Cleggy tries not to speak at conferences on a Saturday - but we usually say yes to the FONT conference in Belfast so I can come along and we can have a cheeky night in The Merchant.
We have a tradition of going to Mourne Seafood for our lunch
It's difficult not to have the seafood chowder, but this time I had salmon and tempura beans. Deeeeflaminlicious.
Cleggy had pudding...I had an espresso Martini...just how I roll.
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(Lets not pretend I didn't share his pudding too!!) |
It's right up there is my favourite hotels ever -
Not only is is a beautiful building steeped in history but the service is amazing and the cocktail bar is voted one of the best in the world.
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On our last stay it was indeed all about the cocktails...
but this year it was all about the room!
We got the upgrade of upgrades.
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I think I might actually have squealed when I opened those padded gold wardrobe doors to reveal a lit dressing area!
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I LOVE that lady etched on the bathroom door.
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And the furry headboard. Not thrilled about the amount of mirror...but soon got over it!
The following day we have breakfast
then while Cleggy does the work bit
(there's a pattern to our trips!!)
I have a little crochet and take some more photos of the building.
This year I also had a look through the visitor book. There are some really interesting people in there,
(Seamus Heaney, who I studied for my Literature degree)
and to please my more shallow side Ant and Dec and Robbie Williams.
Then before we catch the plane home we go for a little wander -
both to Avoca
(for lunch and a mooch)
After a couple of hours at St George's market
There are some brilliant buildings in Belfast - and, as in all our big cities, a wonderful mix of old next to new.
This year we made one purchase - this card!
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It's always one of the best 24 hours of the year
and 2015 did not disapooint
Fee x