THE JAZZ ROOM
The Banana Block in east Belfast is host to a series of jazz events in the next couple of months.
If you love great New Orleans jazz you are going to be in your element at these nights in the Banana Block. The monthly nights feature a talented jazz vocalist and band in the candle lit venue. A mixture of well spaced benches and tables face the stage and immerse you in The Jazz Room.
On the night we attended, our singer had lived in New Orleans for a number of years and we soaked up stories of life and music in the great city where the genre was born.
Amongst the 100 year old classic jazz songs we had the pleasure of hearing these and much more:
When The Saints Go Marching In - Jazz Standard
On the Sunny Side of the Street by Jimmy McHugh Basin St Blues by Spencer Williams Hello Dolly by Louis Armstrong
We were all left wanting more at the end of the fantastic evening and the band welcomed the opportunity to improvise and satisfy our calls for more.
The Jazz Room is the perfect escape for a night of rhythm and sophisticated fun. It’s a step back in time to the heyday of jazz; it’s uplifting and joyous and you cant help but feel you’re experiencing something really special in a cool venue in east Belfast
Available dates are: 21 Dec, 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 14 March, 25 April.
Tickets at www.feverup.com
WINNIEAM
Winnie, we love watching you perform, you have such an infectious energy on stage. Is singing and performing something you’ve done all your life?
I didn’t grow up singing apart from in choirs, I never sang in the shower or did karaoke. I learned to sing in 2018 because I was writing songs for other artists and it’s easier to get them placed when the demo is sung well Then one of my songs got rejected by an artist because it was ‘too complicated’ so I decided to sing it myself. I’m so glad I did that because singing is the most fun thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s so cathartic to sing songs that I’ve written. I was so shy at the time, so this whole thing has really pushed me to learn to be confident and mentally strong.
My first gig was at the end of 2020, when there were hardly any gigs on and people were in strict bubbles and only table service seated gigs were allowed I had just released my solo debut earlier that year and I was posting some jazz covers on Youtube and Instagram. A London promoter found me with a hashtag from one of the videos I posted and booked me for a gig. I couldn’t believe that people would pay me to sing live I didn’t know any musicians, so I went to the venue I was supposed to perform at two weeks before and asked the first pianist I heard to be my pianist and he said yes!
You’ve had a busy summer of festivals and performances. What’s your most memorable moment of summer 2025?
This year has been such great fun for gigs We did SXSW Texas which is a really special right of passage for emerging artists, but the most memorable gig this year has been the Stendhall Festival in Limavady. It rained all day but it was excellent People always have so much energy and time for new music at Stendhall. We played a really fun set, and I loved Kate Nash’s headline performance Greg, the bassist didn’t bring a coat so he was soaked through and we decided to go back to Belfast and stay at my mum’s house, but by the time we got there it was 3am, she was asleep and nothing could wake her and she’d put the chain across so I couldn’t open the door, so we had to scale the fence covered in slugs and camp in her garden We’re very lucky we had tents with us, otherwise we’d have been walking the streets until the morning.
Music touches us all on many different levels, it reminds us of moments from the past, happy and sad. It can make us cry or fill us full of joy. What songs remind you of special moments in your life?
Dragostea Din Tei by O-Zone, it’s such a cheesy song but it reminds me of growing up and becoming an independent young person and seeing the world for the first time It was played non-stop when I went to Russia on a school trip which was my first significant time away from home. It makes me feel adventurous, free, joyous, it makes me feel like the world is my oyster and I can go anywhere, be anyone and do anything
We love your music, and we’ve even featured it on our @BelfastTimes reels a few times. Can we expect more music from you soon?
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support. My debut album was released on 17 October I have a lot more music cooking at the moment, you can always expect new music from me, after the album I have another EP finished ready to go for next year, but I want to make sure everyone gets enough time to absorb the album first and I have enough time to enjoy it and also get feedback.
Can you tell us about your new album?
The title DEKA means “one” in Ewe, my mother’s native language from Ghana. 'One' symbolises unity and creativity in diversity and is also symbolic of my first complete body of work. I wrote it with an international team of producers and musicians from NYC, Italy, Belgium, Belfast and London.
It’s a mixtape album so it draws influences from soul, disco, country and folk. I think the team that writes a song brings the energy to it, and I think you can really hear the global sound It's about community, love, friendships, work and changing emotions that come with all of that. I think that’s what makes life exciting, dynamic and ever-changing. It’s also going to be my first ever physical release on vinyl and I also have album merch too I designed all the artwork and merch myself, that was a new skill I learned on the job which was way harder than I thought
When can we see you perform in Belfast again?
I’m doing a little album launch tour which will take me to Cork Jazz Festival, opening for Cymande 24 Oct, Album Launch at Sound of Belfast 6 Nov, Celebrating Ottille night with Dana Masters and Siobhan Brown 7 Nov with Sound of Belfast, then I’ll do a London Launch on 20 Nov at The Finsbury. After that, I’ve no idea when my next Belfast show is, but you can find all my live dates on BandsinTown or on my Instagram Belfast is my favourite place to perform. I am biased, but I do think you just can’t beat performing at home. We have the warmest and the most fun people in Belfast, it’s always a friendly atmosphere and people really care about music which isn’t the case everywhere.
And finally, we know you love to create your own words, what new word would describe how you feel today?
Today I had to cancel a lot of meetings because I have a razor sore throat. So I’m gonna call itSilief - it’s an adjective to describe the feeling of relief to cancel work that you didn’t really wanna do anyway because you’re sick, which makes being sick not that bad after all. The silver lining of sickness, the relief that you get when you’re sick, relieving you of your responsibilities, which can now forevermore be referred to as the feeling of ‘Silief’.
This month @keevaeats sent us foodie photos from Overwood at Balloo. We are tempted, are you?
2Taps celebrates 20 years in the Cathedral Quarter and an exciting new menu from chef Adam Sarhan A menu that brings back old favourites you’ve loved with some delicious new dishes
Owners Jarron and Victoria O’Neill Watson hosted an event full of food, drinks and music as they celebrated 20 years of tapas.
Jarron gave an emotional thank you at the end of the evening showing his clear passion for 2taps, a family restaurant.
have launched a new bento box combo in their Victoria Square restaurant. The bento combo is inspired by the traditional Japanese Shokado Bento and is designed to let you enjoy both sushi and popular hot dishes
Included in the price is a Katsu Curry Bowl or the brand-new Crispy Katsu Bowl; served with steamed rice and rich Japanese sauces, with chicken, pumpkin or prawn available
is one of our go to quick bite restaurants before a night at the theatre.
Pizza and dessert, quick and easy, and always delicious
Last month our favourite specials pizza was a Tayto Cheese and Onion, with Tayto crisps crumbled on top.
Midori (meaning green of nature): Cucumber maki, kaiso seaweed, and spicy tempura vegetable roll
YO! (meaning happiness): Crunchy Cali roll, salmon maki, Sakura daikon radish and smoky mayo popcorn shrimp
Homura (meaning flame): Chicken katsu curry roll, chunky chicken teriyaki roll, and smoky fried chicken
Hikari (meaning glow): Salmon tempura crunchy roll, salmon ponzu salsa and smoky mayo popcorn shrimp
Who knew a Tayto pizza could taste so good!
The Bedford Street restaurant is great spot to pre book for a pizza and dessert; I mean who doesn’t love a pizza followed by chocolate sundae dessert or a cinnamon swirl with soft scoop vanilla ice cream
YO! Bento Combos include:
Now that the clocks have gone back and summer feels like a distant memory, I find myself fully embracing the hygge lifestyle. There’s nothing I love more at the end of a busy day, than lighting a few candles, wrapping up in a soft blanket and snuggling on the sofa with a comforting glass of wine.
One of my favourite wines to enjoy at this time of year is a red from the Côtes du Rhône region in southern France. Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes (known as the GSM blend), these wines are full-bodied and bursting with flavours of blackberries, raspberries and black cherries with a subtle hint of peppery spice It’s a great choice for sipping on a dark, chilly evening. If you're looking to treat yourself, keep an eye out for bottles labelled Côtes du Rhône Villages These wines offer a step up in quality that’s often well worth the extra few pounds.
Try: M&S Classics Organic Cotes du Rhone Villages £10
Argentinian Malbec is another great option for a cosy wine. Velvety smooth with flavours of ripe blackberries and dark plums, often with a warming note of vanilla, Malbec is a popular choice for many. While most of Argentina’s Malbec is produced in the Mendoza region, look out for wines from higher altitude areas such as Uco Valley, where the cooler climate tends to result in superior quality wines with more intense flavours.
Try: Vinalba Reserve Malbec £10 Tesco
If reds aren’t your thing, there are plenty of cosy and comforting whites to choose from as well. One of my favourites at this time of year is white Rioja. Although it accounts for only around 10% of the total wine production in the Rioja region, this wine is not to be overlooked. Made primarily from the Viura grape, white Rioja is known for its bright flavours of citrus, apple and melon. When aged in oak barrels, as many are, it gains body and fullness while developing more complex flavours such as nuts and honey making it a beautifully rich choice for autumn sipping.
Try: Cune White Rioja White Wine £11.50 Sainsbury’s
Cheers to embracing cosy wines this autumn!
About me
My name is Lisa, and I am a wine educator and writer based in Belfast I have a passion for making wine both accessible and enjoyable and host a variety of informal yet informative wine classes in and around Belfast.
In March 2025 I published my first book, ‘The Divine Wine Guide’. This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the perfect wine for any occasion and is available to buy on Amazon as both a hardback and eBook.
Will Mellor X Cotton Traders
Flannel Check Shirt Crimson £36
THEHOTELED
LA CONCHO BEACH
Go for a stroll along the famous shell shaped beach and watch the waves force through the small opening. The beach railings are iconic.
VISIT THE OLD TOWN
Packed with history, a stunning cathedral and the cobbled streets of the old town behind the old city walls is a treasure.
enjoy the world famous food. TAKE THE FUNICULAR UP MONTE IGUELDO
Enjoy panoramic views over the region or have some vintage fun in the old amusement park.
Everyone loves visiting the seaside in summer, but have you ever thought about a cosy staycation in Newcastle, County Down during autumn or winter? Only about 30 miles (48 km) from Belfast roughly an hour’s drive along the scenic A24 through Ballynahinch this charming seaside town sits beautifully at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, offering the perfect mix of sea breeze and mountain air
An overnight stay here won’t break the bank either. For groups or families, you can book a privately owned caravan that sleeps up to six people for as little as £100 per night We recently discovered a lovely Cosy Willerby caravan on Facebook just footsteps from Murlough Nature Reserve and a short five-minute walk to the beach Imagine waking up to the crisp coastal air and ending your evening wrapped up warm after a peaceful seaside stroll.
When it comes to food, Hatch Street Food in Newcastle town centre is a must-visit. Their award-winning burgers, crispy chicken, and golden chips are absolutely delicious — real comfort food that hits the spot after a chilly day outdoors. For nature lovers, there’s no shortage of breathtaking places to explore. Tollymore Forest Park is full of winding trails, rivers, stepping stones, and storybook bridges — perfect for photography or a quiet walk. The Mourne Mountains rise majestically over the town, and even if you don’t hike to the top of Slieve Donard, there are plenty of gentle trails to enjoy. Don’t miss the Murlough National Nature Reserve for its dunes, wildlife, and endless beach views, or Donard Park, a peaceful spot for picnics and riverside walks. Whether you come for adventure or relaxation, Newcastle is stunning all year round.
Angela Tong - Everywhere With Angela
THE HUNTING LODGE
The Hunting Lodge, Moy is a luxurious place to escape for a mini break with family and friends to the countryside
Just over a mile from Moy, in the heart of the countryside, this one time family home has been transformed into a prestigious getaway. The premises can host events for up to 50 people with overnight accommodation available for up to 14 people. We can just picture it for a wonderful family and friends getaway
The family owners converted the house because they wanted to open the opportunity for other people to experience a place they called home for years A place full of memories for them as they grew up playing on the over 2 acre plot, in the orchard, in the countryside, in their home.
Filled with family memories of horse riding and country pursuits, this stunning property features a bar, hot tub, large kitchen dining area with sun room and outdoor BBQ area
Let the family organise your stay with various packages on offer. They can arrange private dining experiences, live music, a waiter and bar service, a champagne breakfast with hot and cold food, a luxurious hamper and a personalised welcome with champagne and nibbles, and you have the option to bring your pets.
Why not treat yourself to stays from one night.
Visit them at www.thehuntinglodgeni.com
B E LFAST
