Belfast landmark reborn as The Bedford Hotel creates 100+ jobs and opens for bookings

Visual mockup of the Reception at The Bedford Hotel, Belfast

A landmark Belfast building has been brought back into use following a multi-million-pound private investment, with The Bedford Hotel now open for bookings from May 2026, creating more than 100 jobs and strengthening confidence in the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The hotel is located within the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building at Donegall Square, a Scottish Baronial-style property dating back to 1904.

After an 18-month redevelopment, the long-vacant building has been transformed into an 82-bedroom luxury boutique hotel, returning one of Belfast city centre’s most distinctive properties to productive use.

Over 100 new hospitality jobs created in Belfast

The opening of The Bedford Hotel is expected to deliver a significant employment boost, with over 100 new roles being created across management, culinary, front-of-house and operational teams.

The roles are intended to provide long-term career opportunities within Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector, supporting local families and the wider economy.

Ciaran O’Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, said the project demonstrated confidence in both the city and the regional economy.

“Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.

“This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.”

Destination restaurant led by Executive Chef Noel McMeel

A bedroom in at The Bedford Hotel, Belfast

The hotel will feature a destination restaurant and café bar led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, further enhancing Belfast’s growing reputation as a food destination.

Mr McMeel is renowned for his tenure at Lough Erne Resort and for cooking for global leaders at the G8 Summit.

The culinary offering will focus on local produce, while also supporting the development of future hospitality talent across Northern Ireland.

Long-term vision for Belfast city centre regeneration

Mike Gatt, General Manager at The Bedford Hotel, said the development had been shaped by a long-term approach to quality and local engagement.

“Hospitality plays a vital role in Northern Ireland’s visitor economy and in supporting wider economic growth. The Bedford has been developed with a long-term vision – to deliver premium service standards while building a strong local team and supply network.

“We believe this investment will make a meaningful contribution to the continued regeneration of Belfast city centre.”

Industry leaders welcome new Belfast hotel investment

The investment has been welcomed by Belfast One Business Improvement District, which works to promote and support the city centre.

Belfast One BID chief executive Martina Connolly said:

“This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre’s tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast’s most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life.

“Belfast has been recognised by TripAdvisor as a trending city for 2026, and this investment underlines the confidence being shown in the city. Belfast city centre continues to be a major draw for visitors, and Belfast One BID remains committed to supporting and boosting its economy by animating the city, and keeping it clean, safe and welcoming so that investors and visitors continue to choose Belfast.”

Bookings now open for stays from May 2026

The opening of The Bedford Hotel comes amid renewed momentum for Belfast’s tourism and hospitality sectors, with the new hotel expected to attract both business and leisure visitors while strengthening the city’s high-quality accommodation offering.

Rooms are now available to book for stays from May 2026.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.thebedfordhotelbelfast.com.

About The Bedford Hotel, Belfast

The Bedford is owned and operated by RFM Hotels, a joint venture between Beechlands Enterprises and The Martin Property Group, both of which invest in companies and property across Northern Ireland and the UK.

Situated in the heart of the city at Donegall Square, The Bedford is a luxury boutique hotel housed within the historic Scottish Mutual Building. It features 82 guestrooms and suites, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces and a café bar led by Executive Chef Noel McMeel.

All current job opportunities are available here: The Bedford Hotel – Boutique Hotel – Belfast