Even the water looks fancy when it’s placed on the table in the Great Room at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast. The former headquarters of the Ulster Bank has all the old world charm of years gone by and their formal dining area is a sight to behold. The ornate features and the polished table surface makes you feel you need to speak a little quieter and make sure you eat with the right cutlery, but I can assure you the staff are down to earth and the food is wholesome comfort food. It’s this balance which makes it one of the best fine dining restaurants in Belfast.
Sharing the succulent scallops to start with, they were served with roasted cauliflower, almond, grapes and bisque. When the plate was placed in front of us with the jug of bisque, I was worried it might be heavy for the light and delicate scallops but I was surprised at the balance of flavours and it proved the perfect accompaniment.
For main, I chose the slow cooked saddle of lamb with wild mushrooms and pomme puree. The lamb was cooked perfectly medium-rare and the pomme puree was as smooth and creamy as you would expect.
The wild seabass which my dining partner ordered, was paired interestingly with pork tortellini but as it was a small accompaniment it didn’t take away from the superbly cooked seabass.
The Great Room is forward thinking with a range of menus including a complete Plant Based A La Carte Menu and Tasting Menus – both A La Carte and Plant Based. It’s opened for a formal Afternoon Tea and options including Vegetarian and Vegan, as well as Gluten and Nut Alternative menus.
The Great Room is popular with both in house guests and Belfast locals. If staying in house, it is also the setting for an amazing A La Carte breakfast each morning.
The Great Room
The Merchant Hotel
16 Skipper Street
Belfast BT1 2DZ
Tel: 44 0 28 9023 4888
www.themerchanthotel.com
Check out our article about staying at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
