Raising the bar in hospitality venues
A new hospitality venue, Char & Mash, inspired by Belfast’s industrial heritage has opened at the SSE Arena, following a 16-week fit-out programme delivered by specialist contractor Marcon Fit-Out Ltd.
Spanning 15,000 sq ft, Char & Mash features six distinct areas , including a terrace, private tasting room, dining booths, and social spaces. The design draws heavily on the city’s industrial legacy, blending exposed materials with handcrafted finishes that pay tribute to the workers, craftsmen, and distillers who shaped Belfast’s past.
The venue’s theme—“Belfast’s industrial heritage meets modern hospitality”—is reflected in every element of the interior, from custom wall panelling and ceiling features to bespoke joinery crafted by Marcon’s in-house workshop team.
Appointed as the main fit-out contractor, Marcon was responsible for the full transformation of the shell space. Works included installation of all new MEP services, construction of feature bars and booth seating, integration of AV and lighting elements, and delivery of high-spec wall, floor, and ceiling finishes.
Working within a live public venue like SSE Arena brought logistical challenges, particularly around deliveries, noise control, and scheduling works to avoid disruption. All major joinery elements were pre-manufactured off-site to streamline installation and maintain programme targets.
Contracts Manager, Lorcan Hegarty said ” where Belfast’s industrial heritage meets modern hospitality. We are extremely proud to have delivered this unique venue at the heart of the Odyssey complex over 15,000 sq. ft and £3m investment. The completed project showcases the expert craftsmanship of our specialist in-house manufacturing teams, our experienced project teams, and dedicated site teams. The project was delivered within a live complex without impact to the business operations or customer experiences. We are honoured that Char+Mash has been shortlisted for Fit Out Project of the Year – Hospitality (Bar) at the Fit-Out Awards UK 2025.”
