Sad farewell to Belfast’s popular Hill Street Hatch

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Author: Emma DicksonPublished 3rd May 2022
Last updated 3rd May 2022

Tucked amongst the red bricks and cobbled stones of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, Hill Street Hatch put a smile on many a face during the pandemic.

Almost 18 months later, after feeding over 30,000 visitors, owners Ryan Crown and Ema O’Kane have closed the hatch for the final time.

This quirky pop-up space offered local entrepreneurs in the hospitality scene a creative partnership, where they could test and launch new ideas. The initial idea for Hill Street Hatch was inspired the eclectic food scene in New York.

They served up everything from cheese toasties to sausage roll baps and fresh gelato. Many brands have now gone on to set-up in other spaces in the city.

Posting an emotional message on social media, Ryan and Ema shared:

“When we moved back to Belfast from New York, we had a notion to do something a little different. Throughout the five years, we lived and worked in New York, we had always taken great pleasure in seeking out the cities most fun, innovative and exciting culinary experiences. From Slice Stores and Cocktail Bars to Michelin Star eateries, we reveled in making the most of New York’s inimitable and ever-changing hospitality scene.

“Often as we reflected on each experience, we would brainstorm about what something similar would look like at home, or how each could work when paired with the amazing talent pool of chefs and bartenders in Belfast.

“So in 2020, when we returned to Belfast with the pandemic in full flow, we saw an opportunity through a Hatch on Hill Street to bring our project to life, and begin giving culinary entrepreneurs a launchpad to try out and scale their big ideas.

“Looking back on that decision a year later, we’re so happy with what we managed to achieve - hosting 8 unique concepts, 20,000 social followers, and 30,000+ guests all in one little Hatch, bringing a sense of excitement and energy into the area of Belfast arguably worst affected by the pandemic.

“Now that restrictions are beginning to cease and people can visit restaurants again, we feel like Hill Street Hatch has served its purpose in keeping people excited about, and proud of the culinary scene in Northern Ireland throughout the pandemic. The aims of our project have been successfully completed, and it’s simply time to move on to new projects.

But what’s next? We’re excited to find out!