Category: featured-1

Women In Media 2024 at QUB

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Women in Media Belfast (WIMB) held the ‘WIM 24’ Ireland and Britain partnership summit in the Great Hall at Queen’s University Belfast on October 24. The event, attended by up to 200 delegates, featured a range of panel discussions and individual speakers addressing the triumphs and challenges for women who work, and appear, in the media. WIMB and Dublin’s Women on Air (WoA) announced further collaboration for 2025 including training workshops.

WIMB also plans to take events on the road, so if you want a spotlight on your area or issues check out: www.wimbelfast.com

Missing persons advocate Joanne Dorrian, outgoing Mirror editor Jilly Beattie, and Ireland’s press ombudsperson Susan McKay.

WIMB director Niamh Campbell, athlete Katie Morrow, broadcaster Denise Watson and freelance reporter Clodagh Traynor.

BBC presenter Claire Graham with PA Westminster correspondent Claudia Savage and Women in Journalism Scotland’s Anna Burnside and Catriona Stewart.

 

Artist and Éadach designer Sara O’Neill with fashion editor Bairbre Power.

 

Shonagh Gill, Erin Bowman, Abi Dynan and Mrudula Srivatsa.

CELEBRATED BELFAST CHEF LAUNCHES DEBUT COOKBOOK

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Award-winning chef and restauranteur Niall McKenna unveiled his debut cookbook at a launch party at Waterman House in Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter.Featuring 140 recipes served over the last 20 years across Niall’s five restaurants, including iconic customer favourites from James Street, Hadskis and Waterman, the book – in its tongue-in-cheek title and throughout its 300 pages – asks one question:What’s it all About? A love letter to Belfast, the book heroes local produce from the best local suppliers and producers. Alongside mouth-watering photography of the much-loved dishes, the book features striking captures of iconic Belfast landmarks and showcases some of Niall and his wife Joanne’s amazing art collections that have been displayed in their restaurants over the last two decades.
A testament to the admiration and respect Niall has gained throughout his career can be read in the foreword at the front of the new cookbook. Friend and chef Paul Rankin, whom Niall credits as being hugely influential in his career, describes Niall as ‘a shining light, always there, always cheery, always the hardest worker,heralding the cookbook as a ‘gift to all of us who love food and hospitality’. The high regard with which the Belfast chef is held was evident in the large numbers of peers, colleagues, friends and family that turned out to support the launch, including chefs Paul Rankin, Andy Rea, Paula McIntyre, Danny Millarand Chris McGowan.
In an emotive Q&A with friend and food critic, Joris Minne, Niall spoke passionately about his love of Belfast, and that explained what the book is ‘all about’:“Hospitality, Belfast, restaurants, people I’ve worked with, chefs, front of house, suppliers, the whole picture – that’s what it’s all about.”
Amongst the mouth-watering recipes featured are fan-favourites including dulse and clam chowder (James St), chili crab linguine (served inThe Bar & Grill at James Street SouthandWaterman for the last 12 years),honey madeleines (Waterman), and the hugely moreish Guinness Wheaten (James St & Waterman).
This Saturday (12 October),Niall will host a special What’s it all about? cookery demo as part of Belfast Restaurant Week, when he will show guests how to make a selection of recipes from the book, including Guinness wheaten, Gin cured salmon, Ham hock, Mustard & Cabbage, followed by Madeleines, Chantilly cream and caramel sauce. Tickets cost £50 per person, and include a tasting plate and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival. Limited tickets are available, fromWaterman.House
In the coming months, Niall will also host a series of immersive What’s it All About Cookery experiences, where people will join him to cook a selection of dishes from the book. What’s it all About Cookery Classes will also be available for individuals, businesses, and groups to book, or as gifts, with packages starting from £130 per person, including a copy of the book.
What’s it All About? by Niall McKenna is out now. Priced £25, the cookbook is available to purchase at James Street and Waterman, and via the Waterman House website atwww.waterman.houseThe book will also be available from selected local stockists including the Belfast Welcome Centre, Born & Bred, Maven and JN Wines.

JOHN KEARNS LAUNCHES NEW ART EXHIBITION

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MTV Europe presenter, radio DJ (Cool FM), writer, and music tastemaker, John Kearns is pleased to announce his new immersive art exhibition will be presented by the highly prestigious Gallery One, located on Belfast’s Lisburn Road from 24th October – 2nd November 2024. The exhibition will be presented over 2 floors with the upper level being a bespoke immersive experience featuring video, projections and music which has been written and recorded by John himself, the collection will also be available to view online.

John’s extensive knowledge and love of music and travel has been a key source of inspiration for his paintings, which is displayed throughout his vibrant, abstract and alluring pieces. The exhibition follows on from John’s hugely successful debut art collection which was released last year and drew the attention of local and international buyers alike. Jana Haggan from Gallery One said; “The entire team is delighted to present The John Kearns exhibition this October. This spectacular collection of original abstract artwork and accompanying music composed by John is not to be missed.This is the artist’s debut solo exhibition so it’s very exciting!”

His work is influenced by his love of music (including the instruments he plays – guitar, bass and piano), as well as his experiences working with some of the biggest stars in the music world and the places to which he has travelled for filming and recording. John has produced a body of bold, vibrant and intensely individual works that are full of colour, intelligence and life experience. A first glimpse at his atmospheric and inspiring creations will allow the viewer to jump on the fast moving, upward trajectory of his highly creative career.John has been working on this new series of original pieces since January and is now delighted to release them.
John Kearns said; “It’s great to have the new pieces for the exhibition out there in the world from the 24th October, both physically and online. I started this project back on January 1st of this year so to see the paintings and the accompanying music come together is very satisfying. I’d like to thank all at Gallery One for their hard work and dedication – they have been amazing to work with.”
More info can be found here: https://www.galleryone.co.uk

What To Expect For 2025 Weddings

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From Champagne Coupes and Pets in the Pictures to Best Women and Flower Boys…

Galgorm Collection’s Wedding Expert, Beth Greenan, shares her guide to what to expect in the world of weddings in 2025.

As peak wedding season heads towards its close for 2024, wedding couples across the land are already making plans for their special days next year. Mood boards, wedding mags and a trawl of the biggest online stars’ social media accounts will be playing their part in creating some serious wedding inspiration.

But look no further, because here, Beth Greenan, Galgorm Collection’s resident wedding expert, who has been helping loved-up couples create their dream big days for 20 years, is on hand to share her insights into what the country’s coolest couples will be doing in 2025.

“What we’re seeing is that couples are more and more confident in making their own decisions,” she says. “They’re working within broader traditions but doing it their own way. Things are bigger, bolder and more creative than ever – and social media has played a huge part in that. Couples want a picture-perfect experience, and they’re making whatever adjustments they need to get it.”

Here’s what to expect in 2025.

Multi-day Events

“More and more couples are thinking of a full experience for their guests, rather than just the wedding day itself,” says Beth. “If guests are travelling, they want to spend quality time with them, not just grab a quick chat outside the church, so multi-day events are huge.

 “There could be a rehearsal or welcome party the day before as the excitement builds and a brunch or more informal event the day after. For example, some of our guests would have the wedding at Galgorm then go to Parisien the next day for lunch. It’s all about the “experience”. This used to be the reserve of destination weddings abroad as guests made a holiday out of their trip, but now the multi-day, “destination feel” event is something couples are doing closer to home.”

Social Media Generation

“We all remember the standard was to have a photographer, and maybe a videographer to capture the big day,” says Beth. “Now there’s a third to factor in, and that’s the social media content creator. We’re seeing them more and more across all our venues as couples want to capture every moment – often putting them out live on the day on the couple’s social media channels.

“And this isn’t just for the well-known, or for major social media influencers, this is just couples who have grown up with high-quality online content, and really value it. Not only are the content creators capturing the bridal party and guests in candid VTs, they’re also getting the photographer and videographer in the shots creating full, glossy content for socials to reflect the full magic of the day.”

Venues with Impact

“In the past, couples would pick a beautiful hotel, but one that wouldn’t necessarily reflect their style,” says Beth. “They would spend a lot of their budget dressing the room to transform it from what it was to how they wanted it to be. Now, couples are opting for venues that already look incredible, and suit their own style and tastes, so that need to splash money on décor just isn’t a factor anymore.

“From picture-perfect and quite quirky hotels like The Rabbit, to museums and venues with real impact, choosing somewhere slightly different that already works for your style and taste is becoming the way to do it – and crucially, it allows you to channel the budget into backdrops with impact or additional entertainment or catering for the day.” 

Cakes and coupes

“The wedding cake, or perhaps a “cake tower” is still a big factor for most wedding days,” says Beth. “But not for all. Increasingly we’re seeing the “cut the cake” moment being swapped for a Coupe Champagne Tower, where the couple pour champagne down the tower of glasses, which makes for an incredible picture – and gorgeous footage for socials. The “back-drop” for the cake or coupe is also a must, making pictures really pop. 

“There might also be a dessert table, packed full of opulent dessert options, which again looks amazing on camera – and tastes phenomenal too, of course. Food is being reimagined. It’s not just the big three-course dinner, with a finger buffet in the evening. People are going for all sorts of cool options, like a Mexican fiesta in the evening, or anything at all. It’s really fun to get creative.”

Goodbye ‘Receiving Line’

“I did this at my wedding, and lots of couples used to do it,” says Beth. “The couple and their immediate family would greet the guests one by one outside the church or at the hotel to make sure they spoke to everyone. But now, with the longer events, this fairly formal aspect really isn’t as common as it used to be as there’s more opportunity to spend time with everyone in a more laid-back way over a few days.”

Animals welcome!

“Years ago, it would have been really unusual for a couple to have a pet at a wedding,” says Beth. “But now, it’s 100% accepted and I’d say we’ve got a dog at a wedding nearly every week. To have a pet featuring in pictures, or even taking part in the ceremony itself in some way, is not a strange request for us at all anymore. We have even welcomed a horse!”

Gender fluid

“Wedding parties are really mixing it up at the minute in terms of who does what,” says Beth. “We’ve got flower boys coming down the aisle, we’ve got Best Women, men in the bridal party, brides and maids-of-honour doing fantastic speeches. As with most other things, the fundamentals are there in terms of traditions in that the same things are happening, but couples are doing it their own way and choosing precisely who they want for each role.”

Table Plans 2.0

“Back in the day, a table plan would consist of names listed out on a printed piece of paper,” says Beth. “Couples would often come up with quirky names for the table to give guests a giggle, but the ante has been well and truly upped here, like it has been everywhere else. Now, we’ve got table plans presented on photographs, on records, on vases of flowers. The more creative the better, as far as the couples are concerned. And of course, it all looks great for social media.”

The Walk In

“This was always a lovely part of the day, when the couple walked into the room to a tune they loved after the wedding,” says Beth. “But while it used to be a pretty small part of the day, now it’s a major moment of the day for lots of couples. Guests are encouraged to swing those napkins aloft while the turns are pumping. We’ve had one couple led in by their little son who was driving a remote-control car, we’ve had grooms dancing their way in, we’ve had big elaborate moments involving the full wedding party. It’s definitely as impactful and important as the walk out of the ceremony, which used to be the main moment.”

Multi-cultural celebrations

“Couples are getting more confident in incorporating different cultures into their celebrations,” says Beth. “We have lots of people who are getting married close to home, but their partners are from different backgrounds or parts of the world, and more and more those varied traditions are being embraced. At a recent wedding the bride was from Northern Ireland and the groom was from Nigeria, and we had this amazing moment when they did a full Nigerian walk in, where they danced into the room and did a traditional Nigerian ‘money spray’ where guests shower the couple with money. It made their wedding so special and personal to them, and that’s what we want to help couples create, whether it be through unique food offerings, entertainment or their own specific traditions. Whatever works for them makes their wedding – their event – one to remember for everyone involved, and we love to help them incorporate and celebrate their own cultures.” 

Gorgeous groomsmen – and multiple dresses for the bride

“While women’s wedding dresses are still as incredible as ever, and really there’s a huge range of what people now choose, it’s the men we’re watching now,” says Beth. “Gone are the standard suits and one-colour ties for the groomsmen, now they’re really going for it with their fashion choices. It’s great to see because it’s a chance for the groom and his party to really have fun with fashion on such a huge day in their lives. They’ve got more confidence in going for something different, which often creates a talking point on the day. On the bridal front, it’s really not unusual for the bride to have another dress to change into in the evening. One wedding dress no more!” 

Draping – and colour scape 2025

“Drapes are having a big moment,” says Beth. “And we expect that to continue into 2025. In terms of colours, trends come and go, but red is a big one for next year, as well as metallic colouring. Couples make their own choices depending on their tastes of course, but these fashions do have an impact on what we see.”

Music noon til night

“Again, it’s the full “experience” for guests that comes into play with music now,” says Beth. “No longer do couples just book a band to play for after dinner, now there’s very often music at every point in the day – from the ceremony, arrival and reception drinks, and surprise performances through dinner, to elevated band and DJ set-ups for the evening reception and even Day 2.

“Couples now have so much choice and they are definitely well-informed and discerning what they want. If they’re savvy, they may pull back on one aspect of the day to make something else really special and memorable to them. They’re a confident bunch – and it shows in their weddings.”

To find out more about weddings across Galgorm Collection visithttps://www.galgorm.com/galgorm-collection-weddings.html

 

 

City of Armagh Rugby Club Partner With Symphonia Spirits

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City of Armagh RFC will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025 and plans are well advanced for an exciting year of events and activities to mark the milestone. As part of the celebrations, the rugby club is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Symphonia Spirits, the award-winning local craft gin manufacturer, based in Moy. This collaboration brings together the rich heritage of both organisations, celebrating local ingredients, innovation, and community spirit.

Symphonia Spirits was founded by Ric Dyer in 2018, following a career change from pharmaceutical research and combines his love of science and a commitment to sustainability. His unique scientific approach and use of local ingredients is what sets Symphonia apart from its competitors. The cold distillation process developed by Ric, allows Symphonia to capture the wonderful flavours and fragrances of botanicals in the most eco-efficient way and reflects the glory of the Northern Irish countryside. The range includes 3 gins – dry, apple and a raspberry liqueur plus an apple rum, all using locally sourced ingredients.

Symphonia Spirits have created a limited-edition bottle of apple gin exclusively for City of Armagh Rugby Club. The label design celebrates the club’s legacy and its role in shaping the community. This unique apple gin features botanicals inspired by the local landscape, using crisp green Bramley apples from County Armagh as its centrepiece, paying homage to the “Orchard of Ireland” region.  A perfect match for the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of City of Armagh Rugby Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured with the City of Armagh 150th anniversary apple gin is Club President, Tim Taylor and Ric Dyer, owner of Symphonia Spirits.

 

Amelia Hall opens following series of exhaustive trials and tests

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One of the most anticipated new bars in Belfast, Amelia Hall on Belfast’s Howard Street will open to the public on Saturday 7th September.

The beer hall, pizzeria, and terrace has undergone a series of trials to test kitchens, bars and systems to make sure there are few teething issues when it opens. Owners, the Ringland Group, invited hundreds of people along to try out drinks and food, ambient temperature, lighting and furniture before opening to the public.

Amelia Hall features an expansive beer hall with a uniquely curated selection of beers, a pizzeria serving artisan pizzas, and an outdoor terrace fronting Howard Street. With its striking interior design and inviting atmosphere, the venue offers a fresh and dynamic setting for both locals and visitors to Belfast.

Peter Ringland, co-founder of the Ringland Group, says he and his team are delighted to finally get the venue opened.

“We are thrilled to finally welcome our first customers to Amelia Hall. It’s been a long journey to bring this concept to life, and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Amelia Hall is more than just a bar —it’s a destination where people will come together, to share great cocktails, beers, wines, small plates & pizzas in one of Belfast’s most beautiful buildings”.

Thomas Camblin, Head of Development for the Ringland Group, says: “The interior design of Amelia Hall sets a new standard in Belfast, and we’re incredibly proud of the finish. We believe it’s going to be a must-visit location for anyone looking for a great night out or a relaxed afternoon with friends.”

The Ringland Group recently announced a new partnership with Ulster Bank which includes a £1.75 million pound facility to support the development of Amelia Hall.
Amelia Hall has already created over £1 million worth of jobs in the local hospitality sector, with a wide range of roles filled, from chefs to senior bar and restaurant managers. The opening marks a significant addition to the city’s vibrant food and drink scene.

Founded in 2008 by brothers Peter and Ben Ringland, the Ringland Group continues to grow its portfolio of successful hospitality venues, including the Flint and 1852 hotels, as well as the popular bar-restaurants Town Square, Southside Social & Lucky Duck.

Amelia Hall is open seven days a week, offering an exciting mix of food and drink in a vibrant setting.

For more information, visit https://www.ameliahall.bar/

Brothers and owners of the Ringland Group Ben and Peter Ringland
Amelia Hall Chef Tony Liddell, Group Financial Controller Gareth Herron, brothers and owners of the Ringland Group Ben and Peter Ringland, Group Operations Manager Andrew McWhirter, Group Development Manager at Ringland Group Thomas Camblin.

United Wines tees up partnership with Slieve Donard, a Marine & Lawn Hotel & Resort

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AS the town of Newcastle prepares for a festival of golf ahead of the Irish Open at Royal County Down (September 11-15), leading Northern Ireland drinks distributor United Wineshas teed up a partnership with Slieve Donard, a Marine & Lawn Hotel & Resort, located just steps from the course.

Keeping golf enthusiasts and visitors refreshed, the partnership will bring a selection of United Wines’ most popular brands on draught – such as Heineken®, Birra Moretti, Orchard Thieves, Cruzcampo and Beavertown Neck Oil – along with bottled products, including the popular Heineken® 0.0, one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing alcohol-free brands to Slieve Donard, including the hotel’s restaurant and bar, The Percy French.

Built in 1898, Slieve Donard is part of Marine & Lawn Hotels and Resorts, a collection of hotels and resorts set along some of the world’s most coveted courses.

Slieve Donard was acquired by AJ Capital Partners to be the fifth hotel in the Marine & Lawn collection in 2021. Following renovations, the property now boasts an elegant new look, inspired by its impressive 126-year history, with reimagined lobby spaces, guest rooms, restaurants and bars that channel Slieve Donard’s original splendour.

“Partnering with United Wines is a natural fit for Marine & Lawn. Their exceptional offerings seamlessly align with our brand’s commitment to quality, enhancing the experience we strive to deliver to our guests. We’re excited to see this collaboration bring a new level of elegance to our properties,” said Ewan Plenderleith, General Manager of the Slieve Donard.

United Wines Managing Director Martin McAuley also welcomed the new partnership.

“We are proud to supply one of the country’s finest luxury resorts with some of the world’s finest premium lagers, in what is a perfect match ahead of the Irish Open,” said Martin.

“The timing couldn’t be better as Newcastle looks forward to welcoming a host of golfing superstars and tens of thousands of visitors over the coming weeks – all of whom will have an opportunity to enjoy a range of world class lagers, and cider, in the luxurious settings of the iconic Slieve Donard which under new management has really embraced the game of golf and its proximity to what is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, golf courses in the world,” he added.

To mark the new partnership, United Wines will be erecting a premium marquee, adjacent to the famous Percy French bar, with live music every night of the Irish Open from Thursday September 12 until the closing day’s play on Sunday September 15.

Heineken® will also be supplying lager within the grounds of Royal County Down for Irish Open spectators. The Heineken® brand has a long association with sport, from football to Formula 1, and has served its lager portfolio at some of the world’s best golf destinations.

Ewan Plenderleith, General Manager of the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, a Marine & Lawn Hotel & Resort, and Matthew Fitzpatrick, On-Trade Key Account Manager for leading Northern Ireland drinks distributor United Wines, celebrate a new partnership which is sure to keep golf enthusiasts and visitors refreshed ahead of the Irish Open at Royal County Down (September 11-15).

LIGHTHOUSE CHARITY SHINES A LIGHT ON ANNUAL GOLF DAY

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Lighthouse, the charity committed to the prevention of suicide, the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide, will be hosting The Aaron Fox Memorial Golf Day on Friday 20 September at Fortwilliam Golf Club in association with GRAHAM and HSS Hire.Executive Director at North Belfast based Lighthouse, Paul Finnegan said, “We are delighted to be hosting the second Aaron Fox Memorial Cup Golf Day and encourage everyone to get involved. This event is not only a wonderful opportunity for a great day out, but it also supports a vital cause. By participating, you will be helping to raise money to support people affected by suicide and mental health issues. Your involvement can make a real difference in our community.”

Gareth Smyth, Operations Director at GRAHAM Asset Management, who is sponsoring this event commented: GRAHAM support all that Lighthouse are doing to help those affected by suicide and mental health issues, making it a delight for us to sponsor the golfing event in September. Raising funds for Lighthouse means that they can continue to provide their life-changing support services in the not-so-distant future.” Also sponsoring this event are HSS Solarfix, Newtownabbey, with many other corporate companies having already signed up to sponsor a hole and four-balls. A fourball will cost £240 and includes your course fees, a burger and a 2-course meal after your game. If you would like to participate in this event, there are still a limited number of four-ball and hole sponsorships available.

Contact Claire Hogarth at Lighthouse for further information.
Email – claire@lighthousecharity.com

Lighthouse, the charity committed to the prevention of suicide, the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide, will be hosting The Aaron Fox Memorial Golf Day on Friday 20 September at Fortwilliam Golf Club in association with GRAHAM and HSS Hire. Pictured is Aaron’s father Paul Fox and Paul Finnegan from Lighthouse Charity.
For further information please contact claire@lighthousecharity.com

‘TIME FLIES’ as Minnows debut album ‘Holyland’ gets long-awaited digital release

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ONE of Northern Ireland’s most iconic singles of the ‘90s, ‘Time Flies’ by Belfast band The Minnows, will soon be available to stream or download for the first time as the band give their debut album ‘Holyland’ a long overdue digital release on July 29.

‘Time Flies’ was released on vinyl and cassette by The Minnows (then known as tiBeriuS’ minnoWs) as their first single on Terri Hooley’s famous Good Vibrations record label in 1991.

A Top 10 hit in Northern Ireland, the song achieved widespread critical acclaim on its release but has gone on to become a signature tune for the band and an enduring favourite of fans at home and beyond – if anything becoming even more popular as time passes.

Following its success as a single, it was to be another five years before ‘Time Flies’ would feature on The Minnows’ debut album ‘Holyland’ in 1996, which also included the popular early single ‘Another Rainy Day’.

Four thousand CD copies of the ‘Holyland’ album were pressed at the time and these sold out very quickly, with Japan the biggest market outside of Ireland.  Despite selling out, there was never a second print run of the popular album, which has led to growing demand in the years that followed for copies to be made available either physically or online.

 

Now, on the back of increasing interest in the band, following the success of their most recent album ‘Californian Poppy’ and a return to the live stage in 2023 (after an 11-year absence), The Minnows have finally decided to give the album a digital release across all major streaming platforms from July 29, 2024.

The ‘Holyland’ album offers a diverse selection of songs, featuring 13 tracks recorded at two different studios in two very different sets of circumstances.

Four tracks, including ‘Time Flies’ and ‘Another Rainy Day’ were recorded professionally at the famous Homestead recording studio in Randalstown, produced at the time by the late Mudd Wallace and local musician Rod McVey. The remaining songs capture The Minnows at their innocent best – recorded by the band themselves as they experimented and found their way around Green Dolphin Studios in Belfast.

“We were learning the ropes and hadn’t much a clue what we were doing to be honest,” explains lead guitarist and general technical ‘wizard’ Paul ‘Maynesy’ Maynes, now an award-winning sound engineer in his own right.

“I was learning my trade on work experience at Green Dolphin recording studios when the owners went on holiday, so we had the studio to ourselves for two weeks to experiment and to try and capture our live sound on record.  A fortnight later, after much experimentation, we had what we felt was the foundation of a good album.  We already had some professionally recorded songs from Homestead Studios – including ‘Time Flies’ and ‘Another Rainy Say’ so we added them to the mix and hey presto… Holyland was born,” said Maynesy.

 

Minnows lead singer/songwriter Michael Rafferty (aka ‘Raff’) added:  “We’re delighted to finally give Holyland its digital release after all these years. It’s been a long time coming and something we’ve been meaning to do for ages – but I suppose we just never got around to it.

 

“It’s certainly not a typical album, having been recorded in two studios. The quality of ‘Time Flies’ and the Homestead recordings is there for all to see but the Green Dolphin sessions were very much ‘trial and error’ and capture a young band finding its feet in the studio, refining its sound and expanding its song-writing horizons. 

 

“We know those recordings are far from perfect, but innocence and naivety are great qualities that cannot be forged or replicated later and we still have a lot of people who come up to us and say that those early raw ‘Holyland’ recordings are their favourites of all the work we’ve done.

 

“We know that four thousand people out there have a rare copy of the Holyland CD – it’s great that the album will now to be available globally to a whole new audience, and its longevity now secured online,” said Raff.

The ‘Holyland’ album will be available to stream or download from July 29 on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Bandcamp, and the band’s website www.minnowsband.com.

The Minnows are Michael Rafferty, Paul Maynes, Kevin Carson and Stephen O’Sullivan.  For more Minnows news and music, check out www.minnowsband.com or the band’s Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

Belfast in Bloom Competition

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The Lord Mayor visited a local hospitality business in the city centre today congratulating them on their win at last year’s ‘Belfast in Bloom’ competition. He also took the opportunity to call on businesses and commercial premises in the city to enter this year’s awards which will close for entries soon – on Friday 26 July. Councillor Micky Murray was at Granny Annies on the junction of Chichester Street and Victoria Street meeting with staff – the premises won the award for ‘Best Restaurant’ in the competition last year.

The Lord Mayor said: “Our Belfast in Bloom competition has been running for many years now and is open to businesses and commercial premises in the city centre and across Belfast. By cheering up outside hanging baskets and planters with striking, colourful flowers and foliage, these actions are lauded by visitors, workers in the city and residents -calling in and spending more time in the premises – inside and out, as they contribute to them being even more attractive and welcoming.

“Granny Annies scooped the award for ‘Best Restaurant’ in the competition last year and it is easy to see why with their stunning, eye-catching flower planters outside the premises. They are also very well spotted and create a‘ wow’ factor for many along a main road in the city centre from people walking past or travelling by in cars, bikes and buses. Belfast in Bloom also contributes to council’s work in ensuring the city centre is green, vibrant and welcoming. It links in too with our street planting programme where colourful planters have been added to key arterial routes as well as visitor attractions like City Hall, 2 Royal Avenue and St George’s Market.

“I hope that many businesses and commercial premises in the city centre and across Belfast can now follow Granny Annies and enter this year’s Belfast in Bloom competition – getting their entries in by Friday 26 July. They can fill in our short application form or enter online on our website with all the details at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastinbloom Good luck to all!”

Last year’s winners included the Errigle Inn on the Ormeau Road for ‘Best Public House’, Ten Square Hotel in the city centre for ‘Best Hotel’ and SPAR Malone Road for ‘Best Commercial Premises’.While Union Street (Maverick Bar) won the award for ‘Best Commercial Street’ with judges noting “the great effort being made to add floral colour to the street with hanging and manger baskets adding colour and large planters with permanent evergreen shrubs”. These award categories are also open for entries this year from businesses/commercial premises.

Lucy Anderson from Granny Annies said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the ‘Best Restaurant’ award in the Belfast in Bloom competition last year. It was a very simple process to enter – just going online on the council’s website and completing a short application form. Our beautiful flower planters and hanging baskets – over 40 of them, filled with begonias and petunias, have stopped many people on the street who have said they look really wonderful, calling into our premises for food and drinks or else sitting outside to enjoy them. A lot of visitors from cruise ships and tour groups in the city centre have also called in and said how stunning they look and get photos taken beside them.

“I would definitely encourage businesses in the city centre and across Belfast to enter the awards. Just by planting flowers in a planter on a window sill or hanging basket, you can add that little bit more sunshine to your premises.”

Belfast in Bloom is also open to local residents, community groups and schools. There are entries for ‘Best Hanging Basket’, ‘Best Window Box’ and ‘Best Front Garden’. Community groups/organisations can enter for ‘Best Community Street’, ‘Best Community Group’ and ‘Best Community Garden’. There are also awards for ‘Best Individual Allotment’ and ‘Best Allotment Site’ in Belfast.

More information on the competition is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastinbloom

 

 

Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray with Lucy Anderson from Granny Annies.

Beefsteak Club and Waterman House Launch ‘Wine to Dine For’ Event

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Beefsteak Club Wines has teamed up with award-winning chef Niall McKenna and his Waterman Restaurant in Belfast to host a special culinary experience for local wine enthusiasts and food lovers.

Distributed in Northern Ireland by Craigavon-based United Wines, Beefsteak Club is inspired by London’s dining clubs of the 18th century and offers a cracking range of quality wines from around the world, all perfect for pairing with your favourite food dishes – something guests will have an opportunity to experience at Waterman House on Saturday 12th October 2024.

As part of Beefsteak Club’s ‘Wine to Dine For‘ campaign, this exclusive ‘supper club’ style event will be hosted by Ciaran Meyler, Wine Manager at United Wines, who has enjoyed an outstanding career as a wine professional from server to seller.

Guests will receive a glass of wine on arrival, followed by an opportunity to indulge in four delicious small plates, each paired perfectly with a glass of Beefsteak Club wines.

Tickets for the ‘Wine to Dine For‘ event are available now at just £55 per person and are expected to sell out quickly with only 80 seats available – so early reservations are recommended. To secure a place, tickets can be purchased at www.waterman.house/collections/events/products/beefsteak-club-wine-evening.

Ciaran Meyler, Wine Manager at United Wines, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Waterman House to bring this exceptional Beefsteak Club Wines event to Belfast. If you love wine and love food, then you won’t want to miss this exclusive celebration of fine wines, gourmet food and the vibrant culinary culture of Northern Ireland.”

Waterman Chef Proprietor, Niall McKenna, who also operated the popular James St. Restaurant, added: “Hosting this ‘Wine to Dine For’ event in partnership with Beefsteak Club and United Wines is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our culinary expertise and to create a memorable experience for our guests.

“Beefsteak Club is a superb selection of wines inspired by London dining clubs of the 18th century and will be perfectly matched to a menu created by our Waterman chefs. We really look forward to welcoming guests to this special culinary and wine-tasting experience which promises to be an unforgettable evening for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.”

Niall McKenna has been cooking since the age of 15. Having studied professional cookery at Belfast Metropolitan College, he moved to London where he worked with Michelin-starred chefs such as Nico Ladenis, Gary Rhodes and Marco Pierre White.

Having returned to Belfast in 2000, he opened his own James Street South in 2003. A strong supporter of local Northern Irish produce, he has since operated a string of popular restaurants in Belfast, most recently Waterman House, incorporating a Cookery School, events spaces and tasting rooms, as well as the Waterman Restaurant.

Founded in 1985, United Wines, a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, is now one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland.

Operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Craigavon, with 55 staff on its books, United Wines distributes an extensive portfolio of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, off-licenses, cash & carries, regional wholesalers and national multiples throughout the country.

Award-winning chef Niall McKenna of Waterman Restaurant in Belfast, and Ciaran Meyler, Wine Manager at United Wines, are hosting a special Beefsteak Club Wines‘culinary experience’ for local wine enthusiasts and food lovers at Waterman House on Saturday, October 12, 2024. As part of Beefsteak Club’s ‘Wine to Dine For’ campaign, guests at the exclusive ‘supper club’ style event will receive a glass of wine on arrival, followed by an opportunity to indulge in four delicious small plates, each paired perfectly with a glass of Beefsteak Club wines. Tickets are available now at just £55 per person and are expected to sell out quickly with only 80 seats available. To secure a place, visit www.waterman.house/collections/events/products/beefsteak-club-wine-evening.