Charlie’s
Charlie’s is a neighbourhood slice shop located on the Ormeau Road in Belfast, designed by OGU Architects in collaboration with chef Marty Duggan, founder of the popular pizza venture Pi Guy. The project transforms a ground-floor unit in the Curzon Building into a relaxed, welcoming hospitality space rooted in the everyday life of the local community.
Situated beside long-established venues including The Pavilion and The Errigle Inn, Charlie’s contributes to the evolving identity of the Ormeau Road as one of Belfast’s most vibrant neighbourhood streets. The project demonstrates how small-scale architectural interventions can support local businesses, strengthen neighbourhood character and activate the public realm.
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Client: Charlie’s / Marty Duggan
Charlie’s was conceived as a casual slice shop inspired by pizza spots in New York, offering a relaxed environment where people can drop in for a slice and a drink. The design prioritises familiarity and comfort, creating a space that feels embedded within the life of the street rather than separate from it. The project reflects the fact that both the architect and client are local residents, with the ambition to create a place that feels genuinely part of the neighbourhood along the Ormeau Road.
The design was inspired by robust brick alleyways which have become social spaces in the area. It is recognisably Belfast in its material choices and not an exercise in selecting fashionable elements. The space is already hugely popular and part of the meeting points and food culture of the street. People grab a slice and meet up on a regular basis. It is welcoming and informal enough that people are happy to sit and grab a beer and slice on their own.
The team worked hard to ensure the space felt warm and inviting, drawing on the client’s inspirations as well as an intuitive sense of place, with everyone living and working in the area. Less than a year after opening, the restaurant was included in the McKenna’s Guide.
Charlies Neighbourhood Slice Shop - McKenna’s Guide 2026
Impact
Charlie’s has quickly become part of the social fabric of the Ormeau Road, acting as a regular meeting point and contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a food destination. It builds on the street’s strong identity of independent businesses, adding another active frontage that supports footfall and everyday activity.
The space encourages informal use, from quick visits to longer stays, reinforcing the Ormeau Road as a walkable neighbourhood centre. Its success demonstrates how modest, well considered hospitality projects can strengthen local character and play a meaningful role in placemaking, with recognition in the McKenna’s Guide within its first year.
An atmosphere that feels authentic and familiar
Process
OGU Architects worked closely with the client to translate the ethos of the Pi Guy brand into a permanent space. The project involved adapting the existing ground-floor unit within the Curzon Building to accommodate a compact kitchen, counter service and flexible seating for casual dining.
The design process focused on creating an environment that reflects the personality of the business while remaining durable and easy to maintain. Bespoke flexible furniture ensures the space can support the rhythm of a busy neighbourhood restaurant.
