The Ivy in Belfast has given the public a “sneak peak” of their new restaurant just a few weeks before it is set to open in the city.
The London chain – which is set to open their new Belfast branch in September – shared a clip on social media of people hard at work getting the venue fitted out and ready to welcome eager diners at their prime spot opposite the city hall.
Joining 39 other locations in The Ivy Restaurant portfolio, the Belfast premises will launch across two floors at the historic Cleaver House on Donegall Square North, in the heart of the city centre.
In a social media post, the restaurant said: “Belfast, we’re coming for you.
“Here’s a sneak peek of our team hard at work behind the scenes.
“Have you spotted our new building yet?”
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The luxury eatery will create over 100 new jobs in the local hospitality industry within the city when it opens.
Commenting on the latest addition last month, Laura Mills, managing director of The Ivy Collection, said: “Belfast has been in our sights for quite a while, and we are absolutely thrilled to be opening in this vibrant city.
“The city is one of the ‘must visit’ cities in Europe, if not the world, and we are excited to be a part of the emerging buzz and buoyant atmosphere that comes with that.
“We cannot wait for Belfast to experience the undeniable magic that The Ivy Collection is renowned for, and we look forward to joining the City’s already incredible culinary offering.
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“We are currently recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals to be part of our dynamic team. Please contact us at [email protected]”
Construction for The Ivy in Belfast began back in January of this year, and is said to be part of an overall £8m investment.
With the listed Cleaver House building, much of its external and internal character remains.
The building was originally constructed in 1888, designed by architect Young & Mackenzie, and was a department store until 1984.
The Ivy opened at its original location at West Street in London more than a century ago. It now runs more than 30 restaurants across the UK, including cafes and brasseries. It opened its first location in Dublin in 2018.
The original Ivy marked its centenary in 2017, and remains arguably London’s most famous restaurant.
It was first opened by Abel Giandolini as an Italian cafe in a building on the same site.
Some of those cited as fans of the restaurant include Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and David and Victoria Beckham.