Work on a new bar and restaurant at George Best Belfast City Airport is almost complete.

The work is part of a £15million investment aimed at enhancing the customer experience.

The new bar restaurant, The Artisan, will produce from a number of Northern Irish suppliers.

HMSHost UK Ltd., the airport food-service company which already operates existing catering facilities at Belfast City Airport, appointed Twelve-Studio, Sideland Group, Elite Shopfitters and ACS for the fit out of the unit which will have seating for 100+ people.

With completion expected towards the end of October, the opening of The Artisan will result in 15 new jobs at the airport.

Charlotte Christiansen, HMSHost International Business Development Director, said: "With timber counters, corrugated panels and a feature light wall complemented by touches of brass and glass, The Artisan will feel contemporary yet homely and comfortable for passengers to relax whilst they wait to board their flight.

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"The menu will really showcase the best of local produce and through breakfasts, light bites and more substantial main dishes The Artisan will cater to the needs of the 2.6million passengers who use Belfast City Airport each year."

The Artisan follows the opening of new, improved World Duty Free and WHSmith retail units in the departure lounge now boasting 552 sq. m. of retail space. This is an overall increase of just over 30%, in addition to an increased product range.

Joanne Deighan, Commercial Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: "The Artisan will represent a 25% increase in our food and beverage facilities with our partner HMSHost UK Ltd. providing a broader choice for our customers.

"We're really happy with the designs and the progress of the works on site as our opening date approaches. The Artisan will be a different food and beverage offering to any outlets we have had previously, so it is a really exciting time and we are looking forward to opening the doors to our passengers.

"The Artisan has been a big part of the £15m investment in airport facilities announced earlier this year. The reconfiguration of the departure lounge and the central security area are significant projects and whilst we have worked extremely hard to make sure our passengers have not been inconvenienced throughout these works, we must thank them for their patience."