If you’re planning a hen party in Belfast and looking for somewhere that ticks all the boxes for food, fun and a little bit of mischief, let us introduce you to River Rooms. The beauty of River Rooms is that it’s not just one thing. You’re not stuck in a single bar for the night and you don’t have to drag your heels around town looking for somewhere else. Everything you need is all under one roof, across three floors, from cocktails and dancing to tasty food and plenty of laughs. And for hens, that means less faffing about, more fun and fewer sore feet. Here’s what we thought of our recent visit.
Cocktail Making at Cloud 9
Now, no hen party is complete without a few cocktails and if you can make them yourself, it’s even better. Cloud 9 in Belfast, which is downstairs in River Rooms, runs cocktail making classes and it was one of the highlights of the night. You get a warm welcome from your dedicated mixologist who gets everyone seated and comfy before giving everyone a glass of prosecco.
The bartender who led our class had that perfect balance of being funny yet calm, creating a laid-back vibe. We learnt how to shake, mix and perfectly pour two drinks each. But it wasn’t just about technique. There were lots of opportunities for taste testing, a bit of competition for a shot and a lot of giggling when people got a bit heavy-handed with the booze. Not all of our cocktails would’ve made it onto a menu but we were all very happy to drink them anyway.
What’s great about the class is that it gets everyone involved. Even the quieter hens will end up shaking like pros, and by the end, there was a definite sense that we were all in it together. It was a perfect icebreaker, especially if you’ve got a group with friends from different parts of the bride’s life who might not all know each other well. And because Cloud 9 is private, you’re not fighting for attention or shouting over randoms at the bar. It’s just your group, cocktails and a lot of laughs.
Two Course Meal at Ted’s
After all that shaking and sipping, food is a must and River Rooms has you got sorted with Ted’s Restaurant. We had a two-course meal and it was just what we needed after those cocktails. The menu has loads of choice, so whether you’ve got the fussy friend, the veggie or the one who wants something hearty to soak up the booze, you’re covered.
The food came out quickly and the service was friendly and attentive. We had our pick of either a starter and a main course or a main and dessert. Dishes included Chicken and Chorizo Butternut Arancini, Steamed Muscles, Tomato and Red Pepper Soup, Sirloin Steak with Onion Rings and Triple Cooked Chips, Fish of the Day, Tomato and Pesto Pasta, Sticky Toffee Pudding and more. Portions were generous, plates were polished off and there were no complaints from anyone.
What made it extra special though was the atmosphere. Ted’s doesn’t feel stuffy or formal. It’s lively, friendly and perfect for a hen group with quirky decor that looks like it’s made for an Instagram backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and be yourselves, which is exactly what you want when you’re celebrating.
River Rooms Location
River Rooms is at 5 Donegall Quay in Belfast, in a perfect riverside setting overlooking the River Lagan. It’s just steps away from some of Belfast’s liveliest areas so however you get there, you won’t feel like you have had to trek across the city to get there. Being right beside the water means you get those atmospheric views through the large windows, with plenty of landmarks nearby.
The quay itself is a lovely part of Belfast with open spaces, public art and the pretty backdrop of the river. It’s also practical, which is exactly what you want when you are trying to keep a big group together. There are car parks nearby and because you are in the centre of the city, there are always taxis about. For hens coming from outside Belfast, the central location means you can easily book hotels within walking distance, cutting down on hassle. It has convenience and charm, which makes it ideal for a hen party in Belfast.
Why You Should Have a Hen Do at River Rooms Belfast
Quite simply, River Rooms has it all and isn’t remotely pretentious. You’ve got the cocktail class to get everyone in the mood, a meal to line the stomachs and then more drinks and quirky decor all under one roof. It’s like a ready-made package for hens. Plus, you can make it as wild or as chilled as you like. Another big plus is the location. It’s central, so if you do want to carry on somewhere else after, you’re in the middle of everything. But honestly, we were more than happy staying put. There was no sense of needing to go elsewhere because we already had everything we wanted.
Tips for Hen Thinking About Booking River Rooms
If you’re planning your own hen party and fancy River Rooms in Belfast, here are a few little tips from our night. First off, book the cocktail class early. It’s popular and for good reason. It sets the tone for the night and you don’t want to miss out. Second, go for the meal. Even if you think you’ll just grab something later, trust us, you’ll be glad of a proper feed. It keeps everyone happy and saves the inevitable drama of someone getting hangry.
Third, don’t be afraid to dress up. The venue has a stylish feel but it’s quite simple and not at all pretentious, so you can go all out with your outfits if you want without feeling overdressed or underdressed. And lastly, give yourself time. Don’t rush through the meal or dash off after the cocktails. The fun of River Rooms is that you can linger and make a night of it. Also, remember that you need to be aged 18 or over. ID may be required.
Our Review of River Rooms Belfast for Hen Parties
River Rooms is a great place for hen parties. It’s got that mix of glamour and fun without ever feeling over the top. You can eat, drink, dance and laugh until your cheeks hurt all in one place. For us, it was the perfect balance between organised and relaxed. If you’re the one organising the hen and you want somewhere that delivers on food, cocktails and atmosphere without giving you a headache, River Rooms in Belfast should be high on your list.
