11/02/2026
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026.
The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
The transformation into an 82-bedroom hotel represents a significant private investment in the city's hospitality sector. The opening is expected to create over 100 jobs, ranging from management and operational roles to front-of-house and culinary positions.
Ciaran O'Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, described the project as a vote of confidence in the local economy: "Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
"This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre."
The hotel's culinary direction will be led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, formerly of Lough Erne Resort. The hotel will house a destination restaurant and café bar focused on local produce. General Manager Mike Gatt noted that the long-term vision for the site is to support wider economic growth through a strong local supply network and premium service standards.
The investment has been welcomed by Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, who highlighted that Belfast has been recognised as a trending city for 2026 by TripAdvisor.
She stated: "This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre's tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast's most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life."
The Bedford Hotel is now taking reservations for its opening in May.
The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
The transformation into an 82-bedroom hotel represents a significant private investment in the city's hospitality sector. The opening is expected to create over 100 jobs, ranging from management and operational roles to front-of-house and culinary positions.
Ciaran O'Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, described the project as a vote of confidence in the local economy: "Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
The hotel's culinary direction will be led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, formerly of Lough Erne Resort. The hotel will house a destination restaurant and café bar focused on local produce. General Manager Mike Gatt noted that the long-term vision for the site is to support wider economic growth through a strong local supply network and premium service standards.
The investment has been welcomed by Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, who highlighted that Belfast has been recognised as a trending city for 2026 by TripAdvisor.
She stated: "This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre's tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast's most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life."
The Bedford Hotel is now taking reservations for its opening in May.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.