RBH Hospitality Management has been appointed by Belfast property group, Ducales Capital to operate its upcoming new hotel, The Foundry.

Due to open this summer, the 20-bedroom boutique hotel will occupy the former site of the original Harp Bar in Belfast, becoming the second Belfast-based hotel to be operated by RBH under this ownership. Its name is a nod to the history of Hill Street, once known as Foundry Lane and famous for its pottery.

With Jim Crawford Smyth as its General Manager, the hotel is likely to create around 40 jobs to support its operation, which includes a bar and restaurant for both residents and public. Food and beverage will be at the heart of this hotel, with RBH’s Group Director of Food & Beverage, Will Macpherson advising on the development of the restaurant concept and menus.

The anticipated opening this June will mark RBH’s third new hotel opening in 2024, taking the total portfolio to 53 hotels across the UK.

On their appointment, David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, said:

“This will be a great property to add to our portfolio, and its boutique nature will further diversify our mix of branded, independent, boutique and luxury hotels. Our strong working relationship with Ducales Capital is fundamental to our growth across Ireland and we look forward to once again working together to maximise the performance of the hotel.”

John Stuart, spokesperson for Ducales Capital, said:

“Opening our second RBH-operated property in Belfast, given the previous experience and success of our partnership with RBH, is an exciting move. The legendary history of the site will be retained in our approach to the new build, and we felt RBH was the right operator to support the management of this transition.”