Finally, after a few very stressful weeks I have got a job in the 'Big Smoke', Belfast with one of my besties Debs. After returning home from the daily excitement of 4 years at uni in Newcastle together we have a plan to keep the boredom at bay. As long as our purses (or quite honestly, overdrafts) allow it, we have vowed to discover the delights of Belfast; there have to be some around here, right?
On Friday, as soon as 5.30pm struck, we hurriedly made our way with the crowds to Belfasts' Cathedral Quarter, first stop 2Taps. This beautiful restaurant is located opposite the Merchant Hotel, unassuming and relaxed it is the perfect destination for a Friday afternoon with colleagues or friends. Needless to say the crowds beat us to it and we had to sit inside. On a sunny day this is normally a deal-breaker and usually I would have retreated to the nearest suntrap; 2Taps however have amazing French doors at the front of the property which they open when the sun rears its pretty face, giving a beautiful Spanish feel to the dining experience, only further complimented by the live Spanish musicians!
2Taps menu is extensive, there literally is something for everyone so it took us a long time to choose; luckily we had our jug of Sangria to help the process along! And so, our starters arrived:
.We ordered:
Goats cheese wrapped in Parma ham served with fig marmalade and rocket - my favourite dish by far!
Halloumi cheese and red onion tartlet served with meatballs in a tomato sauce...
Signature paella with chicken, chorizo and lemon; we ordered the half portion, as by this point the definition 'eyes bigger than your belly' was definitely springing to mind.
2Taps also have an extensive list of deserts which I vow to try at some point in the future. All in all the service, food and atmosphere in this restaurant was second to none, where else can you go in Belfast to drink copious amounts of Sangria whilst a Spanish native croons to you? What was even more surprising was that a meal for 2, including a jug of Sangria only cost around £40 - bargain! After a little while soaking up the amazing atmosphere at this eatery, Debbie and I moved on to sample Belfast's nightlife; photos from this point don't exactly show our best side as we were influenced by travelling Germans to drink Sambucca all evening, so I think it's best I leave it there!
When we finally arose from bed around midday our hangovers screamed for more food; we asked our taxi driver where to go as we have no idea what's good in Belfast, and he dropped us off at this beauty, the French Village in Botanic.
I ordered a sweet chilli chicken and salad sandwich while Debs opted for the grilled Irish soda. This cafe is an absolute revelation, home-made breads, huge portions and the cutest decor I have seen in a long time! Our hangovers were well and truly cured, and in the process we have found this gem of a restaurant. If your walking past and aren't too hungry pop into their patisserie and pick up one of their beyond huge eclairs; I was good this time but on my next visit I will definitely be indulging.
If you have any recommendations on where we should go next please let me know, Debs and I have all year to eat, drink and be very merry in the capital!
