Landmark Restoration: McCue Begins Work on Ergon’s UK Hotel Debut

A New Chapter for 26 King Street

McCue is officially on-site at 26 King Street, marking the start of a prestigious transformation in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. This landmark project sees the conversion of a historic Grade II listed building into the first UK hotel for Ergon, the renowned Greek boutique hospitality brand.

Following the global success of their "culinary hotel" flagship, Ergon House Athens, this new London destination will bring a unique Mediterranean soul to one of the city's most iconic districts. As the Main Contractor for the fit-out phase, McCue is responsible for bringing this ambitious vision to life across six levels of high-specification design.

A Foodie Hotel in the Heart of London

The Ergon House Covent Garden project is centered around the innovative "Agora" concept—a vibrant, ground-floor Greek marketplace featuring artisanal bakers, butchers, and greengrocers. Above this culinary hub, the building will house luxury hotel rooms and residential spaces, staying true to Ergon’s philosophy of "rooms above the inn."

Basement to Rooftop

Our program covers a diverse and technical scope of works, including:

• Luxury Guest Rooms (Floors 1-3): We are executing an extensive bespoke joinery package, including handcrafted cabinetry and furniture. These levels will feature premium herringbone oak flooring with matching perimeter detailing, reflecting the high-end aesthetic of the Ergon brand.

• The Rooftop Terrace Bar (4th Floor): One of the project's standout features is the creation of a premier alfresco destination. Our team is installing specialist Terrazzo tiling and bespoke bar joinery to create a world-class rooftop experience overlooking Covent Garden.

• Wellness & Gym Facilities (Basement): We are transforming the lower level into a private wellness suite, complete with acoustic isolation, mirrored wall panels, and specialist gym flooring.

• Hospitality Hub (Ground Floor): We are delivering the essential infrastructure and finishes for the boutique restaurant, ensuring the space is ready to welcome London’s food enthusiasts.

Preserving Heritage through Expert Management

Working within a Grade II listed building presents unique challenges. A primary focus for the McCue site team is the careful preservation of the building’s heritage features. Most notably, the listed main feature staircase is being strictly protected throughout the construction process, ensuring its historic integrity remains untouched while we modernize the surrounding environment.

Integrating modern MEP systems and high-performance acoustic partitions within such a sensitive structure requires the precise project management and craftsmanship for which McCue is known. We are coordinating a wide array of specialist sub-contractors to ensure that every technical requirement—from soundproofing to climate control—meets the highest standards.

Delivering Excellence

From the bespoke joinery produced in our workshops to the management of complex site logistics in Central London, this project is a showcase of McCue’s capability in the hospitality and luxury residential sectors. We are proud to be the partner of choice for Ergon’s international expansion and look forward to sharing more updates as we bring this landmark Covent Garden transformation toward completion.

McCue Delivers Sephora’s Landmark NI Debut

Beauty in the Heart of Belfast

The wait is finally over. On February 12th, 2026, Sephora officially opened its doors at Victoria Square, marking its highly anticipated debut on the island of Ireland. At McCue, we were proud to be the principal contractor behind the full fit-out of this 2,550 sq ft beauty playground, ensuring every detail met the global standards of the world’s leading beauty retailer.

A Fit-Out Built for the Spotlight

Transforming the unit into a high-energy retail environment required precision and a deep understanding of Sephora’s iconic branding. Our team delivered a comprehensive turnkey solution, including:

• Bespoke Joinery: Crafting the signature black-and-white sleek finishes that define the brand.

• Technical Integration: Installing complex lighting arrays and interactive displays.

• Turnkey Management: From the initial shell to the final Instagram-ready polish, we handled all internal finishes and technical MEP services.

The Belfast Effect

The real test of any retail fit-out is how it handles a crowd, and Belfast did not disappoint. By 1:00 PM on opening day, an estimated 1,800 people had queued throughout Victoria Square, with some fans arriving hours before dawn.

The atmosphere was electric, featuring local DJs, dancers, and even some "Yellow Man" honeycomb treats for those in line. Seeing the shopping centre practically come to a standstill as shoppers from across Ireland flocked to the store was a testament to the brand's power and the quality of the destination we helped build.

A Milestone for Victoria Square

Being chosen for this project underscores McCue’s reputation for delivering world-class retail environments. This isn't just a store; it's a destination that has brought viral brands like Rhode and Haus Labs to Belfast for the first time. We are delighted to have played our part in a project that has given the city centre such a massive boost and a pure beaut new landmark.

McCue Apprentices Take Centre Stage at #NIAW2026

Jack Ogilvie and Jake Brennan on centre stage the Build Your Career at W5.

Last week was a big week for the McCue team as it was Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week. Apprentices are the backbone of our industry and bespoke joinery capabilities and because of this, we spent the week on the road meeting students and schools, with a highlight being the CITB NI event at W5.

A huge well done to Jack Ogilvie (4th year) and Jake Brennan (1st year) for taking centre stage. It isn’t easy standing up in front of a crowd, but both did a brilliant job representing the craft and the company.

Having a 4th year and a 1st year there together really showed the journey our apprentices go through. Jack is now a senior hand nearing the end of his time, while Jake is just starting to find his feet, but both are already a vital part of what we do here.

The Next Intake

We’ve spent the last few days talking with the schools and students we met last week. The talent coming through is impressive, and it’s clear there’s a real hunger for proper trades.

At McCue, we know that if you want the best results, you have to train the best people. That’s why we put so much into our apprenticeship scheme. We’re looking for people who want to take pride in their work and learn how to do things the right way.

Applications for our 2026 Apprenticeship Scheme are officially open.

If you’re interested in joining us, or know someone who is, head over to the careers page on our website to get an application in.

Our team attended 3 careers fairs last week across N.I.

McCue Delivers Full Retail Fit-Out for Urban Outfitters Münster

McCue’s latest retail project has officially launched in Germany.

Our team is proud to announce the successful handover of the full fit-out for the new Urban Outfitters in Münster. This project showcases McCue’s ability to deliver high-impact retail environments on an international scale, blending technical precision with the brand's iconic aesthetic.

Bespoke Joinery & Architectural Character

While Urban Outfitters is known for its eclectic style, the "bones" of the store provide its true character. McCue’s involvement centered on a major bespoke joinery package that defines the store’s interior architecture.

Rather than standard fixtures, our focus was on the structural and decorative timber elements that give the space its raw, industrial soul. From high-specification wall treatments to custom-crafted timber features, our joinery team ensured that the shell of the building was transformed into an authentic brand experience.

Project at a Glance:

• Full Interior Fit-Out: Comprehensive management and execution of the Münster site.

• Architectural Joinery: Bespoke timber work and interior finishes that establish the store’s unique character.

• International Excellence: Seamless project delivery in the German market, adhering to strict design standards.

• Brand-Centric Design: Creating a rugged, creative backdrop that perfectly complements the UO aesthetic.

Münster’s vibrant city center is the perfect location for this new flagship, and we are delighted to have played a key role in bringing the Urban Outfitters vision to life in North Rhine-Westphalia.

McCue and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Announce New Charity Partnership for 2026

Belfast, Northern Ireland —McCue and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Announce New Charity Partnership for 2026

McCue and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland are pleased to announce the launch of a new charity partnership for 2026, aimed at raising awareness of suicide prevention, supporting mental health within local communities, and contributing vital funds to sustain PIPS Charity’s life-saving services.

McCue selected PIPS Charity as its official charity partner because of the organisation’s close alignment with the company’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of employees, clients, and the wider community. PIPS Charity provides immediate, free, and confidential support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or bereavement by suicide — services that are increasingly vital as many people face lengthy waiting lists and barriers to accessing mental health care.

Throughout 2026, McCue will work closely with PIPS Charity on awareness initiatives, fundraising activities, and community engagement, helping to reduce stigma around mental health and ensuring more people know that support is available whenever they need it.

A Shared Commitment to Support and Prevention

By partnering with PIPS Charity, McCue aims to:

• Increase awareness of mental health challenges affecting people across the industry and local communities

• Support a charity that provides front-line, life-saving services without government funding

• Encourage open conversations around suicide and mental health

• Help fund essential crisis services, allowing PIPS Charity to continue offering immediate help to individuals in need

Michelle Cummins, HR Manager at McCue, said:

““We have had the privilege to see what incredible work PIPS Charity do in supporting our local communities. We want to work together to raise awareness and fundraise to help make a difference.””

Lisa Abell-Farrelly, Fundraising Manager at PIPS Charity, commented:

““We are delighted to partner with McCue as their chosen charity for 2026. Their support will help us reach more people who may be struggling, raise awareness of suicide warning signs, and ensure that individuals in crisis know they can access free and immediate help.

The fundraising and engagement activities planned with the McCue team will directly support our crisis response, counselling services, and suicide-prevention programmes. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to helping us continue this vital work.”

About PIPS Charity

PIPS Charity provides free, immediate, and confidential support to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm or bereaved by suicide. The charity delivers crisis intervention, counselling, bereavement support, and community training to help people recognise and respond to mental health crises.

For more information, visit www.pipscharity.com

About McCue

McCue is a leading specialist in high-quality fit-out and construction, delivering exceptional spaces across a range of sectors. With a strong focus on people, safety and community wellbeing, McCue is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive social impact.

NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey Platinum Award

We have been awarded our third Platinum level award

We’re pleased to share that McCue has been awarded Platinum Level in this year’s Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey. It’s a strong result for the team and reflects the work that has gone in over the past year to improve how we manage our environmental impact.

What the Survey looks at

The Survey, along with the Small Business Survey, reviews how organisations in Northern Ireland are performing when it comes to environmental management. It compares companies within their sectors and across the wider region, looking at things like:

• How environmental responsibilities are managed

• Efforts to reduce energy use, emissions and waste

• How resources are used and where efficiencies can be made

Platinum Level is the highest rating available and puts McCue among the top performers in Northern Ireland this year.

Sustainability has become a much bigger part of how we operate. The Survey result is a useful check on where we’re making progress and where we still have more to do. It recognises the steps we’ve taken to cut our environmental footprint, improve how we track and manage our impact and support wider efforts to make the built environment more sustainable.

Looking ahead

While the Platinum rating is something we’re proud of, it’s also a reminder that this work is ongoing. We’ll keep strengthening our environmental performance, improving our processes and setting higher standards for ourselves year on year.

McCue Delivers Bespoke Fit-Out for The Ivy Asia, Dublin.

The iconic main bar with a pagoda style canopy and bespoke oriential finishes.

Ireland’s First Ivy Asia is open for business.

When The Ivy Asia chose Dublin for its latest opening, the goal was to create a showstopping, fully immersive dining experience that blends luxury, design and the brand’s signature Asian-inspired aesthetic. As a partner to The Ivy Collection, McCue was proud to deliver the complete fit-out for this landmark project in the heart of the city.

Working closely with the design team, McCue managed the complete front-of-house fit-out, coordinating specialist finishes, feature lighting and high-impact decorative elements.

The fit-out included a full suite of bespoke elements, demonstrating McCue’s expertise in premium hospitality interiors, including the sushi bar, main bar and large waiter stations, DJ booth, feature bar, banquette seating and greeter station, along with tailored vanity units and shelving for all WC areas.

McCue also delivered bespoke joinery accents, such as brass balustrades, cabinet dressers, umbrella stands, speaker housings, and other custom pieces that brought the Oriental-inspired design to life throughout the space.

The result is a striking, high-quality interior that reflects The Ivy Asia’s global brand while giving Dublin a standout new dining destination.

McCue continues to lead in delivering premium hospitality, restaurant and bar fit-outs across Ireland and the UK.

Urban Outfitters opens in Valencia

Delivering Urban Outfitters’ Latest European Store: A High-End Interior Fit-Out in Valencia

McCue has recently completed the interior fit-out of Urban Outfitters Europe’s new Valencia store — the brand’s seventh European opening this year and another significant milestone in our ongoing partnership. As a high-end interior fit-out contractor, we have collaborated with Urban on several key locations across Europe, including Cork, Manchester, Newcastle, Bremen, Vienna and Freiberg, supporting the brand’s continued expansion with high-quality, design-led retail environments.

High-end craftsmanship delivered to programme

As with previous Urban projects, the Valencia store required precise workmanship and an adaptable approach to construction. Our teams delivered:

• High-end interior finishes tailored to the brand’s design brief

• Coordination with specialist suppliers to achieve bespoke detailing

• Efficient on-site management to maintain programme delivery

• A clean, high-quality fit-out ready for merchandising and opening

The result is a vibrant retail space that reflects Urban Outfitters’ unique character while meeting all technical, functional and safety requirements of a premium European store.

With more European projects in the pipeline, we’re proud to support Urban Outfitters as they continue to scale their presence across the continent. Our team remains committed to delivering exceptional interior environments that enhance brand experience and support long-term operational success.

McCue brings two new Anthropologie Stores to shoppers in Liverpool & Glasgow

McCue is proud to have supported Anthropologie with the successful opening of two new stores in Liverpool ONE and Glasgow, delivering high-quality fit out solutions that reflect the brand’s distinctive style and customer experience.

Anthropologie is known for its curated interiors, creative visual merchandising and warm, immersive retail environments. Each new store demands both craftsmanship and precision to bring the brand’s aesthetic to life. Our team worked closely with Anthropologie’s project partners to ensure both locations opened on time and to the highest standard.

Anthropologie on College Lane, Liverpool.

Liverpool ONE is one of the busiest retail destinations in the region, so the project demanded an efficient schedule and seamless collaboration with other contractors. Our team ensured all works were completed safely, efficiently and without disrupting the wider development.

The Glasgow store presented a different challenge in scale and layout, but the objective remained the same: deliver an exceptional retail environment that matches Anthropologie’s brand ethos.

Across both stores our joinery and interior teams applied the same attention to detail that McCue is known for, ensuring consistent quality and finish across every element. The result is two beautifully executed spaces that welcome customers from the moment they walk through the door.

Strengthening Our Retail Portfolio

Working with Anthropologie further strengthens McCue’s position as a trusted partner for high-end retail fit out across the UK and Ireland. From premium global brands to flagship retail environments, we continue to deliver projects that combine craftsmanship, technical ability and reliable project delivery.

We look forward to supporting more brands with their expansion plans across the UK. If your business is planning a new store, refurbishment or retail fit out project in London, Liverpool, Glasgow or beyond, our team is ready to help.