Benedicts Belfast owners Colin and Louise Johnston prepare for their first Christmas after acquiring the hotel, bar and restaurant in a £5.25m deal.
One of Belfast’s best-known independent hospitality venues Benedicts is preparing for its first Christmas under new ownership following Colin and Louise Johnston’s £5.25 million acquisition of the venue.
The acquisition, supported by Bank of Ireland, keeps the Bradbury Place hotel, bar and restaurant under independent ownership and retains its existing team.
“We wanted to take on a business with a strong identity, an experienced team and a real connection with its customers, and Benedicts has all three”
Benedicts has operated in Belfast since 1998.
Colin and Louise Johnston bring more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, accommodation and property operations to the business.
KEY NUMBERS: Benedicts
• 5,000+ festive diners expected this Christmas
• 3,000 overnight guests forecast across November and December
• Thousands more customers expected for Christmas parties and events
• 1998 year Benedicts began operating in Belfast
• 15+ years hospitality, accommodation and property experience for the new owners
• Existing team retained following the acquisition
• Independent ownership maintained at the Bradbury Place venue
• 2027 focus for the Johnstons’ next phase of plans
Editorial takeaway: Strong festive bookings give Benedicts’ new owners a busy start as they prepare the business for its next phase in 2027.
Deck the halls
Their first festive season at Benedicts is set to be a busy one. More than 5,000 festive diners are expected through its doors, alongside thousands of customers attending Christmas party nights and events.
Around 3,000 overnight guests are also expected across November and December.
Colin Johnston said the couple had been attracted by the strength of the Benedicts brand, its team and its established relationship with customers.
“We wanted to take on a business with a strong identity, an experienced team and a real connection with its customers, and Benedicts has all three. It is a venue people know well, and our priority is to build on that success, retaining all that makes it special. That cannot be said without paying tribute to The Simpson Family, to whom Louise and I express our sincere gratitude for their continued support, further backed by Mona Callaghan which has gone beyond what could reasonably be expected in a transaction of this nature.
“Following on from our Westlife Brunches, our first Christmas at Benedicts is an important moment for us and the response so far has been very encouraging. Alongside delivering the warm welcome, good food and lively atmosphere customers expect, we are also building some exciting plans for 2027.
“The support from Gavin, Tommy and the wider Bank of Ireland team made a real difference. They took the time to understand us, the business and what we wanted to achieve, and were with us at every stage of the acquisition. We really valued their straightforward guidance and hands-on approach.”
The new owners are now looking towards 2027 as they develop their plans for the venue.
Gavin North, Senior Business Manager at Bank of Ireland UK, said the Johnstons’ experience and understanding of Benedicts would underpin the next stage of the business.
“Colin and Louise understand what makes Benedicts successful. We are delighted to support two experienced local business owners who are committed to protecting its character, its strong team and the warm welcome customers know and value.
“Backing businesses with the ambition to grow is at the heart of what we do. With local knowledge and strong relationships, we can help customers like Colin and Louise move their plans forward, creating opportunities for their business, their people and the wider community.”
Image at top: Tommy Doherty, Business Manager, Bank of Ireland with Colin and Louise Johnston, Benedicts and Gavin North, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Benedicts in Belfast?
Colin and Louise Johnston acquired Benedicts in a £5.25 million deal. The acquisition keeps the Bradbury Place hotel, bar and restaurant under independent ownership.
How much did Colin and Louise Johnston pay for Benedicts?
Colin and Louise Johnston acquired Benedicts for £5.25 million, with the acquisition supported by Bank of Ireland.
How many customers is Benedicts expecting over Christmas?
Benedicts expects more than 5,000 festive diners, alongside thousands of customers attending Christmas party nights and events.
How many overnight guests is Benedicts expecting?
Around 3,000 overnight guests are expected to stay at Benedicts across November and December.
What are the new owners planning for Benedicts?
Colin and Louise Johnston are developing plans for Benedicts for 2027. They said their priority is to build on the venue’s existing success while retaining what makes it special.
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