BELFAST hospitality veteran Michael Stewart has launched a new pub in the city following a £250,000 investment.
Haymarket on Gresham Street marks a return to familiar territory for the drinks industry Tsar, occupying the former Hudson bar premises, which Mr Stewart previously ran.
Around 50 jobs are being created.
Haymarket will feature a ‘street’ food menu, outdoor arcade and a dedicated gin bar, with a focus on cocktails and local liquor, beer and ale.
Michael Stewart described the investment as part of the efforts to rejuvenate the ‘Smithfield and Union’ quarter of Belfast, which stretches from the Smithfield Market to the new Ulster University campus.
He said the while a stripped back entertainment policy will be in place until further covid-19 restrictions have been eased, the venue intends to showcase the best of local talent and musicians later this summer.
The launch comes just days after Mr Stewart was re-elected president of Belfast Chamber.
“We are thrilled to bring a new and exciting offering to Belfast, which reinforces the hospitality sector’s determination and commitment to bounce back from the pandemic,” said the Haymarket director.
“Entering from Royal Avenue we have started the transformation of an iconic building, which was a Haymarket from the end of the 19th Century.
“We are delighted to be part of Belfast’s regeneration for the next generation, and all of us who aren’t quite old enough to remember the Haymarket but have watched Belfast grow and evolve.”
