The Foundry, which is located at 10-16 Hill Street, on the historic site of the original Harp Bar, is listed as a “sophisticated venue” which aims at honours its roots while ushering in a “new era of hospitality.”
The opening comes after a significant investment by the Ducales Group. The Foundry’s opening today (Monday) brings a multi-million-pound boost to the area and creates 40 new jobs within the 350-capacity bar and restaurant, in addition to twenty boutique hotel rooms spread across two floors.
The Ducales Group, the business owners behind the new spot, enlisted Gordon Devenney, principal of O’Donnell O’Neill Design’s Belfast studios, to craft the building’s interiors. To ensure the venue is visually striking, they also collaborated with renowned commercial street artist Visual Waste.
The owners hope the new hotel and bar, which will be open 7 days a week, will “become a landmark destination in Belfast, promising an exceptional blend of heritage and modern luxury.”
Speaking about the interior of the new hotel, bar, and restaurant, Gordon Devenney said: “We aimed to create something truly unique for the Cathedral Quarter, blending its rich history with a modern yet timeless design. Seeing this vision materialise has been incredibly rewarding. The Foundry is set to stand out as a distinctive venue in Belfast, unlike any other.”
Jim Crawford-Smyth, General Manager of The Foundry, shared his enthusiasm about the opening and said: “After months of meticulous planning, we are thrilled to finally open our doors. We can’t wait to change the game in the Cathedral Quarter’s hospitality scene.
“The Foundry is not just about reinventing this historic site; it’s about challenging traditional boutique hotel concepts and capturing the vibrant social energy of Belfast’s city centre. We aim to offer a sophisticated yet relaxed hangout space with exceptional food and drinks, setting a new standard for hospitality in the area.”
The Foundry will be managed by renowned third-party operator RBH Hospitality Management. David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, who also expressed his delight at the grand opening, stating, “We are delighted to finally open The Foundry’s doors to the public.
“This unique hotel represents an exciting addition to our portfolio and we are eager to embrace the opportunities this distinctive boutique property offers and look forward to making it a vibrant part of the city’s hospitality scene. Our continued collaboration with Ducales Capital is key to our success, and we are excited to work together once again to maximise the hotel’s potential.”
The bar and hotel’s opening comes just months after two notable locations in the Quarter, announced they will be shifting to a midnight closure time due to fears from the owner they would become “another Temple Bar.”
Mr Jack is the owner of the iconic Duke of York and Harp Bar in Belfast and, in a letter to the Irish News, has voiced his concerns the area could become like the Dublin tourist hotspot.
News Catch Up: Monday 1st July 2024