Arthur Square News Today

Battling Mexican ‘inspired’ offerings that were either bland or salty, Seamus Maloney eventually finds something worth the wait at Tortilla

The Northern Ireland property developer behind the rejuvenation of the former BHS in Belfast has snapped up three more sites nearby.

The Belfast-based family owned investment firm has bought the adjoining Mayfair Building, Arthur Chambers and State Buildings, which have frontages on to Cornmarket/Arthur Square, Arthur Street and William Street South.

Police are investigating the report of criminal damage to a Freemason’s Hall in Belfast city centre this week.

An application to erect a large digital advertising screen in historic Cornmarket in Belfast city centre has been pushed through by DUP and Sinn Féin, against recommendations by both the council and Stormont.

The Floral Hall was previously the Ballroom of Romance where couples first met and danced together to showband tunes. Constructed in the 1930s, it was also used as a recreational hall. In the 1960s, roller skating was introduced and in 1967, the original line-up of Pink Floyd performed there. The Small Faces and Gene Vincent also performed there. The hall played a surprising role in Northern Irish politics, acting as a counting centre for a border referendum in 1973. It then fell into disuse. Th...

The Floral Hall was previously the Ballroom of Romance where couples first met and danced together to showband tunes. Constructed in the 1930s, it was also used as a recreational hall. In the 1960s, roller skating was introduced and in 1967, the original line-up of Pink Floyd performed there. The Small Faces and Gene Vincent also performed there. The hall played a surprising role in Northern Irish politics, acting as a counting centre for a border referendum in 1973. It then fell into disuse. Th...

(1) GOOD OMENS GRAPHIC NOVEL KICKSTARTER BREAKS RECORDS. A Kickstarter to publish a hardcover graphic novel of Pratchett and Gaiman’s Good Omens, adapted by illustrator Colleen Doran, raised over $1 million in the first two days. According to the project page, it broke two Kickstarter records: the most successful 24 hours of any comic campaign

WHEN it comes to new restaurant openings, Richard Morris is no amateur.

A Mexican-style casual dining chain opening in Northern Ireland for the first time has reported 22% growth in revenue to £32.7m.