Studio Souk: Not Your Everyday High Street Shop

Since it first opened its doors in Spires Mall in 2013, Studio Souk has exploded into a vibrant hub of local art and culture. Now a buzzing two-story retail, studio and café space in the heart of the city, Studio Souk is one of the most popular, original and imaginative spaces in Belfast. The studio is not just a high street shop or a space for artists, it is a community. As a registered charity, the organisation is not driven by profit; it is there to provide a supportive and stimulating environment, to nurture creativity and to enrich the lives of all who enter.

Leave your preconceptions about studio spaces at the door, as Studio Souk provides a surprise around every corner. When you first walk in you are greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and it is hard to keep your eyes off the sweet treats. All locally sourced, there is no need to feel guilty digging in to a mouth watering bun — you’re supporting your local community! With an array of soup and sandwiches on offer too there is no chance you will leave hungry. We strongly recommend the ‘tipsy pig’ — delicious! The quirky décor, friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere create the perfect place to sit and watch the city swirl by.

If you’re not in the mood for a cup of tea, that’s no matter; the bottom floor has plenty more to offer. Overflowing with unique Northern Irish crafts, there is something to delight everyone and anyone! Ranging from plush cushions to nourishing beard oils, colourful cards to hand-crafted statues, it is impossible to leave Studio Souk without treating yourself. But wait, it gets even better! Being an eco-friendly establishment, nearly all the materials used for the products are recycled or natural so there really is no need to feel guilty, even if you splurge a little more than intended.

There is even a spot to entertain the little ones and get their creative juices flowing!

But the real magic happens upstairs. Comprising a number of individual studio spaces and a framing studio, this floor is home to twelve artists in residence. These affordable studio spaces enable local artists to channel their creativity and display their work in a high footfall retail environment. Studio Souk provides the artists with peer support, heightened confidence and an opportunity for creative collaboration.

We stopped to talk to a few of the resident artists and they all had glowing reviews of Studio Souk. Timmy White, creator of Getrude Anna told us what the studio had done for him as an artist. Giving up his day job to pursue his textile and illustration business, he explained how the studio not only nourished him creatively, but also helped to develop his knowledge of the retail environment. The business is geared towards wholesale, and being a non-profit organisation his studio space works as a sustainable, realistic stepping stone to bigger and brighter things for his business. We absolutely love Gertrude Anna, especially the funky patchwork cushions, and Timmy’s ‘waste not, want not’ ethos. Check out his all his unique retro wares at www.gertrudeanna.com

Olive Duffy, creator of OAD Art, explained to us just how ‘life-changing’ Studio Souk has been for her. She told us how, being an artist at home, it was sometimes easy to feel lost, but her studio space and her ‘Souk family’ has given her motivation. She produces really vibrant, eye-catching pieces including stylistic portraits of Belfast, breath-taking natural landscapes and striking mosaics. But don’t take my word for it — check her out yourself in Studio Souk!

So there we have it, Studio Souk really is paving the way for artists and retailers alike in Belfast city centre. I cannot recommend it enough. Come take a look inside and support your local community — I promise you won’t regret it.

Souk Studio, 27 Castle Lane, Belfast
By Jasmine McCrory

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.