THE last Belfast city centre business to reopen its doors after last year’s Primark fire has unveiled its new premises.
The City Picnic restaurant has invested £500,000 in the revamp, creating 35 new jobs in the process.
The Castle Street business was among the tenants forced to vacate their premises in the wake of the major August 2018 blaze at Bank Buildings.
Most other businesses have returned on a phased basis as the cordon thrown up around the fire damaged building was gradually removed.
Before returning, business partners partners Gavin Gregg and Arthur McAnerney opted to carry out the first major face lift of their restaurant since it first opened in 2011.
Instead, they operated from a mobile kitchen based on Donegall Place.
The pair brought northern Irish interior and fitout company Terry Design on board for the project, incorporating a mixture of Nordic design elements with a urban chic finish.
The designers have produced an ‘outside in’ atmosphere, incorporating plants, lighting and textures.
“We are delighted to finally be reopening, having utilised our time after the fire to research and develop our menu to cater to the needs of the people of Belfast and beyond,” said Gavin Gregg.
“Belfast has seen an influx of new restaurants in recent years, but we wanted to offer up something unique. Our new focus is on swift service without sacrificing the flavour and quality of the food on offer.
“Our customers could order a wrap, a burger or even a pizza and be presented with their order moments later. There are so many tantalising and mouth-watering choices on the new menu that I know customers will love.”
His business partner Arthur McAnerney said closing the doors of the business after the fire had been very difficult.
“We operated from a temporary catering trailer last year, however we always knew we were going to eventually reopen in our original home.
“We spent time perfecting the menu, experimenting with innovative new food combinations and testing new recipes. We studied our space and assessed how we can best use the vast unit, making it a culinary hub in the city centre.
“So, whilst it wasn’t ideal to have to close the unit, we are excited about this new chapter for City Picnic. We are confident our customers, old and new, will love the revamp and will thoroughly enjoy the new menu.”
