The commercial law firm says the number of licensed premises it acts for has grown by 2,000 per cent over the last five years.

The hospitality team has expanded from one to five specialist lawyers with deep sector knowledge and experience across retail, hospitality and leisure.

In the past year, the firm has acted for hospitality operators including Dunluce Lodge, The Regency, The Halt, Finn Lough, Trait, Charlie’s Pizza and Drip Coffee.

Mr Murray said: “Our hospitality clients operate in a uniquely competitive and regulated environment. They need more than legal advice — they require commercially-driven solutions that help them open, expand and grow. That is exactly what we deliver at Foot Anstey McKees.

“Our growth reflects the trust clients place in us to secure their licences, particularly mixed-trade licences, where specialist expertise makes a real difference.

“We thrive on complex instructions and by combining high-level commercial thinking with hands-on sector experience, we secure results that support business success and regional growth.

“2025 has been a milestone year for Foot Anstey McKees and we expect this demand to accelerate further in 2026.

“We are committed to investing in our talented team, expanding our specialist services and supporting the businesses at the heart of Northern Ireland’s hospitality and leisure industry.”

Belfast-based McKees merged with UK law firm Foot Anstey in the summer to form Foot Anstey McKees.