Northern Irish hospitality group Beannchor has announced that it is investing £500,000 in a revamp of The Cloth Ear bar of Belfast, which is part of The Merchant Hotel in the city's Cathedral Quarter.
Following its refurbishment, it is said that The Cloth Ear will be a modern interpretation of an Irish Victorian pub that will "reintroduce the gentle art of conversation."
"Digital Detox"
With no live music or televisions, the venue aims to encourage patrons to converse through a series of events and initiatives. All diners will be encouraged to take a "digital detox" and will be invited to place their phones in a box on the table, with forfeits decided amongst guests for those unable to resist the temptation. The bar has also developed a range of bespoke conversation starter beer mats, with questions and probes to help get the conversation started.
Beannchor director Conall Wolsey commented, "Looking at society and how disconnected we are, we felt there was a gap in the market for a space where people can truly come and connect with each other. Our customers have always enjoyed the more relaxed style of The Cloth Ear and this repositioning and evolution of the venue is focused on creating a warm, welcoming space where people can come and converse with each other."
Reopening Date And Food And Drink Offerings
The Cloth Ear will reopen to the public on Friday April 12 and will offer an all-day menu of traditional pub grub with a classic twist alongside an Irish gin menu, an expanded range of beers from across Ireland, a range of "hoptails" (cocktails made using beer) and an ever-changing wine list, with selected wines by the keg.
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
