Titanic Belfast Hits High ‘Point’ with Social Enterprise
11th Jun 2021
Titanic Belfast has expanded its five-star hospitality offering in partnership with Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (Usel), a leading provider that helps people with disabilities and health related conditions into employment in Northern Ireland. The world-class visitor attraction has reopened Hickson’s Point, its shipyard themed hospitality space, and is working with the organisation to provide a unique delicacy – the Titanic ‘Clanger’ through its Ability Cafés and Training Academy.
Usel is one of Northern Ireland’s leading Social Enterprises, operating several cafés across Northern Ireland, which provide training and employment opportunities for people with a disability or health condition looking to work within the hospitality sector. Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Usel employs, supports and trains over 1,200 people throughout the country across various sectors annually.
Speaking about the partnership, John Lyttle, Skills Coach at Usel said; “This is a really unique opportunity for us to work in partnership with Titanic Belfast to deliver a bespoke offering to their visitors. We are delighted Titanic Belfast have chosen to work with a local social enterprise, and we look forward to working with them. This partnership will allow us to create more jobs for people with a disability or health condition in the hospitality sector.”
Inspired by one of the first ship builders in the city, Hickson’s Point offers an authentic 1900’s public house setting, combining traditional music, heritage décor and locally produced food for its visitors. The Titanic Clanger provided by the team at Usel would have been a shipyard staple back in the 1900s, combining the lunch and the box ‘rolled’ into one – the hearty meal for hard workers!
Catriona Armour, Outlets Manager at Titanic Belfast noted; “Having the Clanger as a signature offering at Hickson’s Point really adds to the experience allowing visitors to uncover the homemade flavours of Belfast from that era and get an authentic taste of the shipyard. Our partnership with USEL really adds to that story and we are delighted to be able to support the team at the Ability Cafés – we have no doubt that the Clangers will prove popular with visitors to Titanic Belfast and those enjoying the Maritime Mile as we move into our high season.”
The collaboration forms part of Titanic Belfast’s business wide CSR strategy, which it plans to develop and expand upon following its reopening on 27th May.
Hickson’s Point is open to visitors on Titanic Belfast’s West Plaza and is serving classic clangers, sweet treats, barista coffee, beer or wine which can be enjoyed inside or in the adjoining beer garden. Find out more at titanicbelfast.com.
