As restrictions across Northern Ireland continue to ease, Belfast is once again returning to the busy, lively hub of people busy shopping, eating and socialising.
As part of our Belfast is Back campaign, we are highlighting some top spots around the city for food and drink perfect for a lovely bite to eat or a crisp pint.
Nestled in Pottingers Entry in the city centre beside its sister pub The Morning Star, Pottingers Cafe and Deli is a must-try for anyone in need of a pit-stop after a busy day shopping.
Peita McAlister, manager of Pottingers, described this family-run business as a “trendier alternative” to the award-winning food that The Morning Star is known and loved for.
Speaking to Belfast Live, she said: “We specialise in farm to fork - producing food with local suppliers in mind and catering all sorts of needs such as vegetarian, vegan and health foods.
“We have everything from breakfast, brunch to lunch and now recently have our wine licence as well so a great spot for little tapas wine and cocktails too.”
Opened just over two years ago, Peita explained that what makes their cafe a unique spot in the city centre is that a large amount of their food and supplies are home-grown by their family.
“A lot of the stuff we grow ourselves or if we don’t produce it ourselves, we try to support local producers and the artisan guys around Northern Ireland such as Suki Tea, Armagh Cider and Ballylisk cheese.
“Pottingers is making healthy, great-tasting food from the local community but also the customer services side of it as well,” she added.
With “good outdoor seating and good craic” Pottingers were delighted to be able to welcome customers back on April 30 to enjoy their lively environment.
Peita said: “It’s been so exciting to actually see customers again and welcome them back into town - everyone’s so excited to get back to shopping or even into the office and there’s been a real buzz about town and Pottingers Entry in particular.
“You’re getting your regulars back and having a bit of fun with them and I think everyone’s just thankful that things are starting to reopen and going in the right direction.”
On why Belfast is a special city for hospitality and nightlife, Peita commented that the accessibility of varied venues to each other make the area unmatched.
“It’s very relaxed and casual and there’s plenty of options for everybody and also it’s probably not as expensive as many other places and hopefully this will attract more people back to the city centre,” she said.
The future for Pottingers re-emerging from lockdown looks bright for both the business and the customers alike.
“We will continue to develop our food menu and our drinks menu and cocktail menu and hopefully be open for people to sit in and enjoy the food and continue growing that within the course of the year.”
