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'She is handsome, she is pretty, she is the belle of...'18 Sep 2014
If you haven't already guessed- the HG Team have been to Belfast! We had all heard some great things about this vibrant city; we couldn't wait to experience them first hand.
Did you know Belfast is the city where the RMS Titanic was designed and built? Home to one of the world's largest urban waterfront regeneration project, The Titanic Belfast building is a cultural attraction, situated in the Titanic Quarter, preserving the authenticity of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage. You can even have afternoon tea by the Grand staircase, a brilliant replica of the original.
Just minutes from the Titanic Quarter sits the Hilton Belfast, with a riverside location and in walking distance of Belfast city centre, the location is perfect for either a corporate or leisurely visit. Zoe, our Conference Co-Ordinator said- 'I couldn't really fault this hotel. The staff were great, the rooms are spacious, clean and modern, and the food was lovely. The bedrooms in the hotel are nicely decorated and the suites are very spacious with beautiful views of Belfast, especially suite 1215, which had panoramic views of the waterfront. There is also a patio area outside of the restaurant that is fantastic for the warmer weather.'
Neighbour to the Hilton Belfast, the Belfast Waterfront will shortly be going through a £60 million expansion which will double the overall floor space of the venue. With lots of natural daylight and space for flexibility, the Waterfront Belfast is a brilliant venue for conferences and events. There are also two bars on separate levels with amazing panoramic views of the city being ideal for a drinks reception and private functions such as weddings.
The group also ventured on a trip to the Victorian Prison, Crumlin Road Gaol, for a private tour which proved very surprising. A hidden gem in the city, the prison actually has conference and banqueting facilities. It is a great venue if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary and different, with prison cells still being open and the hanging room being one of the main attractions, this venue certainly has the eerie factor, or at least Zoe thought so.
After the prison the group went for a showaround at Hilton Templepatrick Hotel. Even though the hotel is just off the A57, it feels secluded and private presenting 220 acres of beautiful wooded parkland within the Castle Upton Estate. The food here is very unique in style with fish and chips served in a mini fryer and other dishes in mini saucepans. Not only do they taste fantastic, but their choice of presentation gives the food a quirky edge. The hotel is also home to an amazing award winning golf course which the group got to sample!
Zoe's favourite part of the adventure to Belfast was the dining in Ballywalter Park, the home of the Lord and Lady Dunleath. The group indulged in a six course dinner especially homemade by the Lady of the manor herself. The hosts were very accommodating- they even invited the minibus driver in for the evening and fed him just as well! The wine cellar was also fascinating to see as it was packed wall to wall with an extensive range, reaching back to 1977. This property is a perfect venue for extra special occasions.
Emma Hall