The Meridian Is Now Open at Armagh City Hotel
Armagh has looked to the stars for centuries. Now the city has a bar to match. The Meridian, our new cocktail bar at Armagh City Hotel, opens its doors to the public today, Friday 6 November.
Inspired by Armagh’s place in the cosmos
The Meridian takes its name from the historic Meridian Line and Armagh’s long links with astronomy, navigation and timekeeping. Belfast-based Drinksology designed the space. They were also behind the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and London. We worked closely with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to shape a menu where, in the words of Senior Education Officer Heather Alexander, “there’s a story behind every name.”
A journey around the globe
The cocktail menu was developed with Greg Buda, former Director of Education at New York’s The Dead Rabbit, who spent a week training our team before opening. It travels from Ireland through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and North and Latin America, then finishes in Asia. Signature serves include The Leviathan, named after the great telescope at Birr Castle, and Cassiopeia, after the queen of Greek myth and her constellation.
Syrups, infusions and signature ingredients are made by hand on site. Northern Irish favourites feature throughout, including Boatyard, Copeland, Jawbox, Bushmills and Hinch. There’s also The Meridian, our own house draught beer brewed by Whitewater Brewery.
Spaces to gather
The Meridian welcomes up to 120 guests. It also has The Constellation Room, an intimate space for premium spirit and wine tastings, and a private dining room for celebrations and special occasions.
A new chapter for Armagh City Hotel
The £600,000 bar is part of a wider £4 million investment in Armagh City Hotel and has created eight new jobs. Managing Director Eddie McKeever said the team is “proud to finally open the doors and let people experience it for themselves.”
Bar Manager Giulia Frau and her team look forward to welcoming you.