Category Archives: Food

Things to do in Belfast

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I’ve had Belfast on my list ‘to visit’ for a while… it is one of my best friends beloved hometowns and I’d heard more than a few murmurings of the exciting emerging food scene there. Finally I visited in May, the weather was uncharacteristically sunny and we had several restaurant bookings to give our trip structure. Northern Ireland’s capital is very accessible by short flight from elsewhere in the UK and it’s cheap to get here.

Sadly the hotel hosting us had had a fire, so we shacked up in a lovely airbnb, the ideal base for a few days exploring. We ventured to most of our stops on foot, breaking up the food venues with gardens and parks, museums and sightseeing.

To Eat

Ox Belfast – Off the beaten track on Oxford Street, Ox is a laidback Michelin-starred restaurant, with 40 seats and minimalist interiors. Head Chef Stephen Toman leads the open kitchen which presents very pretty, refined and seasonal dishes. The lunch menu is incredibly reasonable and the delicate food won’t leave you feeling too full.

The Muddler’s Club – The Muddlers Club is named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago, a trendy and relaxed fine dining restaurant which serves an innovative set tasting menu. Also Michelin star awarded, Muddler’s Club is known for its punchy flavours and striking plates of food. We loved our lunch here which was relaxed and delicious in equal measure.

Neighbourhood Cafe – THE place for brunch in Belfast, Neighbourhood Cafe ticked every box. A chic, informal space with brilliant coffee (they were brewing Calendar Coffee from Galway when we visited) and a menu of tasty all-day dishes – French Toast and the Breakfast Bap were our favourites.

Cú – Lisburn Road has a host of inspiring eateries for dining out, which was convenient as we were staying nearby. Cú serves up irresistible Mexican food with big flavours and strong tequila cocktails. Opt for a selection of the tacos and the moreish, chunky guacamole.

Orto Pizza – When we visited a few months ago Orto was the newish pizza joint to open in Belfast, and was already receiving rave reviews. We headed here for our final meal in town, the expansive restaurant is clean and stylish, ideal for groups or families. Their is a range of pizzas and filled focaccias to choose from at lunchtime, all generously topped with tasty seasonal ingredients.

Oh Donuts! – I had no idea about the popular donut scene in Belfast before visiting. Guilt Trip, Black Box and Taboo were all mentioned to me, but no cafe was recommended more than Oh Donuts!, a brightly coloured cafe for good coffee and great donuts. When we arrived at 11am they were almost sold out, but we managed to nab one of their iconic ‘Boston Creme’ flavours, a super fresh, very well filled creamy donut. Their vegan menu is also very well regarded!

Al Gelato – Delicious homemade gelato based in, and made in Belfast. Find them on Ormeau Road, Lisburn Road and Ballyhackamore.

To Drink

Established Coffee – This great speciality coffee spot is found in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, a spacious place to sit and work or enjoy brunch with friends. They roast a big range of beans from a range of countries and can advise you on a roast to suit your tastes. Both the caffeinated and decaf coffee from Established were delicious, and I wish I had brought some beans home with me!

Output Espresso – A hip spot on Lisburn Road, Output is the ideal cafe for a hearty weekend brunch or takeaway coffee. I can recommend the Chicken Waffles or Pig Pancakes paired with a perfectly poured flat white.

Napoleon Coffee – Napoleon is an independent speciality coffee shop in Ormeau Baths that opened in August 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Founded by barista Rachel Snowdon and scientist Matthew Mcauley, it is the realisation of a long time coffee dream for them. They serve a variety of beans, including Lucid Coffee Roasters (perfect for milk based coffees) and Parisian brand Kawa Coffee.

To Do

Glass Dome Victoria Square – Rising high above the city’s skyline, the Dome at Victoria Square boasts 360 degree views across Belfast. Free to visit and worth seeing to see the city from above.

The MAC Belfast – The Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast has recently been renovated, a stunning building in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. The gallery hosts international art exhibitions, live theatre, top shows and events, and educational programmes. I was particularly impressed with the facilities for kids.

Belfast Botanical Gardens – The Botanic Gardens is a free, public garden in Belfast. Occupying 28 acres of south Belfast, the gardens are popular with locals and tourists, a calm and lovely place to wander and admire the plants.

Belfast Black Taxi Tours – I highly recommend doing a Black Taxi Tour to understand the background and stories of Belfast’s troubled past. I found it fascinating to drive round with someone who experienced the history first hand, learning about the political points of the city that are still so poignant today. The black cab tours also visit the world famous murals around the city of Belfast.

Holywood – Hop on a train (just 10 minutes) to this charming nearby seaside town. Visit Lynchpin for coffee and brunch and wander down to the sea.

A Foodie Escape to Fife Arms

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The Fife Arms in Braemar is a very special hotel, and I am lucky enough to say I’ve now visited twice. Three years ago, before the anxieties of the pandemic I took a one night trip up to the Highlands to experience this artistic hotel (from Hauser & Wirth founders) when it had just opened. Last month I took the journey up North again, this time with my partner and toddler in tow, and once again it surpassed all my expectations.

Fife Arms

As my previous post details all the magnificent features of the hotel I thought I’d use this blog update to tell you about why this hotel (and it’s surroundings) should be on any food obsessed travellers radar…

Fife Arms

The hotel itself has exemplary food and drink options, from the elegant Clunie Dining Room to laidback pub The Flying Stag, Elsa’s pretty-in-pink cocktail bar and the brand new whisky emporium, Bertie’s Bar.

At Elsa’s bar art deco design reigns supreme, velvet stools and accents of pink to mark Elsa Schiaparelli’s signature style and love of shocking pink. Meanwhile the dark and cosy Bertie’s Bar offers whisky fans a unique experience… Named in honour of Queen Victoria’s eldest son, King Edward VII, also known as ‘Bertie’, the bar showcases 365 whiskies, one for each day of the year, unusually arranged by flavour profile: Fragrant, Fruity, Rich and Smoky. Book in to do an educational (and delicious) tasting.

Fife Arms

An elaborate breakfast is served downstairs, or can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own room. Highlights of the morning meal for me were the fat fluffy Scotch pancake with creme fraiche and marmalade and the moreish Broccoli and spring onion fritters with bacon, poached egg and sriracha yoghurt. All served with fresh fruit juice and strong coffee.

Fife Arms

The restaurants at The Fife Arms are now overseen by chef Adam Johnson (who previously worked for Raymond Blanc), and he is beginning to make his changes to The Clunie Dining Room menu, while still highlighting the best produce of the region (don’t miss the local venison on the dinner menu).

This trip I was particularly impressed by The Flying Stag, the atmospheric pub at The Fife Arms. The menu has comforting classics like steaks, salads and burgers. The fish and chips we enjoyed here was one of the best I’ve tried for a long time, perfectly cooked chips and beautifully light and crispy battered fish. Pair your meal with pint of The Flying Stag ale.

Fife Arms

When you feel like venturing out of the hotel there are some real foodie gems in the area to discover. I loved the cakes from Hazelnut Patisserie (the lemon meringue pie pictured here was sublime), and chocolates from Braemar Chocolate Shop – though be warned they are only open at the weekend.

For a tasty lunch nearby Tàrmachan Cafe is just 15 minutes drive from the hotel… don’t miss their perfectly poured coffees and the irresistible Venison sausage rolls, I could have eaten several!

Then if you driving up to The Fife Arms from Edinburgh, Aran Bakery (opened by ex-Bake Off contestant Flora Shedden) for immaculate viennoisserie, focaccia bread and other treats.

Fife Arms

Thank you for another special stay Fife Arms. Such a charming place for the whole family, welcoming babies and dogs with open arms is rare for such a prestigious hotel, and Fife really do it in style.

More information and book a stay at The Fife Arms here.

(Organised press stay).

Mango & Lime Salad with Abrafrutas Brazilian Fruit

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As the weather warms up I like to make and eat more salads, both savoury and sweet. With salads the quality of the ingredients is vitally important, and Brazilian fruit is truly unbeatable for flavour, sweetness and quality.

Last month I was invited to London Produce Show to learn more about the Abrafrutas Association, who are working hard to bring Brazil’s finest fruit to the UK. The variety of Brazilian fruit is incredible, from recognisable grapes and melons to lesser known unique fruits like cashew fruit and jabuticaba.

After receiving a box of fruit from Brazil I created a recipe that shows off the produce. Here’s my super easy but exciting Mango and Lime fruit salad-

Brazilian fruit

What you’ll need

1 Brazilian Mango

2 Brazilian Limes

A Small Handful of shelled pistachios

10 Mint Leaves

2 teaspoons of chopped stem ginger (in syrup)

Brazilian fruit

Method

Chop the Mango and remove the skin. Place in a bowl and squeeze over the juice from one lime. If you like your fruit salad extra citrusy you can also put the zest from the lime in.

Toast the pistachio nuts, either in the oven for a few minutes or in a frying pan.

Finely chop the ginger, mint and nuts and sprinkle over the mango. Serve immediately.

The perfect, easy but exotic dessert to add a touch of Brazilian sunshine to any dinner party.

Brazilian fruit

If you spot some Brazilian fruit in the supermarket I highly recommend picking it up, you won’t be disappointed with the quality and flavour. And though you can use the Brazilian fruit in any recipe, it’s best to use it uncooked so the flavours can really sing!

Brazilian fruit

Visit chef Luciana Berry’s new restaurant, Mano, to sample the best of Brazilian fruit.

More information about Brazilian Fruit here.

This post is in partnership with Abrafrutas.