Drinking Well In Belfast

Despite the fearsome cost of sterling to those of us operating in punts, there are still some well-chosen and well-priced wines to be had in Belfast restaurants these days. Cayenne, the Rankins' hip replacement for Roscoff, has 11 tempting wines by the glass (Pewsey Vale Riesling at £2.85stg, wow!) on a cracking list of bottles that brilliantly complement fusion food. While there's a fine wine list for serious imbibers, 45 bottles on the main list cost under £20stg. Although less ambitious, the list in Merchants Restaurant at the McCausland - a new hotel where the head chef is former cook-about-Dublin, Eamon O Cathain - also has some good choices. Look out for swish Chateau de Varennes Savennieres at £22.50stg and flavoursome La Cuvee Mythique Vin de Pays d'Oc at £14.95stg.