He transformed Bishop’s Gate — now he’s leading Belfast’s newest boutique hotel

Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel Ciaran O'Neill (middle) alongside The Bedford's General Manager Mike Gatt and Bishop's Gate General Manager JP McCafferty

One of Northern Ireland’s most respected hoteliers is stepping into a landmark new role in the heart of Belfast. Ciaran O’Neill, the driving force behind the acclaimed Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry~Londonderry, has been appointed Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel Belfast as it prepares to open for bookings in May.

The appointment marks a significant moment for the city’s hospitality sector. The Bedford, an 82-bedroom boutique hotel located behind Belfast City Hall, is set within the historic 1904 Scottish Mutual Building and forms part of the capital’s wider urban revitalisation.

A veteran of the industry and Owner/Managing Director of the multi-award-winning Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Ciaran brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality and a proven ability to blend heritage preservation with contemporary service.

His new role will see him oversee both The Bedford Hotel and Bishop’s Gate Hotel, working closely with their respective General Managers to maintain each property’s distinctive character while delivering operational excellence.

Speaking of his appointment, Ciaran O’Neill said:

“I am delighted to be taking on this role to join The Bedford Hotel at this pivotal stage as we prepare to open for bookings in May. Bringing The Bedford Hotel to life gives us great confidence in replicating Bishop’s Gate’s excellence in a new, iconic setting.

“We are creating a hotel that blends heritage with first-class service. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey - one that will see tradition meet modern elegance and a new chapter for Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.”

The hotels’ philosophy centres on the belief that independent, design-led properties create more personalised and memorable experiences.

That ethos has underpinned Bishop’s Gate’s continued success, including recognition in TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Awards and long-standing membership in Ireland’s Blue Book.

Ciaran added:

“People make the difference. The success of Bishop’s Gate has always been driven by our incredible team, and that same focus will guide The Bedford Hotel.

“With experienced General Managers Mike Gatt and JP McCafferty leading operations in both hotels, we have a leadership team united in its passion for excellence. I look forward to the continued success of Bishop’s Gate and to helping create something truly special with The Bedford Hotel.”

Alison Rankin Frost, Chair of RFM Hotels, described the appointment as a key milestone ahead of the hotel’s opening.

“We are delighted to have Ciaran on board as we prepare for this landmark opening. Ciaran brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of achievements. His expertise is set to contribute significantly to our pursuit of excellence, ensuring that our standards of service are of the highest calibre.

“We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the quality and professionalism our guests deserve.”

The appointment has also been welcomed at regional level. Laura McCorry, CEO of Tourism NI, said:

“Ciaran O’Neill has been a cornerstone of the Northern Ireland hospitality industry for many years, notably through his award-winning work at Bishop’s Gate and his leadership on the Board of Tourism NI. His appointment to The Bedford Hotel comes at an exciting time for our capital city.

“Belfast continues to be recognised as a top city to visit, recognised for its vibrant culture and world-class hospitality. We are confident that under Ciaran’s guidance, The Bedford will further strengthen our global appeal and provide visitors with the exceptional quality they expect from a premier destination.”

Following an 18-month redevelopment, The Bedford Hotel will feature 82 luxury bedrooms, a destination restaurant and café bar, as well as private dining and event spaces. Executive Chef Noel McMeel will lead the culinary offering.

Owned and operated by RFM Hotels — a joint venture between Beechlands Enterprises and The Martin Property Group — The Bedford represents continued investment in Northern Ireland’s hospitality and property sectors, both locally and across the UK.

As bookings prepare to open in May, The Bedford Hotel’s leadership announcement signals more than a new name above the door. It sets the tone for a property aiming to combine historic character, contemporary design and service-led ambition at the very centre of Belfast’s evolving story.