BELFAST INSIDER
Hello Belfast! 👋
Storm Chandra left its mark across Northern Ireland overnight. Power cuts, school closures, and flooding affected many communities. We hope you and your loved ones are safe.
If your area was impacted, how did you cope or help out? We would love to hear your stories.
Here are the things worth knowing in Belfast this week.
What caught our eye →
THE DIGEST: Belfast in Brief
😊 We’re officially happy out
Here’s one for your next family gathering: Northern Ireland is officially happier than the Republic.
The latest Continuous Household Survey shows 33 percent of people here rate their life satisfaction as very high compared to 26.4 percent in the south, according to Irish News.
The biggest drivers of happiness were good health, being in work, and owning your own home. That’s despite ongoing pressure on health services and tight government funding.
Things aren’t perfect here but the data suggests people are still finding ways to enjoy life.
Maybe it’s the craic, maybe it’s the scenery. Or we’re just good at making the best of it.
Be honest though, do you feel happier than you were five years ago?
🏆 Antrim and Newtownabbey cracks the UK top 10 for business growth
Antrim and Newtownabbey has landed in the UK’s top 10 locations for high-growth business potential, according to new data from Growth Flag as reported by Love Belfast.
The borough scored 12 percent for high-growth potential, the strongest in Northern Ireland. The ranking highlights strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and health sciences.
With over 4.3 million UK businesses assessed and only nine percent expected to grow significantly in 2026, making the top 10 is no small feat. The report credits a skilled workforce, strong connectivity, and firms investing in innovation as key reasons the area is punching above its weight.
Know a business building something interesting in Antrim or Newtownabbey? Hit reply and tell us.
🥾 New walking trails approved to connect communities to the Belfast Hills
Good news for anyone who loves a ramble.
Belfast City Council has approved new walking trails linking the Black Mountain Shared Space on Ballygomartin Road with Upper Whiterock Road and Moyard Parade.
The plans include gated access points, seating areas, information signs, and landscaping to give local communities better access to the Belfast Hills. The new routes will also connect into the wider hill path network.
If you’ve been looking for new places to stretch your legs without leaving the city, this one’s worth keeping an eye on.
Got a favourite Belfast walk already? We’re always collecting ideas.
Which one surprised you most this week?
Reply with Happy, Business or Outdoors and tell us why →
🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SCOOP
🎖️Belfast Telegraph Business Awards deadline approaching
Got a Northern Ireland business worth celebrating? Entries for the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026 close on Friday, February 6 at 5pm. Now in its 10th year and sponsored by Ulster Bank, the awards recognise NI businesses across 17 categories, including exporting, marketing, workplace wellbeing, and innovation. Winners will be announced at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast on March 25. It will be hosted by BBC's Mark Simpson. From start-ups to family firms, it's a chance to showcase what you've built and gain serious local visibility.
📝 Enter here: belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessawards/enter
Thinking of entering? Or know a business that should? Forward this to them or hit reply and we’ll nudge them.
Your Weekend Lineup
🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING:
No scrolling, no stress.
Here’s your ready-made list of things happening around Belfast this week.
Thursday, January 29
Friday, January 30
Saturday, January 31
Sunday, February 1
Tuesday, February 3
Wednesday, February 4
If you could only pick one event this week, what’s your move?
Reply with the emoji or event name.
💛 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
AGE NI
Age NI is out there every day making sure Northern Ireland's older people aren't forgotten. From running a free advice line to delivering hands-on care and wellbeing services, they're helping seniors live independently and with dignity. They also work at policy level to ensure older voices are heard when big decisions are being made. It's practical support when it's needed most.
The numbers speak for themselves: Age NI helps thousands of older people every year with practical advice and support, delivering thousands of hours of care annually. They're tackling issues like isolation, health needs, and quality of life challenges that many seniors face. Their work strengthens communities by helping older people stay connected, independent, and valued.
In a city where our older population continues to grow, Age NI fills a crucial gap. They're the people showing up to make sure no one gets left behind as they age. Whether it's navigating benefits, finding care options, or simply having someone to talk to, Age NI is there when it matters most. Northern Ireland is a better place to grow old because of them.
Want to help?
💷 Donate | 🌐 Volunteer opportunities | 📱 @AgeNI
Know a local group doing quiet, important work?
Reply with a name and we’ll take a look →
🍽️ Foodie Finds
Sakura (Botanic Avenue)
This week’s pick comes courtesy of Belfast Foodie Girl, reminding us that some of Belfast’s best food spots have been hiding in plain sight for years.
Sakura, on Botanic Avenue, has been serving authentic Japanese food since the early 2000s — a proper local institution.
Must try:
The Lunch Special runs Monday–Friday, 12pm–3pm: a main course for £11.50, or add a starter like Yakitori Chicken Skewers or Crispy Duck Rolls for £3.20. Tip: grab a seat by the sushi train on the ground floor — don’t miss the dragon roll if it passes by!
The vibe: Classic Japanese with the iconic sushi train, perfect for quick bites between lectures or proper catch-ups over cocktails.
Price range: ££ (Lunch mains £11.50, starters £3.20, cocktails £7.95)
Location: Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7
Hours: Mon–Fri lunch 12pm–3pm (full menu available other times)
“Sitting by the sushi train on the ground floor is basically a Belfast rite of passage… reliable, authentic, and easy on the wallet.” – Belfast Foodie Girl
Watch her full review & follow: @belfastfoodiegirl
@belfastfoodiegirl Belfast’s First Authentic Japanese Restraunt (opened in the early 00’s) They have great Lunch deals too!! #belfastfood #sakurabelfast #bot... See more
Been to Sakura before?
💬 YOUR VOICE
Belfast question:
What's the biggest Belfast misconception you're tired of hearing?
Reply and set the record straight.
🗳️ Quick gut check. How was today’s edition?
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Until next time,
Let’s get the craic on!