The Innovation After Hours event series provides an opportunity to network with like-minded people and to be inspired by innovative and entrepreneurial guest speakers who are working on interesting ventures. It’s a casual meet up, with food and beverages open to QUB students, staff and the general public.

In November, we are delighted to have one of Northern Ireland’s most successful hospitality operators, Michael Stewart, as our guest speaker. Michael will discuss his career in hospitality which spans more than three decades and provide leadership and entrepreneurial insights from his journey.

About the Speaker

Michael Stewart has over 36 years’ experience in hospitality which includes leading roles in some of the city's most successful bars and clubs.

His portfolio includes roles at Lisburn Road venue Bob Cratchit's, Botanic Inns Group, the former Ultimate Leisure's Bamboo Beach Club, Irene and Nan's, Bar Bacca and La Lea, the Potthouse and The Advocate. He then went on to run House Belfast hotel, bar and restaurant, with business partner Alan Clancy on Botanic Avenue - which occupies the former site of Madison's.

Today he is the Director of Common Market - the street food market, function space and bar located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and is the Past President of the Belfast Chamber.

Michael also has his own firm Bar Czar, a consultancy and training business for the trade offering services such as security training.