THE Observatory in the Grand Central Hotel has been named one of the must visit bars of 2021 by The Sunday Telegraph.

The tallest cocktail bar in Ireland, part of Hastings Hotels, joins a list of 20 prestigious global establishments, some of which have been included in the World’s Best Bars Awards, including Maybe Sammy in Sydney, the Galaxy Bar in Dubai, Two Schmucks Terrace in Barcelona and BBK Social Club in the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok.

Describing the luxurious cocktail bar, The Sunday Telegraph said, “Opened in 2018, The Observatory, situated at the top of Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel, has fast become one of the swishest places in the city for a cocktail. The hotel is also officially the tallest commercial building in Ireland, giving drinkers in its 23rd floor bar a panoramic view over the city. Drinks are excellent, with the 15 cocktails on offer each inspired by a different Belfast landmark.”

Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel said: “We’re over the moon to have been named as one of the must visit bars of 2021 for when travel resumes. The Observatory is the only bar in Ireland to have been included and it is in good company amongst a host of popular, award-winning bars from around the world.

We are looking forward to reopening our doors and welcoming guests back to enjoy the first-class experience and breathtaking views of Belfast and beyond which the Observatory is renowned for. What’s more, we will be launching some exciting new additions to our menu this year which will be the perfect complement to our existing offering of fine wines, exquisite cocktails and premium spirits and beers.”