ONE of Belfast’s best known publicans has dedicated his MBE to the city of Belfast.
Duke of York proprietor Willie Jack is among the business figures included in the King’s birthday honours list.
His Cathedral Quarter establishments including The Harp Bar, The Dark Horse and The Friend at Hand whiskey emporium, are major draws for tourists.
Honoured for his services to the arts and to tourism in Belfast, his curation of art installations, cultural memorabilia, murals and flowers, have made Commercial Court one of the most photographed streets on the island.
Describing the MBE as “a great honour”, the publican remained humble and was quick to deflect the praise onto others.
"It's all for the city,” he said. “Everything we’ve done over the last 40 years, with the bars, the murals, the poetry courtyard, the flower baskets, the umbrellas, the art gallery, and the whiskey museum at The Friend at Hand, has not been for individual recognition but to make our corner of Belfast something we can be truly proud of.
“My wife Joanne and I, supported by a brilliant, passionate team of people - and in partnership with countless other neighbouring businesses - have been privileged to play our part in bringing an historic part of the city back to its former glory.
“Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus is the motto of Belfast, and you will see around each of our venues – translated this means, ‘what shall we give in return for so much’ and that really sums up our ethos here.”
Hospitality Ulster boss, Colin Neill described Mr Jack as one of the most prolific and charismatic characters in the hospitality sector here.
“Anyone who has ever met Willie will agree that his energy, focus, determination, and commitment to the hospitality and tourism offering that we all enjoy here, is nothing short of remarkable and unique,” he said.
Hotels Federation boss Janice Gault has also been made an MBE for services to tourism and hospitality.
The Derry born chief executive said she was both surprised and delighted by the award.
"It's lovely to be recognised, not just in a personal capacity but also for the role that the industry has played, not only during Covid but over the last number of years,” she said.
"Northern Ireland has really transformed. It is nice to think that people are now coming to visit us and we feel that we in the federation have had some small part in that."
Meanwhile, Martin Mulholland, the head concierge of the Europa Hotel in Belfast, who has been welcoming royals, presidents and rock stars to Belfast for 40 years, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Describing the honours as "a big big surprise", Mr Mulholland said he had met King Charles on several occasions prior to his coronation, as well as an array of senior political figures.
"He (The King) actually came to officially open our new hotel, the Grand Central Hotel. So that's the last time we met and he always has a minute for everyone."
Mr Mulholland said the BEM was a recognition of his 40 years of service to world dignitaries visiting Belfast.
"I'm in my 40th year here at the Europa, so it's nice to be recognised for what you do," he said.
Elsewhere, Mary McGee, a business engagement officer at Mid Ulster District Council has also been honoured for her services to tourism. She receives an MBE.
