Lidl Northern Ireland tackles period poverty with launch of major new initiative offering free period products to shoppers
24/08/2021
Lidl Northern Ireland tackles period poverty with launch of major new initiative offering free period products to shoppers
Lidl Northern Ireland becomes first supermarket in the region to support those affected by period poverty in major new initiative backed by Homeless Period Belfast
Lidl Northern Ireland is set to become the first supermarket retailer in Northern Ireland to provide free period products to customers in need as part of a major new initiative aimed at tackling period poverty.
The new initiative, which is being backed by Homeless Period Belfast, will see the retailer offer a dedicated coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons per customer each month, redeemed through the Lidl Plus app.
Since April, Lidl Northern Ireland has also been making regular donations of sanitary wear to the Simon Community Northern Ireland to ensure people experiencing homelessness – who may not have access to a smartphone – can access these essential products.
The announcement comes after Lidl Ireland successfully rolled out the scheme in the Republic of Ireland earlier this year which has seen more than 20,000 sign ups to avail of the coupon and follows the launch of the Lidl Plus app in Northern Ireland in May.
Sensational City of Derry International Choir Festival launches on 20 October
20/08/2021
Sensational City of Derry International Choir Festival launches on 20 October
Ireland’s Maiden City confirms world class, big-name programme of live and digital choral events for 2021
Derry City is warming up for the sensational return of the City of Derry International Choir Festival (CoDICF) in October when an unrivalled programme of events – including Grammy award-winners and exclusive global premier performances – will fill halls, churches and homes with world class, choral entertainment.
This special festival runs live and virtually from Wednesday 20 October until Sunday 24 October. Headline acts include the internationally acclaimed all-male chorus Chanticleer and award-winning vocal ensemble Tenebrae.
Celebrating its ninth successful year, the Festival has been carefully planned to include a synchronised mix of in-person and virtual events throughout the city as part of an immersive programme of live and digital concerts, performances, workshops, podcasts, and other events. Over five full days, audiences will experience the elation of live music once again with a variety of exciting performances in various venues across the city.
Armagh’s award-winning Food & Cider Weekend returns in September
07.08.2021
Armagh’s award-winning Food & Cider Weekend returns in September
Ireland’s Orchard County cooks up a decadent feast of food and scrumptious artisan ciders and plenty of cheer next month
Scrumptious food, bubbling cider and a huge serving of top-end gastronomic experiences are all back on the menu next month when Armagh’s award-winning Food and Cider Weekend gets under way on Thursday 9 September.
Celebrating a heritage of more than 3,000 years of apple-growing in this treasured location, Ireland’s Orchard County is promising the finest recipe of outstanding culinary events including a range of sumptuous undercover and outdoor dining experiences, food masterclasses and demos, food trails and foraging, cider tastings and tours and much more across a range of stunning locations.
Armagh’s Bramley apple orchards stretch across more than 4,000 acres from Armagh city to Portadown with the greatest concentration on the gentle slopes around Loughgall. In an industry worth millions of pounds every year to the local and regional economy, it directly employs more than 1,000 people and supports many more.
An annual favourite since 2015, Armagh Food and Cider Weekend has grown to become one of the most successful foodie events in the UK and Ireland which is supported by fabulous Food Heartland chefs and local food and drink producers, restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops.
Spoon Street confirms fifth Northern Ireland store opening at Rushmere
05/08/2021
Spoon Street confirms fifth Northern Ireland store opening at Rushmere
Big ripples ahead for Rushmere as home-grown dessert phenomenon Spoon Street adds fifth store and 10 new jobs in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland self-serve frozen yogurt sensation Spoon Street is on its way to Rushmere Shopping Centre as part of renewed growth plans to add new stores and jobs across the region.
Created by young entrepreneurs Harry and Katie Wang who opened their first store in east Belfast in 2014, Spoon Street has since brought its US-inspired yogurt concept and eco-friendly credentials to three other Belfast locations including Anne Street, Lisburn Road, Lisburn Leisureplex and Ballyhackamore.
Rushmere Shopping Centre marks Spoon Street’s first location outside Belfast and its latest venture will create 10 new jobs when the store opens on Friday 9 August.
The Spoon Street concept has proved a big hit with customers who get to pour their own ‘froyo’ from a multi award-winning selection of 16 flavours and 45 toppings using biodegradable spoons, and all tastes are catered for with gluten-free, sugar-free, nut-free, vegan-friendly, vegetarian, low-fat and fat-free options all on offer.
Top Portadown gift specialist bags extra space in new retail expansion
03/08/2021
Top Portadown gift specialist bags extra space in new retail expansion
The Bottom Drawer proves its ‘top drawer’ credentials with a major new retail extension
One of Portadown’s most successful independent retailers, The Bottom Drawer, has bagged a 35% extension to its retail space, making way for a growing product range after a strong rise in walk-in and online sales, supported by a strong social media following of more than 45,000.
The award-winning store, located at Magowan West Shopping Centre, has been reconfigured with a new layout to provide an extra 600 square feet of trading space to accommodate a new baby and children’s department.
Founded by sisters Frances and Rhonda Jardine in 2007, The Bottom Drawer has filled a successful niche in Portadown’s growing retail offer, providing locals and visitors alike with a unique one-stop shop for gifts, ladies and kids fashion, home accessories and furniture.
Iconic NI band The Outcasts to take Punk to the Park
20/07/2021
Iconic NI band The Outcasts to take Punk to the Park
Legendary Belfast punk band The Outcasts to return to the stage in a post-lockdown extravaganza.
The ever-popular Belfast punk band, The Outcasts are set to make an explosive return to the stage at Ward Park in Bangor at Punk in the Park this summer as restrictions are eased and live gigs are permitted.
The event, taking place on Sunday 22 August 2021 at 3pm – 5pm, is part of the Open House Festival as it resumes after a year’s hiatus with live music, comedy and spoken word events throughout August and September. The Belfast born punk group, made up of brothers Greg and Martin Cowan along with JP and Petsey Burns, will take to the stage in their first performance since 2020, supported by local Bangor band Wasted Talent. The outdoor gig marks the beginning of a flurry of activity for the punk icons as they prepare for a busy 2022.
Galgorm Collection acquires historic hotel The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
13/04/2021
Galgorm Collection has confirmed the purchase of the historic, four-star luxury hotel The Old Inn in a multi-million-pound deal.
The investment by Galgorm Collection, which owns the world-renowned Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort and a number of other properties across Belfast and Antrim, includes £1 million in further development and extension plans to the property.
The company has also confirmed that all existing team members will be retained across the North Down property which is currently preparing to safely reopen its doors as soon as hospitality restrictions are lifted.
Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director, said:
“Galgorm Collection is committed to cementing the region’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination through our property portfolio. The Old Inn is one of the region’s most historic and appealing hotels, located in a unique and charming location which makes it a perfect fit for Galgorm.”
With a history dating back to 1614 and links to the world-famous local author C.S. Lewis, the iconic thatched-roof property has become one of the country’s top hotels, having received the prestigious accolade of AA Hotel of the Year in 2017/18 after a series of enhancements and extensions.
Occupying a prominent 1.5-acre site in the heart of Crawfordsburn village, the property is located adjacent to Crawfordsburn Country Park, offering a tranquil escape just 20 minutes from Belfast.
The hotel boasts 33 individually styled bedrooms, two wedding suites, and the 78-seater Lewis restaurant. As part of its investment, Galgorm Collection plans to develop the property to the rear of the site.
“With an initial strategic investment of £1 million, we are planning to build upon the hotel’s award-winning credentials and extend the site to incorporate a boutique spa with infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, private cabanas and relax space.
“We’re thrilled to add The Old Inn and its fantastic team to our collection and take this iconic property forward into a new era for tourism and hospitality. We are confident we will be in a position to reopen the restaurant and bar mid-to-late May, based on the easing of Government restrictions. Reservations for future stays can be made from 19th April and we look forward to safely welcoming guests back to enjoy a fantastic stay”, added Colin.
As well as supporting its world-class leisure proposition, the latest move by Galgorm represents a further strategic investment of the group’s hospitality assets, but also reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to the tourism industry and Northern Ireland as a whole.
The acquisition of The Old Inn adds to the group’s already impressive suite of hospitality assets, which includes the award-winning Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, the 3AA Rosette River Room Restaurant, Gillies Bar & Grill Restaurant and Fratelli’s. The group also operates Castle Kitchen & Bar at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena.
In Belfast, it also operates restaurants Fratelli’s on Great Victoria Street and Café Parisien, offering a French brasserie-style menu in the iconic Robinson & Cleaver building overlooking City Hall on Donegall Square.
Last year, the group confirmed the purchase and refurbishment of its latest hospitality venture, The Rabbit, located in Templepatrick at the site of the former Templeton Hotel, which is due to open on Friday 18 June 2021.
For more information please visit www.galgorm.com or to book visit www.theoldinn.com
New hospitality training school launches offering guaranteed employment with three of Northern Ireland’s top hotels
02/04/2021
The Gallaher Trust has announced the launch of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School offering enrollers the chance to gain a hospitality qualification and secure guaranteed employment with one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels.
Over the next three years, The Gallaher Trust will invest almost £260,000 in supporting the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, a brand new educational centre focused on providing hospitality training and a pathway to employment for those seeking a career in the industry.
Backed by City & Guilds, the school will offer a six-week Level 2 Award in Professional Bartending (Cocktails) course delivered in partnership with the Northern Regional College.
Upon successful completion of the course, newly qualified bartenders will be guaranteed employment at one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels; Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort or Tullyglass House Hotel. With an estimated 72 jobs available over the next three years, the hospitality partnership represents a combined investment of more than £1.3 million into local employment.
Ian Paisley MP, Chair of The Gallaher Trust, said:
“I’m delighted to launch the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and confirm a significant jobs boost for the local area today. The Gallaher Trust is an independent charity committed to promoting job creation and skills development and providing support for disadvantaged adults in the Ballymena community.
The idea for the Northern Ireland Hospitality School came from a group of passionate industry professionals who wanted to fill a gap in the market for people looking to change or start their career in hospitality and, after years of planning, it’s fantastic to see the school open and ready for its first intake of enrollers.
For us, facilitating a pathway to employment is key to the school’s success and we’re thrilled to be working with three of Northern Ireland’s leading hoteliers to provide guaranteed jobs alongside first class skills training with education and delivery partner Northern Regional College all of which will meet the tenets of the Trust.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has also given some support and their Chief Executive,
Anne Donaghy added:
“After a challenging year for the sector, and for those employed in the hospitality industry, today’s announcement is a positive step forward in working towards recovery and generating new career opportunities. It’s also a fantastic boost for the local economy and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting education and employment.”
Ashley Douglas, Northern Regional College Lecturer, said:
“We’re thrilled to partner with the newly established Northern Ireland Hospitality School and deliver a fantastic new training programme for those keen to pursue a career in hospitality. The new City & Guilds course offers a real mix of training, from basic bartending to the art of mixology, sales techniques and finance training to personal development.
We’re also excited to welcome the first intake of 12 enrollers in May, with a view to placing successful candidates into employment by late June. With no formal entry requirements, the course is accessible to everyone that can demonstrate a passion for delivering excellence and offers a fantastic opportunity for those interested in a career in hospitality to get a first foot on the ladder with a top Northern Ireland employer.
With further course intakes planned for late 2021 and into 2022, I would encourage anyone interested in applying for the course to visit nihospitalityschool.com for more information.”
Lidl announced as first retailer to become JAM Card friendly in support of vulnerable customers
02/04/2021
Lidl Northern Ireland, together with the NOW Group, has announced it will be the first retailer to become Just A Minute (JAM) Card friendly across its network of stores in the island of Ireland over the coming weeks. Lidl has also committed to sponsoring 6,000 JAM Cards which contributes towards keeping the cards free and accessible to those who need them.
The announcement comes ahead of World Autism Day on Friday 2 April and is the latest move by the retailer in demonstrating its commitment to vulnerable customers and supports further in-store initiatives dedicated to meeting their needs.
Earlier this year, Lidl completed a needs assessment by reaching out to autism charities in Ireland and discovered that more than 85% of respondents felt a form of voluntary identification would be beneficial at times when more vulnerable customers need ‘Just A Minute’ to relieve stress levels while shopping. In response to this, Lidl has been working closely with the NOW Group which supports people with learning difficulties and autism. The organisation developed the JAM Card with its service users designed to allow users additional time and patience when in people facing environments such as supermarkets. Over the coming weeks, Lidl Northern Ireland is rolling out detailed JAM Card training and tools to employees in their 41 stores nationwide with hopes that the new initiative will help to support customers with learning difficulties, autism, or communication barriers.
JAM Card was originally developed for those with learning disabilities and difficulties. However, it can be used by anyone with a communication barrier including people with Asperger’s or autism. It can also be used by those who have a brain injury and people who may feel self-conscious about their ability to effectively communicate when engaging with others.
Angela Connan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Lidl Northern Ireland commented on the news:
“We’re delighted to be the first retailer in Northern Ireland to become JAM Card friendly across all 41 stores. This initiative is another positive step in our journey to becoming a more accessible retailer for everyone and a great example of how we actively listen to our customers’ feedback and make tangible actions.
“By becoming JAM Card friendly, we’re furthering our commitment to providing excellent customer care and, alongside our existing in-store initiatives such as dedicated weekly autism evenings, we’re helping support vulnerable customers even further. We hope that all of our customers will feel even more comfortable while shopping in stores, with the assurance that our employees will understand and give those who need some extra time, ‘Just a Minute’.”
Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group who is behind the JAM Card scheme, said:
“We are so pleased that Lidl has partnered with NOW Group to become JAM Card friendly and recognise the value of investing in training their staff to provide great customer service for people with both visible and hidden disabilities.
“It may be ‘Just A Minute’ but that extra time and understanding can really support and comfort those with communications barriers, helping to give them equal access to the services they need every day, like shopping.
“Our participants developed the JAM Card so to see the scale of staff training and promotion to Lidl shoppers across Northern Ireland is a great boost to them. It is proof that they came up with a truly innovative idea and that JAM Card training is a great way to improve customer service for all businesses.”
NOW Group Ambassador, Ciarán Delaney, has tirelessly promoted the JAM Card across the island of Ireland and is a leading advocate for the rights of disabled people.
“The JAM Card supports and encourages independence for those with a range of disabilities. I am thrilled that Lidl Northern Ireland has become JAM Card friendly; it means their customers can shop with confidence knowing that staff will discreetly acknowledge that some shoppers might just need a bit more time”, he said.
The JAM Card is available free of charge to anyone who needs it. For more information, please visit www.jamcard.org.
Galgorm Collection set to open The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat this summer
29/03/2021
Galgorm Collection has announced the opening of Northern Ireland’s newest luxury hotel in an investment worth £10 million that will create an additional 26 hospitality jobs, taking its total workforce to almost 100 team members, and provide an exciting welcome break for visitors from this summer.
The 33-bedroom boutique hotel and spa – The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat – will open on 18 June and follows the purchase and dramatic transformation of the former Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick, a picturesque Co Antrim village located only 20 minutes from Belfast and 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport.
The property was acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2018 and now offers stylish accommodation, a luxury outdoor spa and lakeside walk, an onsite bar and restaurant and an exclusive-use events space for weddings and conferences.
Galgorm Collection Managing Director, Colin Johnston, said:
“After more than 18 months of extensive redevelopment and a challenging year for the hospitality industry we’re thrilled to throw open our doors and welcome guests to enjoy this unmatched new experience.
Not only does this represent a significant investment in the local economy and cements our longstanding commitment to support and grow our tourism industry, but it comes with 26 new hospitality roles which we are currently recruiting for.”
Extensive refurbishment work has been undertaken to upgrade the hotel’s 33 guestrooms which come equipped with all the latest mod cons.
Additionally, a £2 million outdoor spa area offers guests a lakeside tranquil space for relaxation, with unique attractions including Swedish saunas, aromatherapy steam room, halotherapy salt chamber and Roman inspired baths and hot tubs. Exclusive to The Rabbit is a lakeside beach complete with heated sand, a Lake Bar, sunken lounge and plush cabanas for a laid back, luxurious experience.
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat will safely welcome its first guests from Friday 18th June 2021 and stays can be booked online at rabbithotel.com.
“We’re all about good times at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and guests can expect a truly unique experience; from relaxing on our brand-new heated beach with lakeside views, the only attraction of its kind in the island of Ireland, to enjoying a personal cocktail turndown service from the comfort of our stylish rooms.
With full safety measures in place and a fresh new offering, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is the perfect place for reuniting with loved ones and enjoying memorable new experiences and we look forward to welcoming guests this summer,” said Colin Johnston.
Following an extensive £2.5 million refurbishment, The Rabbit Restaurant and Hunter’s Bar first opened to diners in July 2020, seating up to 180 guests and boasting a large outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Internally, the restaurant is home to an extensive wine cellar featuring the finest labels from around the world, whilst a showstopping bar adorned in glistening bronze takes centre stage along with its extensive cocktail menu.
In addition to the accommodation, spa and bar and restaurant offering, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has also opened the doors to its brand-new banqueting suite and wedding venue The Loft, offering unabridged luxury in a magical setting.
With high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers adorned with foliage, marble dining tables, dramatic fireplaces and a stunning romantic lake view from the spacious outdoor terrace, the fairy-tale setting is the ideal backdrop for a picture-perfect wedding day. Operating a one wedding a day policy, The Loft is available for up to 140 guests.
Galgorm is renowned for creating world-class hospitality experiences throughout their award-winning properties in Northern Ireland. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has received numerous awards and accolades for their stellar service and offering, including receiving the Four AA Red Star Award for excellence in quality and hospitality last year, as well as previously holding the coveted title of Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year.
For more information visit www.rabbithotel.com.