The local hospitality sector is to receive a significant jobs boost thanks to a new investment announced today by Beannchor, Northern Ireland’s largest hospitality group.
Sixty6 – an exciting new cocktail bar and nightclub – will open in early December, above the company’s highly successful National Grande Café on High Street, Belfast.
Representing an investment of £400,000, the completion of Sixty6 will create 60 new jobs.
The launch of the second phase of the Cathedral Quarter entertainment complex, based at 66 High Street, Belfast, will complete a total investment of £1.1m by Beannchor in the venue and the creation of 120 jobs (including 60 created when The National Grande Café opened in September 2013).
Set over three floors, Sixty6 will conjure the glamour of a classic Victorian’s Gentleman’s Club; bringing upper levels of the Grade B listed former National Bank building back to their former glory.
Original features including high ceilings with intricate cornices, carved wooden pillars, original doors and a distinctive wrought iron and stone staircase have been sympathetically restored. Plush fabrics, furnishings and fittings have been added to update the interior of the striking venue, which dates back to the 1890s.
On the first floor, an intimate cocktail bar will serve a range of innovative drinks seven nights a week. On the upper two floors, a nightclub will feature live DJ entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, with access to the venue’s exclusive rooftop terrace via the third floor.
The luxury, high-end venue will bring a new dimension to Belfast’s booming evening economy.
Commenting on the announcement, Conall Wolsey, director, Beannchor Group, said: “The launch of the National Grande Café in 2014 was an exciting development for Beannchor and Belfast’s social scene.
“Our £1.1m investment in the venue will be completed with the launch of the second phase of the development this month. The opening of Sixty6 will provide an economic boost not just to the Cathedral Quarter but to the wider hospitality industry as a whole.
“As we continue to grow, we are creating a solid foundation for the development of rewarding long-term careers. As a major employer of over 650 people, Beannchor is committed to investing in its people; these new roles – and all of our employment opportunities – are underpinned by ongoing staff training, development and rewards schemes that will drive the improvement of service standards in our own venues and right across the industry.”
Sixty6 is the latest venue to be added to the Beannchor portfolio, which includes over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland, including The Merchant Hotel, The National Grande Café and The Dirty Onion.
Located directly below Sixty6, the highly successful National Grande Café and Garden opened in September 2013 and offers a classic continental café bar experience; open for breakfast at 8am, food and high quality coffees are served throughout the day until 7pm, with relaxed entertainment provided late into the evening.
Sixty6 will officially open to the public on Saturday 28th November 2014. For further information visit www.facebook.com/Sixty6Belfast