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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Lifestyle
James Martin McCarthy

Belfast restaurants that are no longer open

When we think back to our childhoods, quite often we remember the delicious food we grew up with.

While culinary tastes change and our palates evolve, quite often we yearn for the food from the good old days.

From knickerbocker glories to chicken in a basket, Belfast's assortment of restaurants and cafés saw us through tough times.

Sadly, the city has seen many of these once popular spots shut their doors for the final time and close down through the years.

Take a look at our list of cafés from yesteryear and let us know your favourite in the comments

Victors Cafe

Victors Cafe had locations on Divis Street and Castle Street (Facebook: Victors Cafe Belfast, NI)

Owned by the Angelone family, Victors Cafe had locations on Divis Street and Castle Street. Still remembered to this day, the spot was famous for their traditional Italian ice cream and their smokies made with American cream soda.

The Skandia

The Skandia had locations across the city (Facebook: Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)

First opened by Tom Davis on College Street, The Skandia grew to become a much loved chain of restaurants. Fondly remembered for their chicken maryland, pavlova and black forest gateau, The Skandia group still own restaurants in the city including the famous Acton and Sons.

Delaney's

Delaney's was a popular city centre spot (Facebook: Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)

Located on the corner of Lombard Street and Rosemary Street, Delaney's was not only popular with the locals but counted the likes of Julia Roberts among their customers. Renowned for their lasagne and apple pie.

The Glen Barbecue

The Glen Barbecue was a popular spot in West Belfast (Facebook: Róisin Cassidy Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)

The Glen Barbecue was located at the bottom of the Glen Road in West Belfast, close to the junction of the Falls Road. A firm favourite with locals, the restaurant was opened by the Burke family and was a popular spot to celebrate special occasions.

Bishops Fish and Chips

Bishops Fish and Chips was a popular spot on Belfast's former 'Golden Mile'. Catering to people of all ages, the Bradbury Place restaurant offered both a sit-in and take away option and are fondly remembered for their mouth watering, bubbly batter.

The Lido Café

The Lido Café was located on Great Victoria Street (Facebook: Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)

The Lido Café on Great Victoria Street was a firm favourite for decades. Popular with office workers, the café had a roaring lunch trade.

Wimpy

Wimpy was one of the first international food chains to arrive in Northern Ireland (Facebook: Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)

Wimpy were one of the first international fast food chains to arrive in Northern Ireland. Having opened their first branch in London in 1954, the chain was named after the character J Welington Wimpy in the Popeye cartoon strip. Remembered for their cutlery, china plates and refusal to call chips 'fries', Belfast's Wimpy restaurants were later rebranded as Burger King.

Wendy's

American chain Wendy's had a restaurant on the Lisburn Road (Wendy's)

American chain Wendy's opened a restaurant on the Lisburn Road in the early 2000s. Famous for their square burgers and Frosty milk shakes, the chain recently made a return to the UK and are currently looking for locations in Northern Ireland.

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