If you’ve ever been in charge with planning a team building day, you’ll know the struggle. You want something that gets people talking, laughing and working together but you also don’t want the eye-rolls that come with trust falls or awkward icebreakers. That’s why River Rooms in Belfast is such a winner. It’s a stylish spot right in the city centre and it’s got everything you need under one roof. Our team recently visited and here’s what we thought.
Cocktail Making at Cloud 9
Cocktails aren’t just for nights out. They’re brilliant for team building because they get everyone hands-on straight away. At Cloud 9, which is downstairs at River Rooms, the cocktail making class is a real group please. You’re greeted with a drink the moment you arrive. It instantly relaxes the group and sets the tone for what’s to come.
The bartender running the session knew exactly how to keep things light and fun while still showing us how to shake and stir properly. We learnt how to create a few different drinks from scratch, which was great fun. Some cocktails looked professional enough to sell and others looked interesting but tasted amazing.
There were competitions too, which brought out the playful side of everyone. People who never normally get competitive at work suddenly wanted to prove their drink was the best. You’d see little alliances forming, lots of banter flying about and lots of clinking glasses as we taste-tested our creations. Everyone joined in and there was plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of our labour.
Two Course Meal at Ted’s Restaurant
After all that shaking, stirring and sipping, food is essential. River Rooms is home to Ted’s Restaurant so you don’t even have to move venue. We had a two-course meal included and it was a proper treat. The set menu has loads of choice, so everyone could find something they fancied, whether they wanted something hearty, lighter or just a good burger to hit the spot.
The food came out quickly, which is exactly what you need when you’ve got a hungry group who’ve been knocking back cocktails. The portions were generous and the flavours were spot on. You could hear the sound of contented silence as everyone tucked in, which is always a good sign.
What stood out most, though, was the atmosphere. Ted’s doesn’t feel like a stuffy restaurant where you’ve got to keep your voice down. It’s relaxed, friendly and perfect for team bonding in Belfast. We could chat and laugh without feeling out of place, and the staff were welcoming and attentive.
Location of River Rooms Belfast
One of the big wins with River Rooms is where it’s based. It’s right on Donegall Quay, beside the River Lagan, which puts you in the heart of Belfast. For a team outing, that’s ideal as it eliminates long walks and awkward journeys. It’s easy to get to and surrounded by hotels, bars and transport links.
If your group’s local, there are car parks close by, and if people are travelling in, taxis and buses will drop you near the door. For companies with staff coming from further afield, there are loads of decent hotels within walking distance. That means no stressing about logistics and more time for everyone to enjoy themselves. The riverside setting adds a nice extra touch too.
Why It Works So Well for Teams
Team building in Belfast can go one of two ways. It’s either awkward and forced or it’s genuinely fun and gives people stories they’ll still be talking about at work months later. River Rooms falls firmly in the second camp. The cocktail class is hands-on, interactive and funny, so it breaks the ice without anyone even realising. The meal keeps everyone fed and happy, which avoids the danger of hangry colleagues. And because it’s all in one venue, the whole thing flows smoothly without the faff of moving a group from place to place.
It also works for all sorts of teams. If you’ve got a group that loves a bit of craic, they’ll dive straight into the competitions. If your team’s quieter, the activities can still bring them out of their shells because it’s easygoing and inclusive. There’s no pressure to perform and lots of encouragement to join in. And if you want to keep it going after the meal, River Rooms has space for drinks and music, so you can carry on without having to plan another stop.
Tips for Booking a Team Building Event at River Rooms
If you’re thinking about River Rooms for your team, here are a few tips from our visit to help make it even better. First, book the cocktail class early. It’s popular for good reason, and it sets the whole tone of the day. The most popular weekend and evening slots often sell out in advance so make sure to be organised and get booked in quickly.
Second, definitely go for the meal package. Even if you think you’ll just grab food later, you’ll be glad you had something substantial as part of the plan. It keeps everyone going and makes the event feel more complete. It also gives your team an opportunity to chat and enjoy each other’s company in a laid-back setting.
Third, give people the heads-up about the vibe. It’s a smart casual sort of place, so no need to dress for fine dining but it’s nice enough that people might want to make a bit of an effort. And lastly, plan to stick around. Don’t treat it as a quick stop. The fun of River Rooms is that you can settle in for the evening and not feel like you need to rush off anywhere else.
Our Review of River Rooms Belfast for Team Building
River Rooms Belfast is a fantastic choice for team building. It’s got the perfect mix of activity, food and atmosphere, all in a location that couldn’t be more convenient. You’ll get people working together, laughing together and maybe even discovering a hidden talent or two behind the bar.
For us, it was a brilliant way to spend an evening as a team. We left with full stomachs, a few new cocktail recipes and lots of fun stories to bring back to the office. More importantly, we left as a closer group. And isn’t that what team building is supposed to be about?
If you’re looking for something different from the usual office night out, River Rooms should be high on your list. It delivers the fun, takes away the stress and guarantees your team will have a night to remember. Get planning your team day in Belfast today!
