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. 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

AMUSE BOUCHE

A SELECTION OF FINGER SANDWICHES MADE WITH IRWIN’S BREADS Glenarm Smoked Salmon & Horseradish with Dill Crème Fraîche on Granary Bread Grant’s of Belfast Ham, Mature Cheddar & Ballymaloe Relish, on Granary Bread Roast Irish Chicken & Tarragon Mayonnaise, on White Bread Caramelised Onion & Goat’s Cheese Tartlet

WARM SCONES Buttermilk Plain Scone and Fruit Scone Served with Clotted Cream and Selection of Preserves

FROM OUR PATISSERIE Carrot Cake White Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse, with Sable Biscuit Macaroon Praline Choux Bun Chocolate & Raspberry Marquise Lemon & Coconut Tart

I have been known to be fussy when it comes to sauces and fillings though I can honestly say everything was divine, my personal favourites had to be the Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Fruit Scones with a mountain of Clotted Cream & Jam and the Raspberry Marquise though we devoured the lot lol.

With it being a beautiful day and belly’s full we spent the afternoon enjoying the sun at City Hall and also did a little shopping.

Later in the evening when we arrived back to the hotel we were not quite ready for bed yet so ordered wine and beers from the room service menu and chilled out on the 2nd floor balcony, it was a great finish to a wonderful day.

We woke around 9.30 after what can only be described as a phenomenal sleep and headed down for breakfast which was served in The Grande Cafe, Breakfast was served similar to a high tea - three tiered silver display with fresh baked muffins, individual melon portions and granola and yogurt with berry compote. Tea and coffee was a given which was followed by a much needed full Irish breakfast, though many other options were available from the menu for those who prefer something lighter.

Breakfast like everything else was perfect, I had requested toasted Soda bread and my guest ordered extra toast, both arrived in a flash, the cooking of everything was flawless and I must comment on the produce, quality was certainly evident, all 17 items on the breakfast menu hail from N.I producers. Full info on them is available online via www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/ wp-content/uploads/2018/05/breakfast_ booklet_2018.pdf

Thanks to the management for the invite and the staff who were friendly and super attentive for looking after us, we couldn’t fault a thing, until next time

Review by Daniel May

Those planning to stay have a choice between 8 room types which will suit all in terms of need and budget with rooms available from £65pps* Afternoon tea is priced at £30pp* Mon -Wed and £40pp* Sat and Sunday *Prices correct at time of printing Visit www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/

Testimonial

From the get go I felt like a VIP , everything was out of this world. The romantic views from the observatory, classical music playing on entry to the room, the birds eye view from the free standing bath. The bed was like something straight out of a fairytale with its size and especially its comfort!!! Receiving the red velvet cupcakes on returning to the room were a lovely touch and really can’t fault the hotel. As a smoker, the private balcony on the 2nd floor was nothing short of exceptional! 24/7 room service even served pizza all night and other light bites were available 24/7

I could go on and go!

If i could change one thing it would be the addition of a mini bar or Fridge in the room