Belfast, it would seem, is determined to compete with Dublin in the frantic stakes to open new, hip establishments for eating and drinking.
Two of the latest arrivals in the North also show the city's ever-deepening addiction to coffee. Richard Gibson and Wendy Smyth, whose stylish Smyth & Gibson designer shirts have proved a huge success over the last year in Belfast and in Dublin, have opened an espresso bar on the ground floor of their shop on Bedford Street, immediately behind Belfast City Hall. As well as pure hits of caffeine, you can get espresso macchiato, espresso con panna, cappucchino, caffe Americano and caffe mocha, with Danish pastries and brownies and other eats on the side.
They have also introduced Smyth & Gibson's coffee club, each member of which is issued with a card which entitles you to unlimited coffee for a year. They are also operating a breakfast catering service, whereby gourmet coffee can be ferried to offices throughout the city all day. The telephone number for the Bedford Street Espresso Bar is Belfast, 01232-230388.
Just a few blocks away, coffee and the rag trade once again blend happily in Parks Cafe, on Great Victoria Street. Upstairs is home to the Parks clothing designer store, while downstairs the theme is modern Italian snacks and coffee: filled panini and ciabatta with ingredients such as roasted peppers, melted mozzarella, salami and olives, and lots of espresso and cappucchino. Tel: Belfast 01232 314903.
And it won't be stopping there. Paul and Jeanne Rankin are reportedly planning to open both a new Roscoff bistro and tea rooms in the city.