THE LANDMARK former home of Ormeau Bakery is to be the setting for English furniture retailer Neptune's first store in the north.
The Withshire-born firm will open in one of Belfast's most historic buildings from next week, having transformed the 19th century bakery into its 25th store in the UK and Europe and first in Ireland
The Ormeau Bakery site dates back to 1875 and was once home to Ormo Bread, the largest independent bakery in Ireland. The major renovation of the Ormeau Road building has ensured the original façade and landmark clock are maintained.
The new 5,000 sq ft Belfast store will showcase the interiors brand's full collection, from kitchen, dining and living, bedroom, bathroom, to outdoor furnishings, accessories and lighting.
Neptune's retail partnerships manager for Ireland Joe Norney said the new store retained the character of the former bakery.
“The original façade and landmark clock are key features in the development and pair perfectly with our classic approach to interior design. The whole space is designed to be timeless, and moreover, to feel like a real home when you step in from the busy Belfast streets.”
“We’ve been trading in Northern Ireland for some time now. We have one of our ‘Neptune By’ stores in County Fermanagh – Neptune by Malone & Smyth – which has an edited collection within their retail space and has enjoyed real success. Neptune Belfast is our first dedicated store in the country, and we’re excited about introducing new people to our brand and to our cleverly-designed pieces."
Founded in 1996 by friends John Sims-Hilditch and Giles Redman, Neptune is an interiors retailer, perhaps best known for its kitchens.
The new store, which will showcase all four of Neptune's kitchen collections, will open on June 23.
