Opened to great acclaim in the late 90s, Deane's has played a prominent role in the upgrading of cuisine in Belfast, proving that there was a market here all along for fine contemporary and fusion food. As renowned Michelin-starred chef Michael Deane puts it, come and sample some serious, indulgent dining. The clientèle range from high flying city types to Belfast's most distinguished visitors. Beware though, the menu changes regularly. There is a fine range of wines, with a bottle of house wine.
The Great Room is neatly located inside The Merchant Hotel and is a fantastic place to enjoy a nice meal. The spectacular building only enhances the sophisticated ambiance within with its original Victorian decor and impressive chandelier. Once you take your seat, you can pick from their varied menus of seasonal dishes using local ingredients. Along with their suburb dishes, The Great Room also has an impressive wine cellar.
The luxuriously stylish interior of The Cloth Ear in The Merchant Hotel provides the ideal excuse to while away the hours chatting and relaxing with friends. It manages to combine elements of the modern and traditional into a heady, decadent dose of the eccentric. There are many kitschy touches throughout to keep your eyes busy; from sheet music wall paper to the odd wooden deer head and loads of retro garb hanging from unusual places. An all day menu features some great homemade comfort food, such as Macaroni and cheese with field mushrooms or garlic prawns on toasted soda bread.