Ulster Tatler – October 2025

Summary

Issue 10 of Ulster Tatler lands October 2025 with an Ulster Tatler Awards special supplement, a Focus on Banbridge (p.167) and bridal jewellery from award-winning Jack Murphy Jewellers on the cover. This Ulster Tatler October 2025 edition runs 192 pages covering awards, weddings, style and local business, with radio DJ John Kerr as the Jane Hardy interview (p.62).

The UT Awards supplement (p.65) is the issue's centrepiece — a dedicated pull-out section covering all award categories, finalists and judging criteria. "Emily in Belfast" (p.38) grounds the world in an evening, "Diary of Miss Northern Ireland" (p.44) follows Carly Wilson's journey, and "Jane Hardy Interview" (p.62) sits down with Radio Ulster's John Kerr. The Marcus Portrush review (p.52), CláraTide wellness retreat review (p.140) and Moxy Belfast review (p.144) cover the hospitality landscape.

Style runs "STYLE WATCH" (p.113) and "GIRL ABOUT TOWN" (p.114) with columnist Nuala Meenehan. Society weddings (p.136) documents recent nuptials. "Arts Diary" (p.150) by Kellie Burch covers the cultural calendar. The "Focus on: Banbridge" (p.167) dedicates 25 pages to the County Down market town's business, food and community scene. "Looking Back" (p.192) revisits October 2004.

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Content Guide

▸ Special Supplement / Features / Style / Weddings / Arts / Town Focus / Regulars

p.16 · Columnist — Paul Harron On… Islands and Unexpected Sights
Paul Harron's monthly essay takes readers to the islands off Ireland's coast, reflecting on the unexpected sights and solitude they offer. The piece weaves personal observation with travel history. A meditative opener that resets reading pace before the features section.

p.38 · Emily in Belfast — Ground the World in an Evening
Emily explores how a single evening in Belfast can connect you to global culture — from a Korean barbecue on the Ormeau Road to a Brazilian jazz set at the Crescent Arts Centre. The column maps three specific venues with exact addresses and booking details.

p.44 · Diary of Miss Northern Ireland — Carly Wilson
Carly Wilson documents her year as Miss Northern Ireland, from the national competition to community appearances and charity work. The diary covers 6 months of engagements across 12 counties. The key insight: the role involves 15-20 hours of voluntary work per week alongside full-time employment.

p.52 · Review: The Marcus Portrush
The Marcus Portrush, the coastal hotel and restaurant, receives a full review covering its seafood-focused menu, the whiskey bar with 120 labels, and the six boutique bedrooms. The standout dish: the cured Lough Neagh pollock with buttermilk and dill. Room rates start at £180 per night including breakfast.

p.62 · Jane Hardy Interview — John Kerr
Radio Ulster's John Kerr discusses 25 years in broadcasting, from his early days at Q97.2 to his current drivetime show. The interview covers his most memorable on-air moments, his approach to interviewing politicians, and his advice for aspiring broadcasters. His daily prep: 3 hours of reading before a 4pm start.

p.65 · UT Awards Supplement
A dedicated pull-out section covering all categories of the Ulster Tatler Awards, from Business to Hospitality to Creative Arts. Each category lists the finalists with company profiles and the judging criteria. The supplement runs 70 pages and includes voting instructions.

p.113 · Style Watch
A 1-page street-style edit photographing Belfast shoppers, restaurateurs and creatives in their autumn outfits. Each look includes brand credits and price ranges. The recurring item: a tailored wool coat in camel or grey, priced between 250 and 800.

p.136 · Society Weddings
A 4-page spread documenting recent Northern Irish weddings, each with the couple's names, venue and a highlight moment. Venues range from Belfast Castle to a private Glenariffe estate. The most photographed detail: table settings using locally foraged foliage.

p.144 · Review: Moxy Belfast
The newly opened Moxy Belfast on the Dublin Road receives a review covering its compact bedrooms, the 24/7 bar and the co-working lobby. Rates start at £79 per night, positioning it as Belfast's most affordable design-led hotel. The target guest: the budget-conscious business traveller under 40.

p.167 · Focus On: Banbridge
A 25-page dedicated section covering Banbridge's business, food and community scene. Profiles include the award-winning butcher, the independent bookshop that survived 40 years, and the three-generation milliner. The buyer tip: Banbridge's Saturday market has the best farmhouse cheese in County Down.

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Editor's Take

The UT Awards supplement (70 pages, p.65 onwards) is the issue's heavyweight — a dedicated pull-out that doubles the issue's practical value for local businesses and voters. But it also unbalances the book: the first 64 pages feel rushed, with "Emily in Belfast" and "Diary of Miss Northern Ireland" both occupying the same informal-diary register. The Banbridge focus (25 pages) is well-researched with genuine local sourcing. John Kerr interview is solid but plays it safe. Style section is thin at 2 pages. Best for UT Awards voters and Banbridge readers; the awards supplement makes this a practical reference rather than a leisurely read.

Strengths
• UT Awards supplement delivers 70 pages of dedicated content with judging criteria
• Focus on Banbridge profiles 40-plus local businesses with specific sourcing details
• Moxy Belfast review covers an actual budget-conscious hotel (from 79 per night)

Weaknesses
• First 64 pages feel rushed — two diary-format features back to back
• Style section runs only 2 pages in a 192-page issue

Verdict: Recommended — The Awards supplement makes this essential for local voters; casual readers may find the front half thin.