Zoe Salmon

Zoe grew up in Bangor in County Down, just outside Belfast. In 1999, she won the title of Miss Northern Ireland. She is a qualified solicitor, and completed a four-year law degree at Queen’s University, Belfast. In December 2004 she became the second former beauty queen to become a presenter of the popular BBC children’s television programme, Blue Peter. Since joining the Blue Peter team, Zoe has sung on stage at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Last Night of the Proms and made a film about Bangor.

My first memory of Belfast is posting my letter to Santa in his post box at the City Hall, beside the massive Christmas tree, which I did every Christmas as a child. Years later, as a city lawyer, the City Hall lawn became my favourite location to have lunch during the summer months.

I grew up and lived in Bangor so the first time I began to spend more time in Belfast was when I read Law at Queen’s University. I then got a place to study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Lennoxvale, so I hold special memories of Stranmillis and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

Winning the title of Miss Northern Ireland 1999/2000 meant that I got to work all over the capital and really got to know it well. I won the title in the Europa Hotel, a key feature on the Belfast skyline, and have since spent many an evening in the famous hotel at various functions. I have even abseiled down it and I can tell you that the view of Belfast from the rooftop is breathtaking! I’ve been to concerts ranging from Duran Duran to Oasis at the Odyssey and cheered on the Belfast Giants ice hockey team there. However it was the glorious King’s Hall where I went to see my first concert (Kylie Minogue) aged nine. My favourite zoo is Belfast Zoo. Not only because it has one of the largest giraffe herds in Europe but its location on the top of Cavehill provides a stunning view of the capital. I spent almost every weekend in the city because I love the buzz of the Belfast nightlife – I have fond memories of the Potthouse because that’s where I had my leaving party before I went to live in London but I also enjoyed fantastic nights out in La Lea, Milk, Tatu and Thompsons. Belfast has so many quality eateries and I rate highly the cuisine in restaurants such as Shu and Cayenne.

Working in the heart of the City meant that I was perfectly placed for Royal Avenue and Castle Court, which are great shopping venues. The walk down Lisburn Road is idyllic and is full of lovely boutiques. Belfast is brilliant!