19 minute read
FOCUS ON
MY
O’HARA SISTERS
Singers and actresses, Philippa and Jolene O’Hara.
1. What do you love most about your job?
J: Meeting new people and getting to work with my sister and friends. Every day is diff erent so it never gets monotonous. P: There is so much to love about our job. The people we meet, the places we get to go, how fun it is and how it never gets boring. I also love that we are our own bosses. We like to be in charge!
2. What has been your career highlight to date?
J: There have been many but, selling out some of our own gigs and releasing our own original music are among the top moments. P: Touring America and China was pretty amazing and performing at Lush! Classical with The Ulster Orchestra in front of a sold out audience of 12,000 was incredible!
3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of work?
J: I love fi lms, can’t get enough of them and I love a good binge watch of a great drama series. I love my cat Oscar and love torturing her. She loves me too, I promise. P: I love to cook, read and travel. I’m obsessed with podcasts so I listen to a lot of those. I love to learn. I have a dog called Elvis that I adore so I enjoy taking him for big walks.
4. What is your daily routine?
J: After working late at night, I get up, do a workout, eat some brunch and prepare for the show the next evening. When I’m not working, I love to get out for a walk up the mountain. P: Get up, drink coff ee, play with Elvis, shower then the rest of the day depends on what work we have on. I don’t really have a set routine because of the nature of our work but I really enjoy that. Every day is diff erent.
5. Do you have a specifi c fi tness regime?
J: My job keeps me pretty active but, I try to get my 10,000 steps in a day and I do a HIIT workout every other day. P: I try to do some sort of exercise fi ve times a week – usually HIIT, yoga and exercise bike, but I haven’t really stuck to that throughout lockdown, I must get back at it! Our job is pretty physical so that keeps us fi t.
6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?
J: Be grateful for the little things in life. Every storm will pass and you will be stronger for it. And don’t take life too seriously. None of us get out alive. P: Surround yourself with good, kind people. Remember that everything is just a phase and if it happens to be a bad time, it will soon pass.
7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?
J: The diff ering landscape is incredible and the people. We are a rare breed and we’re great craic. P: It’s such a beautiful country. Our island is stunning. I’ve travelled a fair bit and I’ve seen some really gorgeous places but nothing ever compares to home. If you’re ever having a bad day or need some inspiration, you don’t have to travel very far to be in the city or the countryside or at the beach or up a mountain!
8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?
J: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the diff erence. P: I have a couple! ‘Where there’s doubt, there’s no doubt’ and ‘if it was easy, everyone would do it’.
9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?
J: There are too many to mention but any strong, unapologetic woman is an infl uence in my book. P: I wouldn’t even know where to start! We’ve always been surrounded by amazing people that have defi nitely helped shape who we are today.
10. FAVOURITE
Movie: J: Hook, P: Jaws Band/Musician: J: McFly, P: Freddie Mercury Book: J: A Confederacy of Dunces JK Toole, P: Riding Rockets by Mike Mullane
Restaurant: J: Nandos, P: EIPIC Holiday Destination: J: Las Vegas, P: New York
Drink: J: Espresso Martini, P: A good pint of Guinness Meal: J: Fajitas, P: Our mum’s Sunday roast
Freya, Ava, Amanda, Matthew and Correy McQuaid.
Josh and Becky Barr.
DRUMGLASS PARK
With the recent heatwave, locals to the south Belfast area fl ocked to Drumglass Park to enjoy the sunshine with friends and family. Our photographer was out to capture the picnics, ice-cream eating and walks in the park during these glorious days of summer.
Niamh Bunting, Senan Kettle and Kate Bunting.
. Lauryn Watters and Louis Nolan.
. Aaron S. And Palma Sousa.
Jeremy Fernandez with Maia and Caia.
Grainne Finn and Kevin Ryan.
Newlyweds Nuala and Richard Mackey from Belfast after their wedding ceremony in Queen’s great hall.
BOTANIC GARDENS
South Belfast is fantastic for green spaces within the city – this includes the popular Botanic Gardens, which occupies 28 acres of the south Belfast area. You will fi nd the park bustling with activity, especially on sunny summer days, as captured recently by our photographer, who was out and about during the recent heatwave.
. Louise and Mark McElhatton
and kids Lacie and Louie. Ryan and Sophie March.
Eve Houston and Rhianna Hood.
Sophie Moore and Courtney Brooks. Fiona Devlin, Lauren Armstrong and Charlie the dog. Megan McIvor and Jasmine Ross.
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SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS FOR 35 YEARS
Gary White Car Sales has been established for over 35 years offering new and used cars.
The business is now one of the largest independent used car dealerships in Belfast and Northern Ireland. The dealership not only has a long-standing reputation in car sales and car finance but also service and repairs at our onsite workshop. (Blacks Road Service Station ltd)
The workshop has eight fully qualified staff and is equipped with professional facilities to give you our customer peace of mind.
The car sales team offer you a personal and professional approach, not a sales pitch, our car sales consultant has been an employee for over 25 years making him not only a qualified car technician, but also someone you can trust and come back to time and time again.
If you would like to make a booking call us on: 028 90 601913 / 07885 402577 Email: info@garywhitecarsales.com 243a UPPER LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST BT10 0LN
A taste of Japan in south Belfast
Ulster Tatler speaks to Ben Tsang, manager of Ginza Kitchen.
How long has Ginza been established?
We established Ginza Kitchen restaurant in November 2019, around four months before the pandemic occurred and we were propelled into lockdown. The restaurant grew steadily when the fi rst lockdown eased, with the driving force of a take away service in the surrounding area. Ginza approached me to manage the restaurant in July 2020, and we re-opened for sit in, with the introduction of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. For a new business in Belfast, we didn’t expect for the demand to be so high, although we had so much support! As a new business, we were and still are, very grateful for every customer who supported us. Without them, Ginza would not be here today, especially in such exceptional circumstances.
What inspired you to bring a taste of Japan to Belfast?
Ginza is one of the most famous upmarket dining and entertainment districts in Japan, from the high-end cocktails to the freshly prepared food. The founder of Ginza Kitchen has the passion to create this exceptional dining experience to all of our customers, just like being in the country itself! Therefore, we are aiming to present a taste of the Japanese culture to Belfast! Our Head Chef serves original Japanese delights combined with skill, creativity and honesty. The fi nest and freshest ingredients are sourced to elevate the distinctive taste, and visual delight of Japanese cuisine, and to inspire your taste buds and sensation.
Matsu Moriawase, Squid Tempura & Ginza Tonkotsu Ramen.
What type of food do you offer on your menu?
Our menu offers an extensive variety of dishes, with favourites such as our homemade gyozas, spring rolls and edamame beans. The traditional staple of Japan is Ramen, a soup based noodle dish. Our experienced chefs infuse the broth for 48 hours to gain maximum fl avour to the dish. This can be made vegan and vegetarian friendly, using vegetable stock, as we attempt to cater for all dietary requirements and requests.
What make Ginza unique?
Sushi is a popular choice with medium and small rolls, sashimi and our famous Matsu Moriawase Boat! This has the complete wow factor as you receive your sushi on a boat to your table. This is based on the Matsu region of China, where various parts of Asia, including Japan, traded from boats. Ginza prides our business in supporting other local suppliers in the region, including Walter Ewings and North Down Group. Our drinks list extends this policy, by supporting ‘Direct Wine Shipments’, in connection to the wine list and a newly established local business, ‘Exotic Mixers’, with their natural based purees for our cocktails, which ensures enhancement of the fl avour without artifi cial ingredients.
Our cocktails are Asian inspired, we use top quality ingredients and fresh fruit. Our very own Ginza cocktails, the Diamond Lotus, Chilli & Mango Margarita and Turbo Passion Fruit Daiquiri are amongst of the most popular ones which are very Asian infused with Sake (Japanese Rice Wine). We still keep the classics on such as the French Martini and Cosmopolitan to give wider choice to the old favourites. A lot of thought goes into these unique cocktails, the Pink Geisha we source fresh Dragon Fruit and make our very own puree so maximum freshness and taste enhances the fl avour. We also like to try to push the boundaries and use Wasabi in our Kamikaze. We recently
Chilli & Mango Margarita/Pink Geisha.
introduced dessert cocktails onto the list and they are a must try when you visit and I can recommend the ‘White Chocolate Espresso Martini’ We also offer a ‘make at home’ sushi kit which consists of sushi rice, various vegetables, a colourful array of fi sh and seaweed. The usual accompaniments are soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi to tickle your taste buds. This is very popular as it’s a people pleaser for families and friends to have a go in the comfort of your own home after such an unsocial year. The concept was to make it fun for families during lockdown
What would you say to anyone who hasn’t tried Japanese food before?
Belfast is an upcoming and elevated capital for tourism business and education, and the
city has rightfully adapted different cultures and languages. In a society where we love our food and trying new cuisines, trends are now set without any pre-requisites. At Ginza, we adapt typical dishes with Japanese fl avour, from ribs to noodles. If you are unfamiliar with what you would like to sample, small dishes are prepared for this exact reason. We can adapt most dishes to certain requests and endeavour to meet expectations. People can be curious regarding sushi, but really it is usually a combination of vegetables, fi sh and rice! Healthy eating is targeted here too, as we cater for vegan and vegetarians. Popular alternatives are: tofu, fi sh and vegetable based cuisine with no added salt or animal stock. We were recently voted as the number one vegetarian restaurant in the city on social media, we intend to keep that status!
Ginza Kitchen Restaurant middle fl oor interior. Grilled Sirloin of Beef Teriyaki Curry Soba.
Guests Dining in.
Ginza Moriawase. What do you love most about your job?
I am regarded as one of the most experienced restaurant managers in Belfast. Having worked at a few top restaurants in the city, I lead the front of house with a friendly and courteous attention to detail, to ensure my customer service is maintained at a high standard. I have adapted my own personality within Ginza due to my hard working ethics and personal touch. I make an effort with all customers, whether it is dining in or takeaway and take pride in ensuring the same level of service is given throughout. Having learnt from a very well established restaurateur in the city, I was not fully aware of what this meant when he said, ‘you can see the value of the business’, until a few years back. Our customers are just as important as our staff to running the business, and they work towards what our values truly mean. I enjoy every part of learning hospitality and have been known to help out in the kitchen and bar; every day is a learning curve for me as I continue to be the best I can within my role. I have enjoyed being back to hosting a busy environment, where I strive to improve and expand business in anyway possible. Most of all, I enjoy meeting new people and being such a social, interactive person this benefi ts me after a strenuous year. My job brings me great satisfaction and contentment, trusting I have given customers a memorable dining experience, with the expectation they return!
245 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7EN Tel: 028 9038 0856 www.ginzabelfast.com
BOOK EXTRACT
LENNOXVALE, MALONE
The above image illustrates an early electric tram heading out of town and passing Fisherwick Presbyterian Church on Malone Road c.1910. The lack of foliage on the trees suggests a winter scene. But notice the entrance to Lennoxvale at the right-hand corner. A very close look will also reveal the presence of a man with a ladder propped up against the tree. (Courtesy Belfast Central Library from an old postcard) Aidan Campbell
As we emerge from the pandemic, Aidan Campbell is due to publish another local history book in October 2021 entitled ‘East Belfast Big Houses Vol.2’. Included in the book is a chapter on Lennoxvale in south Belfast which brings back happy memories for Aidan as he attended school at Methodist College on Malone Road, not far from Lennoxvale.
Paul Harron in ‘Architects of Ulster, Young & Mackenzie’1 mentions that : ‘Once the road to Dublin rose above the slobland to the firmer land of the plains it blossomed out into what was to become the university area, and so on to Malone (Gaelic: Maigh Luan – ‘Luan’s Plain’), increasing the value of an already upper-class parkland, dotted liberally with gentlemen’s seats, substantial country estates which were to set the pattern and tone of the buildings……. there were five Italianate villas by the firm (Young & Mackenzie) in Lennoxvale, off the Malone Road, during this decade (1870s)’.
The houses were almost ready for occupation as the Belfast News-Letter explained on Wednesday 20th September 1876: ‘Lennoxvale – To be let, one of those well-built handsome new villas, now nearly completed, within the private grounds of Lennoxvale, in the most fashionable, picturesque, and healthy suburb of Belfast, with a southern aspect, and contiguous to the Colleges, Botanic Gardens, and Tramways. This spacious residence, which has been erected on the most approved plan, contains three reception-rooms, six bedrooms, two dressingrooms, kitchen, four pantries, cloakroom, bath-room, closet etc. gas and water pipes through the house, and out-offices with modern fittings and improvement’.
Renouned architectural historian Paul Larmour notes that 5 Lennoxvale was designed by architects Young & Mackenzie in 1875: ‘A large two-story stuccoed Italianate house with hipped roofs on bracketed eaves’. Whilst 7 Lennoxvale was designed in 1874: ‘… similar in form to no.5’ 2 .
The prestigious address of 5 Lennoxvale (above) as it looked probably in the 1920s. The resident then was Robert G. Glendinning, maternal grandfather of Stephen Hillis who kindly provided this photograph. Could that be Robert G. Glendinning standing in the doorway and conversing with the chauffeur who is sitting behind the wheel of this grand car?
References:
1. ‘Architects of Ulster, Young & Mackenzie’ by Paul Harron isbn 978-0-900457-80-7 2. ‘The Architectural Heritage of Malone &
Stranmillis by Paul Larmour isbn 0-900-457-007
Aidan Campbell - East Belfast Big Houses Vol 2 is published in October 2021.
SOUTH BELFAST SPECIAL FOCUS BELFAST WHISKEY WEEK
Showing off ‘The Emerald Isle’ collection on display at the Observatory at the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast, the tallest cocktail bar in Ireland, were from left founder and CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Jay Bradley and Paul Kane from Belfast Whiskey Week.
Limited edition ‘The Emerald Isle’ Collectable Whiskey Set from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. featuring exclusive Celtic Fabergé Egg appeared at Belfast Whiskey Week.
The 3rd Belfast Whiskey Week Ireland’s largest Whiskey Festival, welcomed a very special guest to the festival for one day only. Making it’s first appearance in Ireland was one of the seven ‘The Emerald Isle’ Collection sets from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Key features include a decanter centerpiece of a 30 year old triple distilled single malt and an exclusive creation from Fabergé – a first of it’s kind Fabergé Celtic Egg. One of the sets recently sold at auction and set a new world record of $2m.
IT’S THE TREBLE FOR TITANIC HOTEL
Three is the magic number as staff at Titanic Hotel Belfast celebrate the treble, having received the overall award of Ireland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year, the regional award of Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year and the Great Place to Stay Quality Award. This is the second consecutive year the hotel has been recognised by the Irish Hotels Awards winning these three awards for excellence with the ‘Wolff Grill’ restaurant being judged on the standard of food and service for which it has become renowned.
To experience award winning service and enjoy Summer on the Slipways at Titanic Hotel Belfast, with an overnight stay in a nautical themed room and a two course dinner in the Wolff Grill, followed by a Titanic sized breakfast, from £189 per room, contact the hotel on reservations@titanichotelbelfast.com or by calling +44 (0)28 9508 2000.
LOCAL FAVOURITE CELEBRATES 125TH YEAR IN NI
Thompson’s Tea, a fourth-generation family business and blender of NI’s favourite tea, Punjana, is celebrating their 125th year in Northern Ireland.
Their story began in Belfast, in 1896, from a tea warehouse near Belfast docks when founder R. S. Thompson trained in the art of tea tasting, and soon became known for his uncompromising devotion to quality.
In the early 1900’s, the Thompson family prided themselves in importing some of the world’s finest teas into Belfast and in supplying the province’s many thousand grocery shops with luxury teas, beautifully presented in their original tea chests. This was long before the days of motorised transport, and so Punjana was delivered from the Belfast docks by horse drawn carts.
As has been the way for the last 125 years, it is only ever a member of the Thompson family who is entrusted with tasting and approving each and every blend. This is their personal assurance that the tea inside will be the same award-winning Punjana taste and flavour that Northern Ireland tea lovers have been enjoying since 1896.
“Today, as fourth generation Thompsons, we take great pride, and feel very privileged to produce over 1 million cups of Thompson’s Punjana for Northern Ireland tea lovers every single day”.
