The historic Scottish Mutual Building overlooking City Hall has been transformed into a new 82-bedroom boutique hotel, comprising a destination restaurant, private dining spaces and a cafe bar.
Originally scheduled to open last October, the new hotel has now started taking bookings from May 1.
The Bedford Hotel, Belfast will be led by general manager Mike Gatt, who has already signalled an intention to provide excellence by hiring one of Northern Ireland’s best known chefs to run the kitchen.
Noel McMeel was announced late last year as executive head chef and will oversee all culinary operations at the hotel, from its signature restaurant to private dining and events.
In addition to leading The Bedford Hotel’s culinary development, McMeel will establish a training and mentorship programme for emerging chefs, designed to support skills development, innovation, and long-term retention within Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.
“Noel’s appointment represents a cornerstone in our vision to make The Bedford Hotel a culinary landmark for Belfast,” said Mr Gatt.
“His reputation for excellence and his deep respect for Northern Irish ingredients align perfectly with our ethos. Together, we will set a new benchmark for food and hospitality in the city.”
Mike Gatt, general manager at The Bedford Hotel in Belfast, set to open on May 1.
The Bedford Hotel is the former site of a doomed George Best themed hotel, previously owned by Signature Living. Family-run Martin Property Group acquired the development from administrators in December 2022 for an undisclosed sum and in May 2024, it was announced that the property would be managed by Focus Hotels.
Mr McMeel, who grew up as one of a family of six in a farming family near Toomebridge, spent seven years at Castle Leslie where he oversaw catering for the wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills in 2002.
He went on to serve as head chef at Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, when he was in charge of catering during the G8 summit in 2013, serving world leaders who included US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
More recently he has been heading up culinary operations at Derry’s Ebrington Hotel.
The Bedford Hotel Belfast has appointed Noel McMeel as its executive head chef. Mr McMeel previously worked at a range of top restaurants and hotels, including Lough Erne.
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“Joining The Bedford Hotel is about more than a kitchen, it’s about creating a movement,” he said of his move to the Belfast scene.
“We’re building a destination that celebrates Ireland’s food story, from the soil to the plate.
“My mission is to craft a culinary experience that’s honest, sustainable, and bursting with local character while creating an environment that inspires and nurtures the next generation of talent.”
How the restautrant at The Bedford Hotel in Belfast will look.
A stay in the Bedford Hotel on the opening night, Friday May 1, a room costs £319, rising to £349 the following night (Saturday), though prices for other weekends vary between £299 and £349 for the night.
The Merchant Hotel on Friday, May 1 currently comes in at the same £319. On the same street as The Bedford Boutique, the best rate for the same Friday night at The Grand Central Hotel will cost guests £206 while the cheapest room rate at The Culloden Estate and Spa is £260. (Prices via direct booking on hotel websites).