At last we are very excited to see the start of Belfast opening up again for retail, hospitality and leisure!  As a result we have decided to put together this shopper’s guide advising you on the best times to go shopping, where to stop for a coffee break and our top take away and sit-in restaurants for lunch which are within walking distance of Rio Brazil. We feel shopping should always be an experience to look forward to, so we hope these tips will enhance your visit and help answer any concerns you might have as well.

IS IT BUSY & ARE THERE QUEUES?

The city is very pleasant at the moment to navigate your way around, with clear signage, very few queues (apart from Apple)! and an abundance of hand sanitising stations.  Some reports have emerged suggesting that our city centres are crowded and unsafe, but thankfully in Belfast, at the moment, mid week shoppers have the high street pretty much to themselves!

Please note that many shops are operating reduced opening hours with 10am to 5pm being the moment.

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW!

Here is a list of things you will be glad to hear that are available in Victoria Square.

• Parking – Q Park in Victoria Square is back open as normal. With nearby offices and Law Courts still not back, there are plenty of spaces during the week and at the weekends.
• Public Toilets – It’s a great relief to know that Victoria Square’s Toilets are open and being managed by their hygiene staff. With nearly all cafes, bars and retail shops, unable to offer toilet facilities due to health and safety, it’s good to know that they are open you won’t be caught short!
• One way system – The Victoria Square complex has gone to great lengths to make the centre work as safely as possible. Their one way system is colourful and positive. Large 2 meter blue arrows will lead you through the mall, making your journey as easy and as safe as possible.
• For direct access to our store, enter Victoria Square from the Victoria Street entrance, in front of the iconic Jaffa Fountain and opposite the Kitchen Bar.

WERE TO GO FOR A COFFEE OR LUNCH?

THE POCKET
68 Upper Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QL

Only 20 paces from our front door, Pocket is one of the latest additions to the Flat Iron building. Beside Bittle’s bar, this is a destination for coffee connoisseurs. Currently they are running a full selection of coffees & hot drinks and a limited lunch/ brunch menu to go. For more information and future updates go to thepocketcoffee.shop. Open Morning & Afternoon.

DOWN TOOLS
24-26 Church Lane

Eat in or take away, this is one of our favourite lunchtime cafes. A few doors down from Murial’s on church lane, Down Tools is a fantastic place to get a fresh gourmet style lunch. You have the option of indoor & out door seating and reservation is not required. For more information follow them on facebook or call 028 9023 4505.

GROUND & STARBUCKS
Victoria Square

Directly next door to us, both Ground & Starbucks are back open for business. At present with the added bonus of outside seating for you to enjoy a quick lunch or coffee.

FOOD & DRINK?

With some of our favourite Bars now open, here is a guide to where to book for drinks and food.

HENRY’S & THE JAIL HOUSE
4 Joys Entry, Belfast

Situated on Joy Entry, on Ann’s Street, we are delighted to see the reopening of Henry’ s and the Jail House, having played host to many of our annual fashion shows. Having just reopened on 3rd July Henry’s can now be booked for groups up to 6 people.  This is a great city centre venue to meet up with friends and enjoy good grub and a cold Guinness.

 THE KITCHEN BAR
Victoria Square

Situated directly opposite Rio Brazil, The Kitchen Bar with its fresh refit, is looking better than ever. Good beer and food, they are taking walk in customers, but do recommend booking to avoid disappointment. You can make your reservations via Facebook, or email us directly at info@thekitchenbar.com. If it’s just drinks your after, then you can take advantage of their outdoor spare which you don’t have to book and is covered by awnings, so don’t let the rain put you off.