Belfast bar The National to get £300,000 renovation

Set in the historic surroundings of one of Belfast’s oldest buildings - the former National Bank Building on High Street - The National opened in September 2013, following a significant redevelopment of the previously dormant building.

The evolution of the venue will include a significant renovation, with revamped interiors and the introduction of a fully retractable roof and heating system in the popular National Garden outside space, alongside a refreshed food and drink offering, with a focus on breakfast and lunch trade, high-quality coffee, craft beers and cocktails.

The National will open for breakfast at 8am and will serve food throughout the day until 5pm.

At night, the venue will morph into a lively, sociable space, serving drinks late into the evening.

Upstairs, cocktail bar and club, sixty6 will become ‘Upstairs at The National’, with a revised programme of DJ-led entertainment spanning both spaces at the weekends.

Innovation and sustainability considerations are core to the re-development of the venue, with a range of new initiatives designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.

“Continued innovation and investment is crucial in our industry, to keep up with changing consumer trends and demands,” said Conall Wolsey, director of the Beannchor Group.

“We’ve listened to our customers and the evolution of The National will reposition the venue and its offering in line with what our people are asking for.”

In addition, the group aims to achieve zero food waste at The National in line with the group’s wider commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

“We are working on a range of policies and initiatives to help us reach this goal,” added Mr Wolsey.