We opened Nick's Warehouse at the end of 1989. We loved the feel of the narrow cobbled streets and the red brick buildings. Number 35 Hill Street had been reduced to an enormous pigeon loft, ignored and neglected in an area once at the heart of Belfast City. Astonishment and mutterings of madness followed us as we set to persuading the pigeons to move on.

'Nicks Warehouse' was in fact just that - a warehouse - originally built for the Bushmills Whiskey Co. as a Bonded Store in 1832. Customers tell us that they can remember buying flagons of whiskey here - or perhaps they mean their Grandads can. The original building was quite small, seating on 90 people on two floors - the ground floor being devoted to a wine-bar (Belfast's first real one) and the first floor to more formal business dining (with linen!)

'Nicks Warehouse' immediately established a regular following among the business community as a favourite lunchtime venue. Excellent food, attention to detail, efficient informed staff - exactly what Belfast was waiting for. We were not mad at all! We knew we had arrived whenever estate agents began to describe properties as 'adjacent to Nick's Warehouse' and we achieved listings in all the major guides: Good Food Guide, Bridgestone, Egon Ronay, Michelin, Ackerman etc. after our first year.

In 1997 we decided to relieve the queues at lunchtime by adding 200sq metres giving 90 extra seats and a brand new open kitchen come theatre - complex with manic chefs creating flames, superb food and a buzzing atmosphere. The menus change daily and the sample evening menu listed will give you an idea of our style.

Over the years we have forged links with a network of local suppliers large and small. From the organic lettuce man to the wild boar and rare pig lady, from the Champion sausage maker to the man who picks the crabs in Dundrum we are delighted to be able to feature their interesting unusual produce on our menus. The fishmonger is a very useful alarm call as he ring the house every morning with a list of what's available that day.

Wine is an important part of life at any restaurant and is something of a passion for us. Field research for our wine-list has become a hobby. We try to present the list in an informative, amusing style. Always in search of some new country or area producing interesting drinking at affordable prices we rope our friends into blind tasting to gauge their reactions. It's a rotten job but someone's got to do it (make us an offer - you could be invited to the next one).

Our customers quickly become regulars at Nick's warehouse, they love the buzz, the relaxed atmosphere and of course the consistent high standards achieved with the help and commitment of our wonderful staff.

We look forward to welcoming you to Nick's warehouse - we are sure you will want to return.