The Parlour Opens at the Europa Hotel
Hastings Hotels has completed an investment of almost €650,000 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. The project converts the former Piano Restaurant into The Parlour and upgrades the adjoining Piano Lounge on the first floor. Hospitality Ireland reported the completion on 5 October 2026.
The Irish News put the same project at £550,000 on the same day. The two reported figures describe one amount. The European Central Bank reference rate for 5 October 2026 was 1 GBP = 1.1804 EUR, which puts £550,000 at €649,220.
An All-Day Room in the Former Piano Restaurant
The Parlour runs from daytime through to evening. It holds the hotel’s afternoon tea service during the day, then moves to small plates, wines, champagnes and signature cocktails. Hastings Hotels describes the room as an expanded open-plan space built to answer demand for flexible places to dine, drink and socialise.
The redesign leaves the hotel’s grand piano in the room and gives it a focal position for live music. The fit-out adds bespoke furniture, soft neutral tones, rich blue upholstery and brass detailing.
What Changed in the Piano Lounge
The Piano Lounge takes new furnishings, banquette seating and a long cocktail table. The hotel installed a new Italian marble floor outside the Grand Ballroom. The Irish News places the Piano Lounge on the hotel’s first floor, looking over Great Victoria Street.
The Operator Case
James McGinn, managing director of Hastings Hotels, said the Europa holds a unique place in Belfast’s hospitality landscape. He said holding that position requires continued investment and innovation, and that the project respects the character and history of the hotel while creating a contemporary hospitality experience.
Andy McNeill, general manager of the Europa Hotel, said The Parlour represents an exciting new chapter for the hotel. He said demand for the Piano Lounge continues to grow, and that the investment expands the offer, creates additional seating capacity and introduces new food and drink experiences for local guests and visitors to the city.
The Hotel and the Group Behind It
The Europa Hotel stands on Great Victoria Street in Belfast. Hastings Hotels is a family-owned group. Its portfolio includes the Culloden Estate and Spa, the Grand Central Hotel, Ballygally Castle and the Stormont Hotel.
Hastings Hotels instructed PwC on a portfolio sale earlier in 2026. The Irish News reports that the Sunday Times valued the group’s six hotels at around £200 million.
What the Announcements Leave Out
The reports publish no seat count and no architect, designer or contractor. No start date and no completion date for the works are published.