THE north's largest hospitality group has announced a £500,000 investment at one of its popular Belfast bars, creating 10 jobs.
Beannchor is carrying out major refurbishment works at The Cloth Ear, part of the Merchant Hotel, located in the city's bustling Cathedral Quarter.
The investment comes just a month after the hospitality group completed a £350,000 revamp of The National Bar on High Street.
The latest phase of works, due for completion next month, will see a total transformation to the interior of the bar, which will become a modern interpretation of an Irish Victorian pub.
Featuring a bold blue colour scheme, salvaged floors laid in a herringbone pattern, an ornate ceiling and a reclaimed Victorian bar, the new space will encourage users to ditch their smartphone and re-engage in the gentle art of conversation.
The bar will feature a stripped back entertainment policy, with no live music or TVs and will urge patrons to converse through a series of events and initiatives.
All diners will have the option to take a 'digital detox' and place their phones in a box on the table, while the bar has developed a range of conversation starter beer mats to further promote social interaction.
The new venue will also serve up an all-day menu of traditional pub grub with a classic twist, alongside an Irish Gin serve menu; an expanded range of beers from across Ireland; a range of ‘Hoptails’; cocktails made using beer; and an ever-changing wine list, with selected wines by the keg.
Beannchor director, Conall Wolsey believes there is a gap in the market for a space where people can truly come and connect with each other.
"Our customers have always enjoyed the more relaxed style of The Cloth Ear and this repositioning and evolution of the venue is focused on creating a warm, welcoming space that people can come and converse with each other," he said
The revamped Cloth Ear will open to the public on Friday, April 12.
In addition to refurbishment works at The National and Cloth Ear bars, the Beannchor Group is behind a new £4m hotel in Lisburn city centre. The 52-bedroom property at Lisburn Square received planning permission last month and is due to open in the autumn, creating 75 jobs.
The Beannchor Group is Northern Ireland’s largest hospitality group and employs more than 750 staff. Its portfolio includes The Merchant Hotel, Bullitt Hotel and The Dirty Onion in Belfast; The Hillside in Hillsborough and eight Little Wing Pizzerias in locations across Northern Ireland.
