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Warm clay. Soft steam. The quiet luxury of time slowing down.

A clay ritual isn’t just a spa treatment. It’s an ancient practice reimagined for modern wellness, designed to ground, detox and deeply restore.

It’s part skincare, part steam-bath, part “why don’t we do this more often?”

Why clay, why now?

Clay has been a beauty secret forever and for good reason. It’s naturally detoxifying, mineral-rich and insanely good for your skin. Think less “ancient history lesson” and more “why does my skin feel this good?”

It’s big right now because it fits the moment:

• clean beauty
• tactile, sensory wellness
• chill, not try-hard

What to expect from a Clay Ritual

Designed to unfold slowly, a clay ritual invites you to soften physically and mentally, with each gentle stage over 30 minutes.

Step 1: Switch off

You arrive, breathe and instantly feel calmer. Phones away. Brain quiet. We love to see it.

Step 2: Get clay’d

Apply warm clay to your body, wrapping yourself up in mineral goodness while you sit back and do nothing. Truly iconic behaviour.

Step 3: Heat things up

Gentle heat helps your muscles relax and lets the clay work its magic. You’ll feel warm, refreshed and totally present.

Step 4: Rinse & Glow

The clay is washed away by a gentle rainfall shower, leaving skin soft, smooth and glowing.

The benefits, reimagined

The benefits of a clay ritual go far beyond the physical. While clay is known for its detoxifying and skin-revitalising properties, the real luxury lies in how it makes you feel.

• Skin that feels nourished, smooth and refreshed
• Muscles softened after long days of tension
• A calm but clear head
• That post-spa glow that lasts

It’s wellness that works quietly, gently and holistically.

Why Clay Rituals are having a moment

As wellness culture evolves, there’s a growing shift away from excess and towards intention. Clay rituals hit that sweet spot. Natural, tactile and low-key indulgent.

They’re everywhere right now because they work, they feel good and they fit into real life. 

Keep the Ritual going

The clay ritual doesn’t have to end when you leave the spa. These ELEMIS favourites help you keep that fresh, relaxed, just-had-a-treatment feeling going at home, on your own time.

ELEMIS Body Detox Skin Brush 

Your low effort reset. Encourages circulation and gentle detoxification, plus gives skin that smooth, just-polished feel.

ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream & Body Oil

Instant spa energy. The scent brings you straight back to that calm, post-treatment headspace, while the formulas leave skin soft, nourished and glowing.

ELEMIS Aching Muscle Super Soak

Perfect for bath nights. Helps keep muscles relaxed and recreates that warm, steamy post-clay feeling - without leaving your bathroom.

ELEMIS Warm up Massage Balm

The final touch. Designed to ease tension, warm the body and help you fully reset- mind and muscles included.

A slower kind of luxury

At The Rabbit, luxury is about atmosphere, ease and how you feel walking back out the door. Because sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do is slow down.

Discover the clay ritual for yourself during your next stay at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

Book a Stay

Book Lakeside Zen Day Spa Experience

From swiping right on Tinder to saying “I do,” Danielle and Chris are living proof that modern love stories are worth celebrating. Chris popped the question at Danielle’s favorite spot, Mussenden Temple, then spoiled her with an overnight spa break. Romantic, right?

The Happy Couple

Let us know your names!

Danielle & Chris 

So, how did you two meet? Give us the real story!

We met on Tinder!

Spill the tea on the proposal — how did it all go down?

He proposed at my favourite place mussenden temple before treating me to an overnight spa.

Your Day, Your Way

When did you tie the knot?

13/08/2025

Where did you say “I do”?

We had our ceremony at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church then down to The Loft for the best reception.

What made The Loft 'THE' place for your big day?

We went to The Rabbit 3 years ago for dinner and we both loved the food so when we got engaged we knew we should go their first for a look and we both just fell in love with the quirkiness and how romantic it was.

Any standout moments that still gives you butterflies?

Walking into The Rabbit to an ever lasting love and all of our family and friends waving their napkins.

Which of our wedding planners helped bring your vision to life and how was working with them?

All of it. Megan was an absolute dream!

Got any advice for future couples — especially those tying the knot at The Loft?

Enjoy every minute of your day it goes in so quick.

The OOTD - Wedding Edition

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Ivory and Pearl

Bridesmaid Dresses

Six Stories

Groomswear

Focus, Newtownards

The Glam Squad 

Hair

Upstyles by Megan

Makeup

Natalie McNab

Nails

Sophie Marshall

Tan

Flawless Tanning

Shout out to your dream team

Wedding Stationery

Etsy

Wedding Cake

Shannen Graham

Florist

Memento

Photographer 

Gorgeous Photography

Entertainment

The Professional's

Anyone we've missed?

Those Wee Doodles

There’s something about Christmas at The Rabbit. The lights are lower, the fire’s warmer and the cocktails? They’re doing the most, in the chicest, winter-wrapped way possible.

Whether you’re popping in post-shopping, settling in for a long catch-up or just here for “one quick drink” (famous last words), our festive cocktail menu is serving comfort, sparkle and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

Let’s unwrap what’s pouring this season 🍸🎄

🎄 Bah Hum-Mug

For the festive sceptic who still loves a good cocktail.

What's inside?

• 35ml Jawbox Apple & Ginger Gin
• 15ml Fireball
• 35ml Cranberry Juice
• 20ml Lemon Juice
• 10ml Sugar
• Topped with London Essence Ginger Beer
• Garnished with smoked rosemary

How to make it:

• Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Hold the Ginger Beer & Rosemary
• Fill shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake
• Strain into a glass or mug
• Top with Ginger Beer
• Set alight a sprig of rosemary and garnish

Flavour profile: Spiced, fresh, lightly smoky

Mood: “I don’t like Christmas… but I do like this.”

🍫 Stout Sour

Yes, Guinness belongs in cocktails. And yes, this one slaps.

What's inside?

• 35ml Born Irish Whiskey
• 15ml Disaronno
• Lemon Juice
• 10ml Agave Syrup
• Finished with a Guinness head
• Chocolate twist to garnish

How to make it:

• Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Hold the Guinness
• Fill shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake
• Strain into a coupe
• Top with a Guinness head
• Top with a chocolate twist

Flavour profile: Velvety, bittersweet, indulgent

Mood: Fireside chats and one more round

🔥 Warm by the Fire

If a cosy jumper were a cocktail, this would be it.

What's in it?

• 35ml Grand Kadoo Spiced Rum
• 15ml Cointreau
• Apple Juice
• Lemon Juice
• Chilli Syrup
• Agave Syrup
• Garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon powder

How to make it:

• Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Hold the apple & cinnamon 
• Fill shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake
• Strain into a glass
• Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon powder

Flavour profile: Spiced, warming, softly fiery

Mood: Wrapped in a blanket, emotionally unavailable

🍾 Cocktail of the month: Sloe 75

Classic, but make it festive.

What's in it?

• 35ml Boatyard Sloe Gin
• 20ml Lemon Juice
• 10ml Blackberry Syrup
• Topped with Taittinger Champagne
• Finished with a blackberry & dusted in icing sugar

How to make it:

• Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Hold the Taittinger & garnish
• Fill shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake
• Strain into a flute
• Top with Taittinger Champagne
• Garnish with a blackberry & dust with icing sugar

Flavour profile: Elegant, fruity, celebratory

Mood: “Let’s toast to absolutely everything”

☕ Hot Serve: Sloe Toddy

Cold hands, warm heart, excellent life choices.

What's in it?

• 50ml Boatyard Sloe Gin
• Topped with boiling water
• Garnished with an orange slice and cinnamon stick

Flavour profile: Gently sweet, warming, aromatic

Mood: Christmas movies, no notifications on

🍸 Gin Serve of the Month: Boatyard Double Gin

Because sometimes, simple perfection wins.

What's in it?

• 35ml Boatyard Double Gin
• Served long with London Essence Indian Tonic
• Garnished with a slice of pink grapefruit

Flavour profile: Fresh, zesty, classic

Mood: Effortless, cool, always appropriate

Summer has officially entered the group chat and so has our brand new Cocktail of the Month, the Rogue Smuggler. It’s bold. It’s fresh. It’s got just enough bite to keep things interesting. Basically, it’s your summer in a glass.

Whether you're poolside, lakeside or just soaking up the sun on our terrace, this cocktail was made for golden hour sipping!

What’s Inside?

A globe-trotting mix of ingredients that hits all the right notes:

• 35ml Copeland Smugglers Rum
• 15ml Regal Rogue Red Vermouth
• 10ml Yuzu Saké 
• 40ml Cranberry juice
• 10ml Sugar syrup
• Topped with London Essence Peach & Jasmine Soda
• Orange peel and a sprig of thyme to garnish

How it’s made:

• Add all the ingredients to your shaker - hold the soda
• Shake with ice, like your first playlist of summer depends on it
• Strain into a chilled tall glass
• Top with that dreamy Peach & Jasmine fizz
• Garnish with orange peel and thyme — then snap a pic

It’s refreshing, a little mysterious and totally crushable. The Rogue Smuggler is the drink you never knew you needed — think spicy rum, floral bubbles, citrusy tang and the perfect splash of summer.

Available throughout June at Hunter's Bar.

From teenage sparks to a romantic Christmas proposal, Laura and Andrew’s love story came full circle in the breathtaking setting of The Loft, Templepatrick. With stunning décor, unforgettable food and the perfect team behind them, their big day was nothing short of magical. Hear how it all came together, from first look chills to guestbook worthy memories and why The Loft still gives them butterflies.

The Happy Couple

Let us know your names!

Laura & Andrew Harrison

So, how did you two meet? Give us the real story!

We first met in school. He went to carrick grammar and I went to carrick college. Met through mutual friends! Life moves on, uni etc then we actually started talking again via tinder! Haha 

Spill the tea on the proposal — how did it all go down?

We had not long moved into our home together and decided to book a wee Christmas night away in a wee small cabin with a gorgeous log fire! Andrew proposed to me there… 22/12/2020 

Your Day, Your Way

When did you tie the knot?

31/08/2023

Where did you say “I do”?

The Boathouse

What made The Loft 'THE' place for your big day?

From the minute we stepped into The Loft for our viewing I got chills. I actually nearly cried! I just knew this was the place. The decor, the whole layout of the room. Just everything was perfect. 

Any standout moments that still gives you butterflies?

The fact that our guests still talk about our wedding and comment on how stunning the venue was. The food…they still talk about the food! It all just makes me so happy and proud! 

Which of our wedding planners helped bring your vision to life and how was working with them?

Beth! We actually had a few planners but due to them leaving and also maternity our wedding was handed over to beth. Beth was amazing! She made everything seem so straight forward and made everything feel calm and at ease! Her communication was also amazing! 

Got any advice for future couples — especially those tying the knot at The Loft?

Cliche but take it ALLLL in. It goes by so fast. I’d actually love someone I know to get married there so I can experience the wedding venue from a guests point of view 

The OOTD - Wedding Edition

Wedding Dress & Accessories

WED2BE

Bridesmaid Dresses

WED2BE

Groomswear

Freddie Hatchett

The Glam Squad 

Hair

Upstyles by Many

Makeup

Leah Lammey

Nails

Local 

Tan

Local 

Shout out to your dream team

Wedding Stationery

Two Little Words 

Wedding Cake

NI Cake Design 

Florist

One Small Seed

Photographer 

Tracy Steele

Décor & Design

The Loft / One Small Seed

Entertainment

Freefall

The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Alan and I met when I was 18 and Alan was 21 but were friends long before then with mutual friends. We booked to go to Las Vegas & Mexico in August 2020 but due to lockdown our trip was cancelled so we ended up doing a long weekend at the most amazing Air BnB on the Red Lion Road in October 2020, on the Saturday we went out to do some of the walking trails at Gosford Forest Park and just as we approached the castle, Alan got down on one knee and I cried my heart out before eventually saying yes… The engagement bubble was fab!

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

We had our wedding ceremony in The Boathouse, it is such a beautiful space for a ceremony. We wanted a religious ceremony but also wanted to keep everything in the one place due to family travelling from near and far so we were so thankful to be able to do this at The Rabbit.

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We wanted a venue that would give us the WOW factor. We decided to do a viewing at The Rabbit and we're so glad we did as the minute we walked in, we had that WOW we'd been waiting for, we booked and paid our deposit within the week!

Favourite memory of you wedding day

We honestly has the best day so picking one favourite memory is difficult, but I definitely think it was the alone time with eachother over a pint of outcider before being introduced into The Loft as Mr & Mrs Russell. 

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Wedding Stationery

Hayley designed all of their save the dates, invites, table cards, wedding programmes, sweetie bags & individual packets of tissues. Welcome & order of the day signs were made by the fabulous Little Barn Designs NI

Cake

Sugar Lane Artisan

Flowers

Family Friend

Entertainment Rachel Toman for drinks reception & The Collective Wedding Band for evening entertainment

Photographer

Agnieszka Marsh Photography.

Videographer

Friend Steve Earley

Favours

Done by the couple themselves! Alan & his granny make fudge every year at Christmas so they decided to do this as their favours!

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Wedding dress from Wedding Box in Newtownards Shoes & accessories from Shein.

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Wedding Box in Newtownards

Groomswear

Focus Menswear in Bangor

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Emma Scott Makeup Artist

Hair

Ashlee & Courtney from SAKS Newtownards

BBQ Tips to Elevate Your Grill Game This Summer!

Our Executive Chef Alan Doyle shares his fool-proof BBQ tips to help you serve up chargrilled perfection – from mastering the heat to bringing out bold, smoky flavours! 

1. Check the Weather – and Be Ready for Rain

The weather is unpredictable. Have a gazebo or large umbrella handy to keep the BBQ going even in a drizzle. A sheltered BBQ spot also helps maintain temperature control.

2. Use Lumpwood Charcoal for Better Flavour

Opt for natural lumpwood charcoal instead of briquettes – it lights quicker, burns hotter and adds a smokier taste. Avoid quick-lighting charcoal with chemicals that can affect flavour.

3. Preheat Your BBQ Properly

Give your BBQ 15–20 minutes to get to the right temperature before cooking. This helps prevent sticking and ensures meat is seared, locking in juices and flavour.

4. Cook to temperature, NOT Time

Time will differ depending on the grill you’re using or how thick your meat is, so invest in a good probe to make sure it’s just right.

5. Cook with Two Heat Zones

Set up a direct heat zone for searing and an indirect zone for slower cooking. Perfect for cooking sausages, ribs, or bone-in chicken without burning the outside before the inside is done.

Grilled S'mores Parcels (Serves 4)

This recipe puts a smoky twist on a British classic. Think banoffee pie meets gooey s'mores cooked to perfection on the BBQ and wrapped in foil for extra flavour (and minimal clean-up). 

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced 
• 8 digestive biscuits, crushed roughly 
• 4 heaped tsp dulce de leche (or Carnation caramel) 
  
• 1 small bar of milk chocolate (or chocolate buttons)
• A handful of mini marshmallows 
• An optional splash of rum or toffee liqueur
• Foil for wrapping 
  
  
  

Method

1. Prep the foil

Tear four large squares of heavy duty foil (or double layer regular for foil). Lightly grease with a bit of butter or oil.

2. Assemble the parcels 

In the centre of each foil square, layer:

• Crushed biscuits 

• Banana slices 

• A teaspoon of ducle de leche 

• A few pieces of chocolate 

• Mini marshmallows 

• (Optional) A drizzle of liqueur
  
  

3. Wrap tightly 

Fold the foil into a secure parcel, sealing the edges so nothing leaks out. 

4. Grill

Place the parcels on the BBQ over a medium heat for 8-10 minutes, with the lid down if possible. The chocolate and marshmallows should melt, and the bananas will soften and caramelise. 

5.  Serve carefully 

Open the foil (be careful of steam) and optionally top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It's a little bit messy and totally delicious!

Swap the chaos of Christmas cooking and cleaning for cocktails, crackling fires and craic at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat this festive season.

Check in on Christmas Eve and check out on Boxing Day with everything sorted from festive feasts and spa chills to fireside s’mores and plenty of live entertainment. 

This is Christmas at The Rabbit: easy-going, a touch luxe and packed with cheer.

Whether you’re toasting marshmallows by the Lakeside Garden, sinking into a botanical bath with a glass of fizz or dancing the night away in Hunter’s Bar, The Rabbit is all about good times, good food and a little bit of indulgence.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to frosted gardens, the scent of mulled wine in the air and the promise of a day filled with delicious food and simple joys. No shopping lists, no stress. Just time with the people you love most.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

Christmas Eve

• Arrive and kick things off with seasonal small plates and mulled wine.
• Choose your chill: a private duo clay ritual or a botanical bath in the spa.
• Get cosy by the lakeside firepit, toast s’mores and sip on festive tipples under the stars.
• Tuck into a three-course dinner before the craic continues in Hunter’s Bar.
• End the night wrapped up in the comfort of your room, ready to wake to the excitement of Christmas morning without lifting a finger.

Christmas Day

• Start with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and a glass of Bucks Fizz or a Bloody Mary.
• Meet Father Christmas himself as he makes a stop at The Rabbit with festive treats.
• Spend the morning your way: a dip into the spa, a crisp winter stroll or opening gifts by the fire.
• Tuck into a traditional three-course Christmas lunch, full of festive favourites.
• The afternoon is all about slowing down. Snuggle into the movie lounge for a Christmas classic or spend time sharing stories and laughter by the fire.
• In the evening, enjoy a relaxed chef’s supper before retreating to your room for a cosy night’s sleep.
• Christmas Day here feels like home, only with all the best bits and none of the washing up.

Boxing Day

• Squeeze in one last spa session, then fuel up with breakfast before heading home or stay a little longer (we won’t judge).

Make it A Crackin' Christmas

From £635 per person sharing, A Crackin’ Christmas at The Rabbit is all about swapping stress for celebration. Bring your besties, your other half or the whole gang. It’s time to eat, drink and be merry, Rabbit style.

With twinkling lights, cosy corners, spa indulgence and plenty of festive flavour, it’s Christmas done differently. This year, give yourself the gift of slowing down and savouring it all.

Click

here

THE HAPPY COUPLE

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

We were high school sweethearts, we met in second year before hitting it off in third year. We got engaged on our second trip to Paris after we both fell in love with the city first time round. Brian proposed with a sunrise breakfast overlooking the Eiffel Tower, followed by a private river seine boat trip, and ending with a romantic dinner at a beautiful restaurant watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel tower above us. A day we will always remember.

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Ceremony

We had our ceremony in the beautiful Boathouse. We dreamt of a relaxing, personal ceremony and that is exactly what we got due to this wonderful space and the amazing Chloe Cairns (@chloecairns.thecelebrant).

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

The venue search was very short for us, I found The Loft on social media while on night duty. Brian woke up to a number of text messages at 4am, “I’ve found our venue”. A viewing was made for that weekend and as soon as we walked into The Loft we both knew it was perfect for us. It was exactly what we wanted from a venue, it ticked all our boxes. The Wedding team at The Rabbit made the process so easy and enjoyable and were always on hand to offer their help and advice and guide you through the process.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

We have so many wonderful memories from our wedding day but one of our favourites has to be having our wee dog at our ceremony. When we found out that The Rabbit was a dog friendly hotel it was the cherry on top. They were more than happy for her to part of our special day and were so accommodating in making this happen. She ran up the aisle towards us when we were pronounced as husband and wife which made for some amazing photos that we will have forever. It meant so much to us and it topped of an amazing ceremony.

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Celebrant

Chloe Cairns @chloecairns.thecelebrant

Cake

Phoebe Carson @cakesbypheebs

Flowers

Anna & Jonny @bloomingeventsni

Entertainment

The Nooks @thenooksmusic

Photographer

Andrew Mckenna @amck_photo

Videographer

Matthew Irvine @irvineweddingfilm

Wedding Dress & Accessories

@ivyandwhitebride

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

@la_mariee_bridesmaids_

Groomswear

Freddie hatchet @freddiehatchet

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

@lynziolovely

Hair

@sineadwilliams_bridalhair

This is not your average dessert. Our Passionfruit & Coconut Panna Cotta is smooth, creamy and bursting with tropical vibes. Think silky coconut layers topped with a zingy passionfruit jelly — refreshing, light and totally drool-worthy.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is super simple to make. Perfect for BBQs, dinner parties or just when you want something a little extra.

Trust us, you’ll want to make this on repeat all summer.

Passionfruit & Coconut Panna Cotta - Serves 7

Ingredients 

• 500g of coconut purée
• 250ml of coconut milk
• 100g of caster sugar
• 3 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water

Method

• In a saucepan, combine the coconut purée, coconut milk and sugar. Gently bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled a little, stir in the soaked gelatine until fully incorporated.
• Carefully pour the mixture into your chosen serving glasses or moulds.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and chill until set and firm.

Passionfruit Jelly

Ingredients 

• 500ml passionfruit puree
• 4.5 gelatine leaves 
• 900g caster sugar

Method 

• Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water until soft.
• In a small saucepan, gently heat the passionfruit purée and sugar, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the softened gelatine until completely melted and incorporated.
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Important: Do not pour the jelly while it’s still warm, as this can melt the top layer of the panna cotta and cause it to blend rather than form a clean layer.
• Once cooled, carefully spoon a thin layer (about 2 tablespoons) over each set panna cotta. Return to the fridge and chill until the jelly layer is firm.

Whether you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen or just want to skip straight to the good part, the Passionfruit & Coconut Panna Cotta is a must this summer. Try making it yourself or swing by and let us serve it up chilled, creamy and ready to impress.

THE HAPPY COUPLE

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Connor and I met in April 2012. I was living in Australia at the time, and I came home for a friend’s wedding. Connor had become friends with all our mutual friends while I had been living away. We met on Good Friday in Filthy McNasty’s. Connor hadn’t intended on being out as he had been out the night before and had a football match the next morning. However, upon getting to know me he decided to stay and later that night we had our first cheeky kiss. Unfortunately, I went back to Australia, but we kept in contact while I was away. Fast forward to August 2012 and I booked Connor a one way ticket to Melbourne to come join me. We then moved back home to Belfast in 2013. Connor took me to NYC in Jan 2017 as a 30th Birthday present. One night he decided to take me on a midnight walk in Central Park. When we got there, it was -4 degrees the ground was covered in snow and ice. We came to a bank by the lake in central park, the water was completely frozen over. Connor asked me to grab a stone to break the ice and as I turned round there was the big eejit on his knee with a ring and asked me to marry him. I initially laughed until he said “Hurry up my knees cold” and of course I said yes!!

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Ceremony

We had a beautiful Humanist Ceremony with our amazing Celebrant Ciara Turley in the stunning Boat House ceremony room in the grounds of The Rabbit Hotel. We couldn’t recommend our celebrant enough Ciara is truly one beautiful lady and she made the whole ceremony so special and personalised. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The Boat House was just the most stunning location for our ceremony too, so cosy and beautifully decorated.

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

When we finally decided to book our wedding and search for the perfect venue The Loft was top of our list. From initial contact the staff couldn’t be more accommodating from trying to schedule in a viewing time that would suit us and even on our first visit to The Loft. When we seen the space we just knew it was the perfect space for us. The room was so beautifully decorated that we didn’t need to do anything to it, this took that whole stress away from us. The wedding package they offered just had everything that we wanted to be included. The location of the venue was also perfect as it was close enough to Belfast and the airport for our guests to easily travel to and from. The whole place was just completely our vibe.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

The ceremony was highlight for us it was such an emotional and special moment that we got to share with all our closest friends and family. Also the food at the reception was absolutely outstanding, we’ve had so many comments from our guests about how good the food was. We also loved the attention to detail and help the staff gave us on our day from start to finish. Our hands were never empty without a drink! Special mention to Claire and Chloe who literally couldn’t have done anymore for us thank you so so much you girls are complete angels!

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Wedding Stationery

Wedding Sign by Courtney Rush, Crush Art

Cake

Claire @ Lily Pink Bakery

Flowers

All Seasons Belfast

Entertainment

Rachel Toman, Band was The Hallions, DJ was Conor Harding

Photographer

Laura Curran

Videographer

Bobkin Film

Favours

Glowsticks and mini disco balls

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Archive 12 designer Bonbride Veil and earrings Blue Meadow Bridal

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Silk Fred

Groomswear

Red Groomswear Belfast

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Hunibex

Hair

Judith McKay (Andrew Mulvenna)

1. The Décor  

Northern Ireland’s most iconic wedding venue, The Loft is an exclusive-use venue offering an environment of unabridged luxury. Come see for yourself! 

2. Social Dining Experience

Enjoy your first meal as newlyweds with up to 140 of your family and friends gathered in this one-of-a-kind setting. A unique feasting menu celebrates the joining of two families through a social dining experience.

3. Personal and Heartfelt Service

The Loft’s team of wedding planning experts are proud to do things differently, with all the character and charm of a luxurious wedding setting, couples can expect heartfelt personal service paired with a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. 

4. The Food

Enjoy a unique twist on a traditional wedding feast. Think sharing boards, dinner served from the pantry and delicious desserts. 

5. On-site Ceremonies

Walking down the aisle is one of the most important moments of your big day. Our beautifully intimate Boathouse Ceremony room sits lakeside and reflects the rustic charm and natural warmth of the Loft. Hosting your nearest and dearest, this elegant setting is the perfect space to say your I Do’s. Licensed for civil ceremonies, partnerships, blessings, and renewals of vows. 

6. Unique Enhancements  

The Loft’s enhancement features are perfect for those wishing to step it up a notch. From a grazing table and canapes to a candy, gin, or cigar & whiskey cart and more, make the day yours. 

7. The Showstopping Spa at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat

Exuding a mix of sophisticated luxury and Bohemian glam, The Spa promises luxurious facilities, laid-back Balearic vibes and a chilled party playlist to match, making it the perfect spot for post-wedding celebrations. If you want to celebrate day two in style, enjoy a dinner in the cosy surrounds of The Restaurant, or BBQ after a day of lounging around The Spa or pool party for an unforgettable night– keep the good times going with endless options available.

Try out our favourite summer sour cocktail at home, made using the new Watermelon & Basil Grey Goose Essences vodka. This recipe is provided by our talented mixologists and is sure to be a great choice for summer.

Ingredients

• 35ml Grey Goose Watermelon & Basil Essences Vodka
• 15ml Midori Melon liqueur
• 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 20ml Simple Syrup
• Whites of 1 Egg

Method

• Chill a coupe glass with ice and set to the side
• Add all ingredients to the large half of the cocktail shaker, we advise starting with the fruit juices in case you make a mistake and waste the precious alcohol.
• Place the smaller half on top keeping one side flush with larger half and the other creating a semi-circular opening, ‘dry shake’ (without ice) vigorously for about 10seconds.
• Hold the tin in one hand, and clap it with your other hand as the tins start to separate at the semi-circular opening you left, Add ice to shaker, place the smaller half back on top at the same angle and shake again.
• Once you have removed the smaller of the two tins, place your strainer on top, I hold the tin in my palm between my thumb and last three fingers leaving my first free to hold the strainer in place on top of the tin. Ditch the ice from your chilled glass and pour - for best results, use your other hand to hold a double strainer and pour your cocktail through both strainers to remove any little shards of ice.
• Garnish with a slice of fresh watermelon

Enjoy!

As the days grow longer and the promise of spring lingers in the air, we’re brightening up your glass with a tropical twist on a Brazilian classic. Introducing our Mango Caipirinha – The Rabbit Hotel’s cocktail of the month for April.

Bursting with zesty lime, sweet mango, and the bold kick of Cachaça, this vibrant cocktail is the perfect sip to welcome warmer days. Whether you're joining us at the bar or mixing it up at home, here’s how to bring a taste of sunshine to your glass.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Cachaça
• 4 lime wedges (muddled)
• 1 demerara sugar cube
• 35ml mango purée
• 10ml mango syrup

Method:

• Place one cube of demerara sugar into a Boston shaker.
• Pour 50ml of Cachaça over the sugar cube.
• Gently muddle the sugar until dissolved.
• Add four fresh lime wedges and muddle again to release their juice.
• Add the mango purée and mango syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
• Pour (or “dump”) the contents into a whiskey glass.
• Garnish with a slice of fresh mango.

Whether you're lounging lakeside or setting the mood for an evening in, this Mango Caipirinha is sure to add a splash of sunshine to your April. Pop by The Rabbit to try it from the hands of our expert bartenders - or give it a go at home and bring a little of The Rabbit magic to your own cocktail hour.

Cheers!