A PLUSH new hospitality space is opening at Titanic Belfast later this month, inspired by one of the first ship builders in the city, Hickson’s Point.
It will offer an authentic 1900s public house setting, combining traditional music, entertainment, heritage décor and locally produced food, and will cater for a range of private and corporate events for up to 80 people.
And its inaugural event will be the formal launch of the 12th Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards on February 20.
The events space honours the name of Robert Hickson, credited as being the founder in 1853 of what was to become the shipyard which built the ill-fated Titanic.
Ironmonger Hickson sold the company to his shipyard manager Edward Harland in 1855. Harland was financed by GC Schwabe of Liverpool, whose nephew Gustav Wolff then joined the firm as Harland’s assistant, and ultimately the shipyard became Harland & Wolff.
Judith Owens, chief executive of Titanic Belfast, which last year was crowned the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, said: “With increasing visitor numbers coupled with the global awareness of Northern Ireland’s incredible hospitality offering, we have invested in Hickson’s Point, an authentic setting which will enhance both our visitor experience and event offering.
"Not only will its shipyard fare build on one of the most popular themes in our galleries for visitors, but it will appeal to corporates, incentive travellers and tour operators for an array of events from breakfasts, drinks receptions to themed dining.”
Hickson’s Point is the latest development to the attraction's event suites, alongside SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel, and the 6,000 sq metre Titanic Exhibition Centre.
