Northern Ireland’s business leaders dine out to support the local restaurant industry and are recommending other businesses to do the same during Belfast Restaurant Week, which starts this Saturday, the 4th of October.

The Institute of Directors, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, CBI Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Titanic Quarter Ltd, Pubs of Ulster and the NI Hotels Federation are all behind the citywide initiative, which showcases the great range of choice of dining out options across Belfast.

David Gavaghan, Chief Executive of Titanic Quarter Ltd and Chair of Visit Belfast welcomed the initiative:

“Belfast Restaurant Week is a key highlight of Belfast’s Festival Season, with the city’s restaurants, gastro-pubs, cafés and St George’s Market all offering a great variety of options to cater for all tastes.  It showcases some of the best aspects of the City. Good food and vibrant restaurant life are the stuff of all great cities – and has the added benefit of creating good jobs, strong economic growth and further tourism success.”

Encouraging everyone to make the most of the tasty range of menus and exciting events across the city, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce President Paul McMahon said:

“The economic ripple effect from local initiatives such as Belfast Restaurant Week is hugely important for our city and the Chamber is encouraging everyone to get involved and make this year’s event the most successful yet.”

The Belfast City Council initiative supported by Visit Belfast will offer special menus across 65 of the city’s restaurants, cafes and gastro pubs in addition to over 45 themed food events.
Now in its third year, Belfast Restaurant Week showcases the city’s vibrant restaurants, gastro pubs and café culture and also shines the spotlight on the great quality of local produce available right on our doorstep.
Pubs of Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill said: “There’s already significant support for Belfast Restaurant Week and we want to remind the city that our pubs and bars are great places to do business, grab a quick lunch or talk informally over a business meal.

“Belfast’s pubs are renowned for superb food and a relaxed and friendly setting and Belfast Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to get out there and help support your ‘local’.”

Rachael McGuickin, Visit Belfast’s Director of Business tourism added:  “When Conferences and Meetings come to Belfast, the rich variety of restaurants on offer is an important asset.  Business visitors in Belfast during Restaurant Week will be spoilt for choice.”

In addition to Restaurant Week menus and exclusive food events, there will also be culinary inspired fringe events, including ‘Taste and Dine’ in the grounds of Belfast City Hall (4th and 5th October 2014).

For more information about Belfast Restaurant Week, eating out offers and promotions, go to visit-belfast.com/food

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Belfast Restaurant Week is a Belfast City Council initiative, supported by the NI Food Programme and Northern Ireland Tourist Board and promoted by Visit Belfast.