Unique farm shop opened by iconic Belfast bar

An online farm shop specialising in locally sourced meat and vegetables has been opened by The Morning Star, among the oldest bar/ restaurants in Belfast, due to the continuing lockdown in the hospitality sector.

The new farm shop is in addition to the ‘dine at home delivery’ and call and collect service of prepared meals from its menu launched by the multi-award-winning bar/restaurant on a site which dates back to 1810.

The Morning Star is also unique in Belfast hospitality in having an in-house butchery operation to prepare meats for its chefs. The farm shop has been launched to support the 100-acre livestock farm run by the McAllister family which owns the historic bar in Belfast city centre.

James McAllister, who runs the bar/restaurant with mother Corrine and sister Peita, explains: “Our family farm at Glenavy, county Antrim was the main source of meat and vegetables used in our successful restaurant and also in the popular buffet in the bar. In addition, I used the meat and veggies for Jolly Pies, my snack business.

“The lockdown, of course, closed both restaurant and bar and also meant we had to find a way of supporting the farm as well as the bar/restaurant. So, we decided to offer our fresh farm produce on call and collect or next day delivery basis in parts of Belfast.  Customers can order meats and vegetables through our website for collection or next day delivery.

“This enables customers to buy a wide range of meats including shorthorn steaks, burgers, French trimmed lamb and chicken breast fillets as well as boxed meats and bundles for BBQ for instance. Veggies listed include carrots, potatoes, onions and herbs,” he adds.

 The shop also offers butter, traditional Irish breads, milk, cream, cheese and free-range eggs for collection and delivery. Customers can order a broad range of meals from the menu on a heat and eat basis.

“These initiatives are helping to generate much needed cash to ensure the future of a business, once a coaching stop and ale house for the Belfast to Dublin coach, which has been in our family for many years,” he says.

The Morning Star is historically listed and has long been a popular venue for visitors to Belfast.