The Merchant Hotel in Belfast has been a beacon of luxury and hospitality for two decades, and at the heart of its success is Marco Marro, the head of Food & Beverage. In this interview, Marco reflects on the hotel's journey, from its grand opening to hosting the MTV Music Awards and serving afternoon tea to the King of Thailand. But it's his insights into the hotel's culture, innovation, and guest experiences that truly shine a light on what makes The Merchant special.
Marco's journey with the hotel began in 2005, when he met Bill Wolsey and joined as restaurant manager in January 2006. The building itself was a 'wow' moment, and the intense preparation before the opening was a challenging but proud moment for everyone involved. The expansion phase was equally challenging, but the new areas, especially the bar, added a new dimension to the hotel.
Innovation is at the core of The Merchant's food and beverage offering. The hotel invests heavily in research and development, often traveling to cities like London to stay up-to-date with trends. Collaboration with top chefs, often Michelin-starred, through industry events helps bring fresh ideas back to the hotel. At the same time, the hotel ensures its menus remain accessible while maintaining high standards.
The hotel's food and beverage offering is diverse, with fine dining in the Great Room, a French bistro-style offering, a cocktail bar, and banqueting. Each outlet has its own identity, but all share the same commitment to quality and innovation. One classic dish that has stood the test of time is the profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream, which has been on the menu since 2006 and is still very popular.
The Merchant's afternoon tea is a signature experience, and the setting plays a huge role in creating the perfect atmosphere. The hotel serves around 100 afternoon teas on a busy Saturday, and the experience has evolved over the years, with a redesigned takeaway box reflecting the 20th anniversary. One memorable occasion was serving afternoon tea to the King of Thailand, which required a lot of preparation and created a great experience for the team.
What makes The Merchant special overall is the combination of people, place, and passion. The hotel has a passionate team that takes pride in what they do, and that creates memorable experiences for guests. Marco's personal highlights include meeting Sir David Attenborough, which was a real privilege, and the hotel's ability to treat every guest the same, with respect and care. The Merchant Hotel is a true icon of Belfast's hospitality scene, and Marco Marro is at the heart of its success.
