Sales of Guinness, Rockshore and other Diageo draught brands have climbed by 53% at Belfast International Airport since the Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen was refurbished and a new partnership with Diageo began.

The hospitality firm Mount Charles, which operates the venue, invested £1 million to transform the space into a 180-seat restaurant and bar. It now also includes a Bewley’s coffee dock.

As part of the deal, Diageo supplied new pouring equipment and provided extra training for bar staff, aiming to maintain quality in the busy airport environment.

The revamp is one component of the airport’s wider £100 million transformation programme, which is upgrading facilities across the site.

Chris Annon, a company director at Mount Charles, said passengers increasingly expect quality and well-known brands when they travel. He noted that Guinness has quickly become an important part of the venue’s offer.

Brendan Gallagher of Diageo said demand for the drinks reflects the strong local and international reputation of the brands. He added that the company is pleased with the early results and looks forward to building on the partnership.

The sales increase highlights the appeal of familiar Irish brands among both local travellers and international visitors passing through Northern Ireland’s busiest airport.