REVIEW // THE GRAND CENTRAL
THE GRAND CENTRAL // REVIEW We are no strangers to The Grand Central Hotel having previously dined and stayed though I cannot recall when we last enjoyed a sophisticated afternoon Tea in an establishment that oozes luxury and class. Before I jump it it would be rude of me not to brag a little about Hastings newtest hotel, having opened its doors less than 2 years ago The Grand Central set in the Linen Quarter, merely metres from the iconic Belfast City Hall boasts a whopping 300 bedrooms all designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Spread across 23 floors, the building towers well above all of its neighbours. The Observatory which is home to Ireland’s tallest cocktail lounge offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city which have to be seen to be appreciated. Diners can indulge in either the Seahorse Restaurant or contemporary Grand Cafe.
SEVENTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM
We arrived approx 1.30 giving ample time to check in prior to our 2pm planned afternoon Tea, I can honestly say when stepping out of the car and being greeted by a door man in tails you instontainuly feel important and invited to this extraordinary hotel. Checking in was effortless like one would expect, our bags were delivered to our room which is another touch that only ads to the experience and we were invited to proceed to the Observatory. I have seen the astonishing views before at night though they were equally as impressive in the daylight if not more so, having a clear view of the mountains and going’s on in the streets below. This was my guests first experience in the hotel and Observatory, to say she was blown away would be an understatement.
We were seated in a corner seat beneath one of the enormous Sea Horse logos at the side of the building, I couldn’t get over the sheer size as from the ground they are very deceiving. Our server was super attentive, offering an array of tea’s, coffee’s, cocktails, wines and more while waiting on our afternoon Tea. I love a traditional tea so I ordered that and on recommendation from our server also the University Quarter Gin Cocktail, which had Lemon, Strawberry, Peach, Rhubarb, Rose. It was lovely, so refreshing and not too sweet, just how I like a Cocktail. My guest also being a lover of Gin order the Botanical Gardens Cocktail with Lemon, Grapefruit, Elderflower, Passionfruit, Whites, sure assured me that is was beautiful So on to the Afternoon Tea, here is the menu:
