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7 Jan
A number of restaurants, cafes and bars in Belfast announced that they would be closed this weekend and into January, as Northern Irish hospitality outlets continue to experience staff shortages and a renewed Covid spread.
It comes after new restrictions came into place on Boxing Day in Northern Ireland. Table service has been once again introduced in licensed premises in Northern Ireland, while nightclubs have been closed.
Here's a round-up of hospitality outlets which have announced that they will be closed this weekend:
The Perch, Belfast
The rooftop city centre bar said on Facebook at the start of the year: "Closed. The Perch will be closing for a couple of weeks… although not to worry we’re working on something exciting for you guys.
"Can’t wait to welcome you back!! Stay tuned & see you soon."
EDĹŚ, Belfast (open on the 7th and 8th but closed from the 9th onwards)
EdĹŤ Restaurant on Upper Queen Street will close from Sunday, January 9, staff have confirmed.
Management at the European tapas restaurant said they would be closing to protect the safety of both staff and guests.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 5, they said: "Due to the number of rising Covid-19 cases in the country we have decided to close for the safety of our staff and guests.
"We will be closed from the 9th of January until the 25th of January.
"Thank you for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We look forward to welcoming you back."
Four Winds Bar and Restaurant
The south Belfast restaurant, bar and events space said on January 2: "With the pressures caused by the current Covid 19 situation we have faced a tough choice but believe it is for the best to close for a little while.
"Today, Sunday 2nd January, will be our last day and we will reopen sometime later in January. We sincerely apologise for any disappointment this may cause.
"Hopefully this time the grass will be greener on the other side.
"Stay Safe."
The Jamaica Inn, Bangor
The Bangor favourite said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close for a week from tomorrow, Monday 3rd January. We will reopen Monday 10th January.
"The staff who are still in a position to work are going the extra mile to cover the staff who aren’t, and this can’t go on indefinitely.
"Businesses are being forced to take these decisions with little to no support from the government. This is not a decision we have made lightly but it’s been increasingly hard to cover the rota with the appropriate numbers of staff and also provide the level of service our customers expect and deserve. A week will give our staff a chance to rest and recuperate.
"We apologise to the customers who were booked to visit this week. If we haven’t already, we will be in touch in due course to rearrange your visit."
The Spaniard
The popular Cathedral Quarter bar took to social media on January 1st to announce it was one of the latest venues to close for a short period due to Covid.
They posted: “Spaniards, you and our staff are our most favourite things, and with that in mind we're closing for a bit of a circuit breaker.“Stay safe you wonderful bunch, and see you soon.”
They have not announced what date they will reopen.
The Ulster Sports Club
A busy city-centre bar, The Ulster Sports Club announced they would be taking a “little break” and give their staff a well-deserved break after a hard year.
In a statement, the bar said: “We’re gonna open for New Years Eve, have a bit of a party, and then we’re gonna take off til mid-January.
“We all agree it’s for the best, 2022 is gonna be huge for us, lots of plans going on in the background - best that we all hit it nice and rested and ready to go.”
They have not confirmed a date for their reopening.
The Belfast Empire
One of Belfast’s most loved music venues on Botanic Avenue announced they would be postponing a number of their events taking place early in the New Year due to the Omicron situation in Northern Ireland.
They said: “We've taken the hard decision to close the Belfast Empire for a couple of weeks due to the effect of new restrictions imposed and the current Covid-19 fears and pressures.
“New restrictions have hit the live industry and events once again, and the current difficult trading conditions are hurting. We hope to be back in a few weeks, keep an eye on our social media pages and website for updates.”
The Groove Line and the Adventures cancelled their late December and early January dates at the venue but at present, there are no other cancellations.
The Lagan Bar, Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport's much-loved bar is currently closed due to staff shortages.
The Lagan Bar is known as one of the most checked in bars in Northern Ireland, where people enjoy a swift pint or their favourite tipple before embarking on their journey abroad.
But in a statement on Tuesday, January 4, airport staff said they had to make the "difficult decision" to close the bar this week.
Belfast International Airport said: "Due to a number staff shortages the difficult decision has been made to close The Lagan Bar.