what we’ve just produced for the city.” The Bedford is owned and operated


by RFM Hotels, which is a joint venture between Beechlands Enterprises and The Martin Property Group. Both Beechlands Enterprises and Martin Property Group invest in companies and property in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.


From the actual


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