The venue will close its doors at the end of this month
A popular Belfast restaurant has announced it is to close its doors at the end of this month.
Cyprus Avenue on the Upper Newtownards Road in the east of the city first opened back in December 2016, creating 25 jobs at the time.
Paying homage through its name to Van Morrison, the restaurant was opened by Richard McCracken, a chef with previous experience, working in Scotland, London and Paris.
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Although a lot of Richard’s experience had been in Michelin star restaurants, working with Tom Kitchin in Edinburgh and Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Cyprus Avenue was billed as a casual dining neighbourhood bistro with a menu that placed a firm emphasis on good local produce.
The Ballyhackamore venue was later expanded through a £750,000 renovation in 2018.
Mr McCracken announced on Friday night that the restaurant would close at the end of January. Posting on the restaurant’s social media pages, he said: “After 10 wonderful years, the time has come for CA to close its doors at the end of January 2026.
“It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve vibrant Ballyhackamore & a privilege to share so many memorable moments with you all over the past decade. From day one East Belfast has supported us with incredible loyalty, warmth & enthusiasm. For this we will be eternally grateful.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to our amazing team past & present — your hard work, passion & commitment are what made CA what it was. We couldn’t have done this without you.
“Finally, thank you to all our guests for your continued support in being part of CA. We’ve loved welcoming you through our doors & we will treasure the memories made here forever.
“Please come & bid us farewell this coming month, if you have any outstanding vouchers, please try to use them during January, or you’re very welcome to hold onto them for use in the new venue planned for spring 2026.
“Thank you east Belfast. Richard.”
But Mr McCracken also revealed that’s it not all bad news as the popular eatery has in fact been bought over by new owners Comber-based Balloo Inns ,which have a number of hospitality venues in North Down.
“We’re also delighted to share that the restaurant has been sold on to our friends at Balloo Inns, who are great operators & have exciting plans to invest in a new dining venue,” he said.
“So watch this space — something truly special is coming. We wish them every success with their new venture.”
Comber-based Balloo Inns owns a number of hospitality venues in north Down, including Balloo House and the Overwood restaurant in Killinchy.
The group owns Balloo House and the Overwood restaurant in Killinchy, The Poacher’s Pocket in Comber and the Parson’s Nose in Hillsborough.
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