Struggling Against the Odds: A Tale of Survival in Belfast's Restaurant Scene

The owners of two restaurants in South Belfast have said the industry is struggling more now than during the coronavirus lockdown.

Northern Ireland: A Turbulent Journey
Jonny and Christina Taylor have been at the helm of Shed Bistro since 2018, and last summer opened Saga Belfast on the Malone Road site of their former fine dining restaurant Blank. Reflecting on the impact of lockdown and subsequent challenges, they narrated a story of resilience and hardship. Initially hoping for a short hiatus, the closure extended into months of uncertainty, with no respite in sight.

Ongoing Struggles
Coupled with a cost of living crisis and persistent operational costs, the duo shared the burden of repaying government loans and the uphill battle to make ends meet. The weight of rising costs and reduced customer visits is pushing many independent restaurants to the brink of closure.

Calls for Support
As the industry grapples with rising costs and diminishing revenues, Jonny and Christina are urging for increased support to safeguard restaurants and jobs. Highlighting the critical need for assistance amidst looming cost escalations, they emphasize the vital role of sustaining the hospitality sector in challenging times.