By Kristie Kellahan
Cathy Martin is a Belfast fashionista. She hosts style consultations and personal shopping tours of Belfast's coolest boutiques and is one of the driving forces behind Belfast Fashion Week, which is held in March and has become a fixture in the diaries of the city's well-dressed and well-heeled.
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Martin suggests waking up in The Old Inn in the village of Crawfordsburn, along the North Down coast and just a few miles from the Belfast City airport. "The log fires and thatched roof give a taste of traditional Irish style in the colder months and the fab garden terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Pimms in the summertime," she says.
Several Irish celebrities live nearby so, as you set out on a coastal ramble to admire the impressive mansions lining the seafront, look out for Jim Corr from the Corrs and Van Morrison.
Try a cinnamon scone and latte from The Bay Tree Coffee House in Holywood, en route to Belfast city. "The home-made scones are served warm with lots of delicious, melting brown sugar and cinnamon," Martin says. "They are truly unforgettable and just so scrumptious, earning top marks in the UK Good Food Guide." Holywood is home to boutiques and cafes: the perfect place to while away a morning.
Don't miss Red Ruby Rouge on High Street, a favourite with fashionistas, Martin says. "It's home to the talents of many established designers and boasts some great fashion finds," she says. "With rails of luxurious silks, cashmeres and the most delicate jewellery pieces as well as perfect packaging details, Red Ruby Rouge makes for a one-stop shop for a lavish shopping experience. Bloomfield Avenue, in the east of Belfast city, has vintage stores and a top-quality produce market. Martin recommends souvenir pieces of vintage luxury from Raspberry Beret.
Foodie heaven is Saturday morning at St George's Market, towards the waterfront. "You'll find some great pickings from the best of local produce as well as the sound of the city's jazz quartets here," Martin says. Pick up some picnic supplies, or graze on samples of local cheese and artisan breads.
Head to Cayenne, on Shaftesbury Square, the restaurant of celebrated chef Paul Rankin. "The freshness and lightness of the Asian-inspired menu sits well with busy diners and lazy lunchers alike," Martin says. "His new cost-conscious prices make lunch refreshing on the wallet as well as the tastebuds."
One of the best shopping areas is Lisburn Road in the city's south. "You must visit Madison Rose, Havana, Carter, MaxMara and Mary and Martha for labels deluxe," Martin says. "For fabulous home accessories head to Angel at My Table and Bedeck and for to-die-for lingerie pop your head into Roxbury and McQueen or Honey." The gallery scene includes the Eakin Gallery on Lisburn Road. "It's the ideal setting for local artist Terry Bradley and his unique and instantly recognisable work." Bradley's work includes the popular and gritty Sailortown Docker prints, depicting ship workers and visiting sailors to Belfast.
Victoria Square is home to international and British high-street favourites, plus a pub, restaurants and a cinema. The concept is unique, with four levels of covered, pedestrian-friendly streets topped by an iconic dome with views across the city, to the River Lagan and down to the Mourne Mountains. It's anchored by the sophisticated House of Fraser department store. "You could spend two days here, not two hours," Martin says.
If you didn't get enough of the view from the Victoria Square dome, then head to City Hall and hop aboard the Belfast Wheel, which Martin says "provides terrific views; you can see out to Black Mountain, Divis and Cave Hill".
If you've only one night out in Belfast it should be spent in the historic heart of the city, the Cathedral Quarter. Start with a pint at the Duke of York pub, then go to brasserie-style restaurant No27 in Talbot Street for dinner.
Martin's next move would be on to Waring Street, to visit the luxurious Merchant Hotel. "The cocktail bar at the Merchant is stunning with its ornate ceilings, silk damask walls, antique Baccarat chandeliers and a cocktail list to die for," she says. "It's home to the world's most expensive cocktail, the 17-year-old Wray and Nephew rum Mai Tai. Served for a mere £750 [$1631]."
Ollie's, the hotel's club, is popular at weekends. It's a lavish space. "Think soft, sexy leather seating and plunging velvet cushions with dark wood walls for a private tete-a-tete," Martin says. "The vibe is relaxed and enjoyable, the perfect way to end your day."
Fall into bed back at the The Old Inn in one of the hotel's 13 suites, which are all named after Irish writers. "The architectural grandeur of the hotel's exterior and the opulence of the interior are matched with an ambience that embodies luxury and comfort," Martin says.
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