As the summer social season hots up, Belfast’s iconic Merchant Hotel has unveiled a series of exceptional culinary events guaranteed to whet your appetite this summer.
Five-star food and drink is always top of the menu at the famous hotel, but this summer guests can indulge in one of nine new gastronomical food and drink experiences.
Kicking off the eclectic schedule, The Cocktail Dinner on Wednesday 28th May will serve up a special menu with paired cocktails, as the award-winning teams from The Great Room Restaurant and the Merchant’s Cocktail Bar come together for an iconic collaboration. The 2 AA Rosette awarded Great Room is famous for its innovative menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, whilst the The Cocktail Bar recently received 2 PINs and named ‘Outstanding’ by The Pinnacle Guide – described as the Michelin Guide for bars, making this a guaranteed taste and sensory sensation. Enjoy five bold and creative courses, each paired with a cocktail from the new menu at The Cocktail Bar. Tickets cost £125 per person.
On Thursday 5 June, guests at the Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner will enjoy an exquisite five course dinner menu accompanied by five specially selected glasses of champagne from the house of Louis Roederer, including the fabulous Cristal Brut 2015. Mark Bingley, the Louis Roederer Champagne House Ambassador, will be in attendance to share his expert knowledge making this event a must for every champagne connoisseur this summer. Tickets cost £195 per person.
For further information and to book tickets to The Cocktail Dinner or Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner, visit themerchanthotel.com/whats-on
Alongside these exclusive ticketed events, They Merchant is offering a series of special food and drink experiences throughout the summer.
Treat yourself to a Tableside Negronis as The Merchant Cocktail Bar partners with Enniskillen-based Boatyard Distillery and Campari to introduce three incredible twists on the classic negroni. Whether you are a negroni lover or a negroni novice you can try one of the delicious three flavour infusions including the tart, aromatic and sweet Peach, the decadent, rich and bold Chocolate or the luscious, sweet and fruity Strawberry. Each negroni will be made tableside to ensure peak freshness. Priced £16.95, £1 from the sale of each cocktail will be donated to SOS Bus NI – a charity that provides a safe haven and medical assistance to vulnerable people on the streets of Belfast.
In a twist on The Merchant’s iconic afternoon tea, The Cocktail Edition is the latest in a series of themed teas. Served with warm, freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, a selection of the finest teas and a paired cocktail of your choice, The Cocktail Edition offers a truly unforgettable twist on a timeless tradition. Head pastry chef Sarah Jade Jameson has partnered with the award-winning team at The Merchant Cocktail Bar to create a unique, cocktail-inspired experience. A trio of exquisite patisseries infused with vibrant flavours offer a celebration of seasonal ingredients and imaginative flair, from the tropical notes of Piña Colada to the refreshing zestiness of the Margarita, while the Cocktail Bar team has created three Afternoon Tea cocktails, each thoughtfully paired to enhance and elevate the patisserie flavours. Available Monday to Sunday, priced from £46.50, or £56.50 with your choice of cocktail.
If you’re looking for a little luxury for less, a series of summer specials are on offer across the hotel:
- The Great Room Summer Menu offers two courses for £36.50 or three courses for £42.50, Monday to Friday from 6pm to 7pm, making it the perfect pre-theatre or early dinner choice.
- Enjoy Happy Hour at The Cocktail Bar, with selected cocktails available for £11.95 every Friday from 4pm – 7pm this summer, making it the perfect opportunity to try out cocktails from The Merchant’s new cocktail menu.
- Take some time out with Berts Jazz Bar Aperitivo Time, everyMonday – Friday from 4:30pm until 7pm, where you can treat yourself to a selected cocktail from Berts Aperitifs menu, plus a cicchetti of the day.
- Or try the Early Jazz Menu at Berts and enjoy two courses for £31.50 or three courses for £36.50 accompanied by live jazz, Monday to Thursday 5pm – 6.30pm and Sat & Sun 12pm – 3pm.
- Make the most of the longer summer nights with Late Night Margs at The Cloth Ear and enjoy two margaritas for £15 on Fridays from 10pm – midnight.
For further information, visit themerchanthotel.com or connect with The Merchant on Instagram, @merchantbelfast