17/08: Tuesday Goodie Bag

Welcome to our weekly “TGB Tuesday Goodie Bag”.

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gourmet boys

Restaurant Recommendations

  • Rattlebag cocktail bar
  • Common Market

Rattlebag Cocktail Bar

As you know, we adore a good cocktail. We just love how a simple spirit can be elevated to a thing of beauty with the addition of a few well-chosen ingredients and a little “TLC”.


In the halcyon days when we could travel further afield, we always checked out the local cocktail bars: whether it was a “speakeasy vibe” in London behind an insalubriously dingy doorway which opened out into a stylish 20s-style hangout, or a secretive gentleman’s club hidden down a Barcelona alleyway simply oozing with class, where the sartorially dressed clientele sipped their drinks against a backdrop of sophisticated dark wood and subdued lighting.


But sadly, too many of Belfast’s bars have a disappointing approach when designing their cocktail menus which can be rather tired, and are of the “mixed drinks” variety: bog-standard spirits drowned in copious amounts of fruit juice and soda, and garnished with a paper parasol, with little to appeal to the discerning cocktail-lover. 


But Rattlebag in the Bullitt Hotel is an entirely different kettle of fish, and the menu, ambience, and ethos are a refreshing change and much-needed addition to the Belfast cocktail bar scene. As well as a menu that changes regularly, Rattlebag also has a “spirit of the month” selection, celebrating the variety of different cocktails which can be created. The bar staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and will talk you through the “spirit-led” menu, and explain some of the amazing ingredients used by the Rattlebag mixologists. 


Every wonderful concoction we tried was a triumph, but special mention must go to the smoky Mezcal-based “Naked & Famous”, the “Zombie” which features Talisker 10 yr single malt and Tiki bitters, and the “Corpse Reviver” with Method & Madness gin, vermouth, absinthe, and a hint of sweetness from their own bubblegum liqueur. Cheers to Rattlebag for raising the “bar”!!


Common Market

Common Market is a brand new Street Food & Drink concept in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Situated in the old Arnott’s Fruit Warehouse, the team has sourced some of the tastiest street food that Belfast has to offer and brought them together under one roof.

The venue has a buzzing, informal atmosphere, and is a unique place to eat, drink and socialise, all in the heart of the city. There are great food options for everyone with all of the vendors catering for vegetarians and vegans.

We loved the crispy Korean Fried Vegan burger from Hey Chick, and the cheese-tastic veggie special from Oui Poutine: both mouthwatering, messy, and moreish! Common Market also boasts three fully-stocked bars with a selection of beer, wine, spirits and a fantastic range of cocktails. And watch out for some of our other favourite street food vendors joining the team in the very near future! 


Product of the Week

S’MORE’A’LICIOUS

S’more’a’licious provides Northern Ireland’s first and only luxurious S’mores Kits & Baked S’more Graze Boxes freshly made to order. They’re the perfect sweet treat for those cosy nights in, family get-togethers, or can even be enjoyed ‘al fresco’ at a picnic. 


Customised s’mores kits to suit special occasions are available on request, and specific dietary requirements are no problem for the team at S’more’a’licious.


Our kit included a non-toxic gel burner for marshmallow toasting suitable for indoor & outdoor use, a selection of biscuits, cookies and chocolates, luxury mallows, bamboo skewers, safety matches, and full instructions & allergen information, all beautifully packaged with the option to add a complimentary gift message.


S’more’a’licious: the most luxurious squish delivered straight to your door!

🤗