A weekend in Belfast at the Malone Hotel was full of Northern Irish charm

WE flew into Belfast on a warm and sunny weekend and walking through the glass doors into the Malone Hotel lobby perhaps it was the weather that made us feel like we were in a holiday resort hotel in Spain.

With its spacious marble flooring and decadently comfy-looking sofas and armchairs, you could easily imagine coming in here to sip a pina colada in the shade for some respite from the Mediterranean sun.

4

4

Then, to remind us where we were, we heard the Northern Irish accent of the charming, chirpy receptionist Charlotte.

Not content with the mere formalities of giving us our keys and confirming our dinner reservation, she went above and beyond, giving us a list as long as our arms of useful tourist information for first-time Belfasters.

Given the time we’d arrived, it was almost straight to dinner after quickly dumping our stuff in our room.

It was a big space which matched the slick, contemporary but cute hotel we’d seen so far — with the walls and ceilings painted cool greys and whites, crisp white linen on a queen-sized bed and a pretty pair of armchairs and coffee table set by the window.

The theme of friendly, attentive staff continued as we went down to the Gallery Restaurant and sat at a table for two by the window, people-watching out on quaint, tree-lined Eglantine Avenue.

The cavernous area was painted coppers and teals — enough space for tables and booths to breathe comfortably — and local art on the walls.

I had my first pint of Guinness of the weekend — they always taste better this side of the Irish Sea — while my wife Jennie, above, enjoyed a glass of sauvignon blanc.

We skipped straight to mains, with Jennie taking on an enormous sirloin steak — almost dwarfed by the three huge onion rings adorning it — and a delicious, full-to-the-brim jug of peppercorn sauce on the side.

I went for the scallops special, with the tender, melt-in-mouth shellfish set in a creamy, chowder-like sauce infused with chives and peas. And of course, we had to share a side of plump hand-cut chips.

We moved later on to the Greyhound Bar, on the other side of the hotel lobby, more Guinness for me and a cocktail for Jennie, where an acoustic performer was playing.

We were transported immediately to a rustic Irish pub environment, dimly lit with green walls, comfy red booths, and a widescreen telly in the corner.

The glorious weather continued the next day, and after scarfing down tasty full Irish breakfasts back in the Gallery Restaurant, we wanted to explore the city. With the hotel located right next to Queen’s University Belfast and also the Botanic Gardens, we took a long, scenic meander to the centre.

We made the obligatory stop at The Crown on Great Victoria Street — packed as ever — before finding the marvellous Kelly’s Cellars on Bank Street. Built in the 18th century, the interior is incredible, with stone floors and a vaulted ceiling.

But it was too nice a day for that, so it was the beer garden where I enjoyed my next Guinness — and we were even treated to a performance by three Irish dancers.

On our last day we went to the Titanic Museum — an epic tour that is a must for any history buff.

Back at the Malone we sipped a coffee on their picturesque patio outside the Greyhound Bar, and with the sun shining, all felt right with the world.

4

4

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5300