Belfast has been voted one of the top 12 cities in the world, and with more people than ever keen to visit its hottest bars, most exclusive restaurants and luxury hotels Melita Williams is helping them get the most out of the city. Founder of ‘Bespoke Belfast’ which customises holidays and short breaks to the city, Melita is herself a convert to the Belfast way of life, setting up home in Stranmillis, where many of the charms of the ‘beautiful south’ are within reach, including Botanic Gardens and the historic Queen’s Quarter.
I was born in St Asaph North Wales
I grew up in Pembrokeshire, West Wales
I now live in Stranmillis
I was educated at Milford Haven Grammar School
My earliest memory is having a row for cutting my little brother’s hair off
When I was a child I wanted to be an air hostess
I actually became an education specialist,(teacher, assistant head, university lecturer) prior to starting ‘Bespoke Belfast’
Worst job I’ve ever had was beach cleaning
Best job you've ever had the one I have now – running my own business
The bravest thing I've ever done is off-piste snowboarding at the ‘Vallee Blanche’, Chamonix and the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in Verbier – and playing women’s rugby for Wales - that was pretty scary sometimes!
The stupidest thing I've ever done confuse ‘Iris Recognition’ for ‘Irish Recognition’ at airport security and wonder how they knew if you were Irish or not
The biggest thing I've yet to do win a ‘Best New Business start up’ award and then ‘Best Business in Northern Ireland ‘ a few years after.
The people who inspire me most are my parents
The most important thing in the world is my family and friends
I'm very bad at spreadsheets
I'm very good at all things arty and creative, and I’m working hard on improving my listening skills
I'm most proud of setting up my own business
My best friend would say I am loyal and fun
I like to relax by having my Downton Abbey fix. I’m missing it already
My favourite saying is ‘Luck is simply a mixture of preparation and opportunity’
The last book I read was The Help
My favourite movie is Anchorman
The actor that would play me in a movie of my life would be Robin Wright Penn
The song that makes me dance is anything from Snow Patrol – even the slow ones
The song I would have played at my funeral would be a nautical funeral hymn called ‘For those in peril on the sea’ as it’s actually called ‘Melita’
The best place I've ever been Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire, now voted in the top 10 beaches in the world (but don’t tell anyone as it’s lovely and quiet)
The place I have to visit before I die is New York
The last text message I received was from a friend discussing our hangovers from the Children in Need Strictly event we attended last night
If I was a politician I would definitely bring in the controversial ban on smoking in cars, especially if there are children in the back. Really pleased that NI and Wales are leading the way here
If I won the lottery I would pay for a 10 year contract for Sam Warburton to move over and play rugby for Ulster
If I could describe myself in five words they would be bubbly, thoughtful, warm, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic
If I could invite five people (living or dead) to a dinner party they would be Will Ferrell, Richie McCaw, Morecambe and Wise, and Mary Peters (I’ve heard Mary speak a few times since living here and she is so inspirational)
If I could change one thing about South Belfast it would be to move both my favourite city centre bars right up here into the middle of South Belfast. They are much too far away
My favourite thing about South Belfast is the lovely staff (and the coffee) in my local coffee shops - on Stranmillis and Botanic
