LQ BID BRINGS A TASTE OF CANADA TO BELFAST AT FLAXX

The Dep, a new Canadian-inspired street food concept, launched yesterday, Wednesday 15th October, at FLAXX – the outdoor social space on Brunswick Street developed and managed by LQ BID.

Local hospitality operator Oui Poutine, a key player in Belfast’s independent food scene since 2016, will oversee the venture, inspired by Montréal’s iconic dépanneurs – the city’s beloved neighbourhood convenience stores.

FLAXX opened in 2022 and has been crucial to regenerating the Blackstaff Square area, once considered an anti-social behavioural hotspot, which now boasts live music, events, and a pétanque Piste.

Situated within this cultural hub, The Dep will bring a fresh offering of North American-style comfort food and a community-focused tuck shop to the Linen Quarter. The menu will feature signature items such as traditional poutine and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, alongside seasonal specials. The tuck shop will highlight local producers, complementing the Dep’s Canadian theme while celebrating Belfast’s independent food scene.

Chris McCracken, Managing Director at Linen Quarter BID, said, “Since its opening in 2022, FLAXX has been a lively outdoor social space in the Linen Quarter. The Dep brings an exciting new food offering to the venue and the wider area, combining excellent food with a vibrancy that aligns perfectly with our vision for the district.”

The Dep will operate weekdays from early morning through to early evening, with extended weekend hours aligned with local events and activations. Beyond its food offering, The Dep will also build on the community-focused events program delivered by LQ BID over the summer, including music and dance performances and games such as ring toss and Cornhole – all designed to encourage people to congregate in the lively and revamped Blackstaff Square area.

Kylah Dittmar at The Dep said, “We’re excited to bring something different to the city – The Dep is a love letter to the food I grew up with, delivered in a way that connects with Belfast’s brilliant brunch and street food culture. We’ve always admired the energy of the Linen Quarter, and FLAXX is the perfect home for this concept. Alongside our Canadian-inspired dishes, our tuck shop will showcase local producers, creating a space that celebrates both cultures and communities.”

The Dep will operate from 8am – 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday, at the FLAXX container kitchen on Brunswick Street from October 15th, with a public opening party scheduled from 1pm on October 18th. For more information about The Dep Canadian Street Food & Tuckshop, check out ‘The Dep Belfast’ on Instagram and Facebook.