10th June 2025
Award-winning Co Down chef and Great British Menu finalist Chris McClurg joins campaign to celebrate Belfast’s culinary scene with exclusive Food Tour inspired by the public’s favourite local bites from across the city
Thursday 5th June: Food lovers are invited to help design an exclusive Belfast-inspired food experience as Translink launches the first-ever ‘Metro Menu’, a new campaign celebrating the best of the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. In partnership with award-winning culinary experience providers Taste & Tour, the ‘Metro Menu’ invites the public to submit their favourite restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs across Belfast, that are accessible via Metro services.
From beloved local institutions to hidden gems, the campaign aims to spotlight local talent, celebrate hospitality teams and connect people to the city’s tastiest spots – one bite and bus journey at a time.
Award-winning Co Down chef and Great British Menu finalist Chris McClurg – who has recently returned home with plans to open a new food venture in Belfast – has been announced as a guest judge for the initiative, helping to shine a light on local culinary talent.
Chris McClurg said he was delighted to be involved in such an exciting campaign so soon after making the move back home.
“Our city has a rich food heritage and a new generation of chefs who are putting Northern Irish cuisine on the map. An initiative like ‘Metro Menu’ plays an important role in spotlighting both established venues and emerging talent across all parts of the city.
“I am looking forward to reading through the public’s submissions and working with Translink and Taste & Tour to reveal the most popular food spots across Belfast.”
Launching the campaign, Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said:
“Metro connects people to everything that matters in Belfast, including our thriving food and drink scene. This campaign celebrates the role Metro plays in the fabric of city life, making it easy, enjoyable and affordable to explore Belfast’s incredible culinary offerings from breakfast through to dinner.
“With over 500,000 passenger journeys every week, services running from early morning until late evening and day tickets for just £4, Metro truly is your ticket to taste more of Belfast. We’re proud to serve a city where food, culture and community come together, and to support local businesses that make our hospitality sector so special.”
Caroline Wilson, Founding Director, Taste & Tour, added:
“Belfast has firmly established itself as a destination for food lovers, with talented chefs and hospitality teams creating exceptional experiences across the city. We’re excited to partner with Translink to showcase this culinary creativity through ‘The Metro Menu’ campaign and the exclusive food tours.
“The tour experience will take participants on a unique journey, visiting winning establishments and sampling their signature offerings. It’s a celebration of Belfast’s diverse food scene that would not be possible without the connectivity that Metro provides.”
Following public submissions, a shortlist of establishments will be developed by the judging panel, reflecting geographical spread of the city. The public will then vote for their favourites, with the winning venues forming ‘The Metro Menu’, determining the route for exclusive food tours in late August.
Everyone who submits their favourite spots and/or votes for the winning establishments will be entered into a draw to win tickets for one of two exclusive ‘Metro Menu Food Tour’ dates.
Public submissions open on Thursday 5th June and run until Friday 4th July 2025. To participate and be in with a chance of securing a seat on ‘The Metro Menu’ Food Tour visit www.translink.co.uk/metromenu, and follow Translink on socials using #MetroMenu for all the tasty updates.
