Northern Ireland: Autumn Edition
I am sitting in The Juice Jar on Botanic Avenue in Belfast as I write this month’s Ulster Tatler Article. Yesterday I was doing admin in French Village on the Lisburn Road and the day before that it was Bob & Berts in the city centre. I will admit that I do love changing up my surroundings and exploring coffee hot spots across Northern Ireland, however this choice is more nuanced than just fancying a change.
As I type, the image is a coffee in hand and me clicking in and out of the Ulster Tatler website. If anyone inspected more closely, they’d probably realize I have sawdust in my hair, paint in my car, and a DIY list the length of my arm open in the other tab.
This month’s big update is we are renovating our Belfast city centre apartment (previously mentioned in my first ever Ulster Tatler Column). Everything from floors to bathrooms we are changing to create a modern and relaxing haven in the heart of Belfast. Interestingly, Matthew & I are finding DIY the easy part. Trying to source a sofa that fits the corner nook just so, to spotlight the city views- well that is a different story... (Did you know that when you order a sofa in October in Northern Ireland, the delivery is not ‘pick it up next week’, but more ‘delivery just in time for Christmas’?) Every day of my twenties really is a school day.
The apartment will be available for short term rent, for those that want a base in the city centre to explore what Northern Ireland has to offer. Alongside this, I am launching a new brand: ‘@belfast. explore’. This will go hand in hand with the apartment to showcase all the amazing areas and activities Northern Ireland has to offer.
When I think showcasing Northern Ireland, I think of Ulster Tatler. Therefore, before ‘@belfast. explore’ launches, it feels only fitting to give the Ulster Tatler readers a prequel of some of my favourite hotspots in Northern Ireland.
Autumn Activities:
- Streamvale Open Farm: Whether you have kids or not, Streamvale is sure to get you in theautumn Spirit. Pumpkin picking, marshmallow toasting and animals galore- I have been going foryears and have never been disappointed.
- Stormont Estate: Grab a coffee from one of the nearby local businesses and immerse yourself inthe beauty of the autumn scenery. The views are stunning and Stormont on a weekend morning isgreat for people watching.
- A Peculiar Tea: All over TikTok and Instagram in NI, A Peculiar Tea brings the fun back totasting and changes up the food theme with the time of year or trending topics. If you’re feelingspooky, they are hosting a ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ 5 course tasting menu from 18th October-18th November.
- Output Espresso: You will seldom drive down the Lisburn Road on a Saturday or Sundaymorning without seeing a queue out the door for Output Espresso. One of my favourite spots forbrunch or coffee, the food is great and the décor is gorgeous.
