Belfast city centre’s newest hotel is open for bookings from May 2026. The Bedford Hotel project represents a multi-million-pound private sector investment in the city centre, bringing one of Belfast’s most distinctive vacant buildings back into productive use and reinforcing confidence in the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
Following an 18-month redevelopment, the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building – a Scottish Baronial-style property dating back to 1904 – has been transformed into an 82-bedroom hotel.
The hotel will create over 100 new jobs across management, culinary, front-of-house, and operational roles, providing a direct boost to local employment and long-term career opportunities within the sector.
Ciaran O’Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, commented on the significance of the opening: “Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
“This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.”
The hotel will feature a destination restaurant and café bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, whose appointment strengthens Belfast’s growing reputation as a food destination. Renowned for his tenure at Lough Erne Resort and for cooking for global leaders at the G8 Summit, McMeel will lead a culinary offering focused on local produce and nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent in Northern Ireland.
Mike Gatt, General Manager at The Bedford Hotel, added: “Hospitality plays a vital role in Northern Ireland’s visitor economy and in supporting wider economic growth. The Bedford has been developed with a long-term vision – to deliver premium service standards while building a strong local team and supply network.
“We believe this investment will make a meaningful contribution to the continued regeneration of Belfast city centre.”
Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, has welcomed the investment into the city, saying: “This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre’s tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast’s most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life.
“Belfast has been recognised by TripAdvisor as a trending city for 2026, and this investment underlines the confidence being shown in the city. Belfast city centre continues to be a major draw for visitors, and Belfast One BID remains committed to supporting and boosting its economy by animating the city, and keeping it clean, safe and welcoming so that investors and visitors continue to choose Belfast.”
The opening comes at a time of renewed momentum for Belfast’s tourism and hospitality sectors, with The Bedford Hotel expected to attract both business and leisure visitors, strengthening the city’s high-quality accommodation offering.
Rooms are available to book now for stays from May 2026. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com.