09/04/2026
The Bedford Hotel Opens Early After Landmark Restoration
The Bedford Hotel, set within the 1904 Scottish Baronial‑style Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened to the public today.
A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
Originally slated to open next month, an intensive final construction push enabled the 82‑bedroom boutique to welcome its first guests ahead of schedule, breathing new life into one of the city's most important heritage sites.
A hallmark of the renovation is the restoration in situ of 32 steel vault doors once used to secure valuable records; these have been repurposed within bedrooms as striking entrances to in‑room mini‑bars, blending historic character with modern luxury.
Led by RFM Hotels, the project preserves ornate stonework and the building's Edwardian grandeur while upgrading interiors to contemporary international standards.
Mike Gatt, General Manager of The Bedford Hotel, said: "We are absolutely delighted to officially open the doors of The Bedford Hotel today. This is more than just an opening; today marks a significant moment in the history of this magnificent building and the city of Belfast. This project has been a long-awaited labour of love, and seeing this 1904 landmark brought back to life is incredibly rewarding. This is just the start of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming guests through these doors for many years to come."
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, said: "The opening of The Bedford Hotel sits on the final corner of Donegal Square to receive significant investment in the past couple of years, breathing new life into a treasured landmark, and bringing new experiences for visitors.
"This is a milestone moment for Belfast's tourism industry, creating more rooms for tourists and more opportunities for our city centre businesses. The investment is a strong vote of confidence in Belfast's global appeal, and it significantly strengthens Belfast's ability to host visitors in a setting that celebrates our rich history."
Beyond its guestrooms and suites, the hotel introduces new dining to Donegall Square: The Nineteen Hundred restaurant, named in homage to the building's history, and a Café/Bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, renowned for his work at the G8 Summit, with a focus on local produce and mentoring Northern Ireland's next generation of culinary talent. The project has created over 100 new jobs and supported local supply chains. Bookings: www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com
A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
Originally slated to open next month, an intensive final construction push enabled the 82‑bedroom boutique to welcome its first guests ahead of schedule, breathing new life into one of the city's most important heritage sites.
A hallmark of the renovation is the restoration in situ of 32 steel vault doors once used to secure valuable records; these have been repurposed within bedrooms as striking entrances to in‑room mini‑bars, blending historic character with modern luxury.
Led by RFM Hotels, the project preserves ornate stonework and the building's Edwardian grandeur while upgrading interiors to contemporary international standards.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, said: "The opening of The Bedford Hotel sits on the final corner of Donegal Square to receive significant investment in the past couple of years, breathing new life into a treasured landmark, and bringing new experiences for visitors.
"This is a milestone moment for Belfast's tourism industry, creating more rooms for tourists and more opportunities for our city centre businesses. The investment is a strong vote of confidence in Belfast's global appeal, and it significantly strengthens Belfast's ability to host visitors in a setting that celebrates our rich history."
Beyond its guestrooms and suites, the hotel introduces new dining to Donegall Square: The Nineteen Hundred restaurant, named in homage to the building's history, and a Café/Bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, renowned for his work at the G8 Summit, with a focus on local produce and mentoring Northern Ireland's next generation of culinary talent. The project has created over 100 new jobs and supported local supply chains. Bookings: www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com
Latest Northern Ireland News
09 April 2026
No Evidence Against Officer In Katie Simpson Case – Ombudsman
Investigators from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have found no evidence to substantiate a criminal allegation against a police officer involved in the PSNI investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson.
No Evidence Against Officer In Katie Simpson Case – Ombudsman
Investigators from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have found no evidence to substantiate a criminal allegation against a police officer involved in the PSNI investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson.
09 April 2026
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton To Resign from Northern Ireland Assembly
Gary Middleton MLA has announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, effective Friday 10 April. In a personal statement, the Foyle representative revealed that he is stepping down due to significant ongoing mental health challenges, noting that he needs to prioritise his full recovery.
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton To Resign from Northern Ireland Assembly
Gary Middleton MLA has announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, effective Friday 10 April. In a personal statement, the Foyle representative revealed that he is stepping down due to significant ongoing mental health challenges, noting that he needs to prioritise his full recovery.
09 April 2026
Two Arrested And Drugs Seized Following Police Searches
Police searches conducted across Newtownstewart, Killen, and Castlederg on Wednesday, 8 April, have resulted in the seizure of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs. The operation, led by the Derg Neighbourhood Policing Team, also uncovered a quantity of cash, a suspected imitation firearm, and several electronic devices.
Two Arrested And Drugs Seized Following Police Searches
Police searches conducted across Newtownstewart, Killen, and Castlederg on Wednesday, 8 April, have resulted in the seizure of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs. The operation, led by the Derg Neighbourhood Policing Team, also uncovered a quantity of cash, a suspected imitation firearm, and several electronic devices.
09 April 2026
O'Toole Slams Executive Silence Amid Energy And Fuel Price Squeeze
Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the Executive of failing to show leadership during an international crisis that has driven up household energy and fuel bills across Northern Ireland. He said the administration had, for weeks, provided little beyond appeals to London and had not set out concrete proposals to deliver available support to families.
O'Toole Slams Executive Silence Amid Energy And Fuel Price Squeeze
Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the Executive of failing to show leadership during an international crisis that has driven up household energy and fuel bills across Northern Ireland. He said the administration had, for weeks, provided little beyond appeals to London and had not set out concrete proposals to deliver available support to families.
09 April 2026
Hospitality Ulster Backs PHA's 'Talking Really Helps' Mental Health Drive
Hospitality Ulster has announced its backing for the Public Health Agency's (PHA) 'Talking Really Helps' campaign, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline, Northern Ireland's free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis response service.
Hospitality Ulster Backs PHA's 'Talking Really Helps' Mental Health Drive
Hospitality Ulster has announced its backing for the Public Health Agency's (PHA) 'Talking Really Helps' campaign, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline, Northern Ireland's free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis response service.
09 April 2026
Larne Police Appeal For Witnesses After Hit-And-Run Collision
The incident, which occurred at around 1.40pm near the junction of Ballyboley Road and Donaghys Lane, involved a teenage cyclist and a white jeep-style car. The boy was knocked onto the car’s bonnet and then onto the road, sustaining cuts and bruises that required hospital treatment.
Larne Police Appeal For Witnesses After Hit-And-Run Collision
The incident, which occurred at around 1.40pm near the junction of Ballyboley Road and Donaghys Lane, involved a teenage cyclist and a white jeep-style car. The boy was knocked onto the car’s bonnet and then onto the road, sustaining cuts and bruises that required hospital treatment.
09 April 2026
The Bedford Hotel Opens Early After Landmark Restoration
The Bedford Hotel, set within the 1904 Scottish Baronial‑style Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened to the public today. A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
The Bedford Hotel Opens Early After Landmark Restoration
The Bedford Hotel, set within the 1904 Scottish Baronial‑style Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened to the public today. A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
09 April 2026
DAERA Opens Applications For 2026-27 Regional Food Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially opened the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
DAERA Opens Applications For 2026-27 Regional Food Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially opened the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
09 April 2026
New Partnership Launched To Combat Business Crime in Belfast City Centre
Belfast's three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter, and Linen Quarter—have officially launched a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
New Partnership Launched To Combat Business Crime in Belfast City Centre
Belfast's three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter, and Linen Quarter—have officially launched a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
09 April 2026
Lidl Begins Construction On First Public House At Dundonald Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has officially started construction on a new public house and associated off-sales facility at its existing Dundonald store. This development marks a significant milestone for the retailer, as it prepares to showcase its award-winning range of wines, beers, and spirits in a dedicated hospitality environment.
Lidl Begins Construction On First Public House At Dundonald Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has officially started construction on a new public house and associated off-sales facility at its existing Dundonald store. This development marks a significant milestone for the retailer, as it prepares to showcase its award-winning range of wines, beers, and spirits in a dedicated hospitality environment.
-
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.