Glass visit Belfast’s new Grand Central Hotel

FLOATING on a cloud high up in the Belfast sky I have just had the sleep of my life. I’m in a marshmallowy ‘Cloud bed’ manufactured especially for Belfast’s lofty new Grand Central Hotel. It’s a wrench to leave my nimbus pillow for breakfast but I’m compensated with fluffy waffles and local Waggle Dance honey. Grand Central Hotel works closely with the best nearby suppliers and it shows. From the signature roast Irish beef sandwich stuffed with Hannan’s salt-aged sirloin, to the exquisitely composed cocktails the quality of produce is impeccable.

The entrance to the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes

Located in the thriving Linen District the Grand Central is a glamorous new addition to Belfast’s burgeoning tourist scene. Subtle luxury is evident in every detail and the crowning glory is the Observatory bar on the 23rd floor. For the second time today I feel like I’m floating, it might be all the Lagavulin 16 I’ve imbibed but it’s more likely the panoramic windows revealing grand vistas of the streets below.

A restaurant at the Grand Central Hotel. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes

This is a city still in the process of healing itself but tourism is gathering momentum and the city is alive with creativity. The food scene is taking off with Northern Ireland winning more Great Taste awards than any other part of the UK. An amble around the beautiful Victorian St. George’s Market is a must, I stock up on Suki Tea and fifteens, a sweet regional treat, sipping crisp cox apple juice as I go. Beyond the market Co Couture’s gourmet chocolates are a must. Made in small batches by award-winning chocolatier Deirdre McCanny, her Irish Whisky Truffles won three Gold stars in the Great Taste Awards and happily her chocolate is so pure it barely contains any sugar.

A bedroom at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes

Craft gin is a big deal in Belfast and Muriel’s is the most charming bar for sampling the best. Locally distilled Jawbox gin and Boatyard with ginger put a delicious new twist on the classic and set me up for a night exploring the boisterous nightlife around the Cathedral Quarter. I drift beneath vivid umbrellas suspended high up in an alleyway and the dramatic street art which brings the buildings to life. Everywhere people are spilling out of the bars, soul-stirring folk music is busked and the mood is buoyant.

I’m heading to Hadskis, one of the coolest restaurants in the neighbourhood. I dine on Portavogie Crab and Mourne lamb with truffle chips followed by Irish cheeses and home-made honeycomb. Animated locals line the open kitchen and the evening buzz builds but after a few hours I decide to call it a night and take the short walk home back to my cloud.

Hastings Hotels offers rooms at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast from £190, B&B included based on two sharing. For more information on Belfast visit Ireland.com