A childhood dream: Alex Greene’s journey back to The Buck’s Head
In the heart of Dundrum, Northern Ireland, The Buck’s Head Restaurant with Rooms has been a cherished landmark for decades.
Now, under the leadership of renowned chef Alex Greene and Bronagh McCormick, it has entered a new chapter, deeply connected to Alex’s personal journey.
In a recent interview, Alex reflected on his early days at The Buck’s Head, where his love for food began. “I grew up in Dundrum and started off my career in this very building when I was just 11 years old,” he shared. By the time he was 16, Alex was running the kitchen during the summer holidays.
“That summer was a pivotal time for me,” he explained. “I was the youngest in the kitchen, but I was in charge of everyone else. I think it gave me a sense of responsibility, and I knew early on that this was what I wanted to do.”
After working in Michelin-starred restaurants and travelling the world, Alex returned home, purchasing *The Buck’s Head*. Now 35, he is shaping its future while honouring its past. “Belfast was great, and Michael Deane was a massive support in my career, but coming back home felt like the right thing to do,” Alex reflected.
Running a restaurant in today’s challenging economic climate is no easy task. Alex acknowledges the difficulties, particularly with rising costs. “I was paying £26 for a bag of chocolate last week, and this week it’s gone up to £42,” he said. Despite these challenges, Alex remains committed to fair pricing for the community. “We maintain to ensure that our prices are reasonable for the consumer, because we care about our community.”
Alex is also working closely with Bronagh McCormick, a former General Manager at Deane’s. “Bronagh has got a wealth of knowledge regarding hospitality, and she’s an absolute workhorse,” Alex said, highlighting their dynamic working relationship. Together, they are pushing forward with plans to expand, adding rooms and elevating the dining experience, while keeping it accessible. “People assume that because of my background, The Buck’s Head is going to serve fancy food, but that’s not the case. We’re focused on traditional pub food, but at a very high level.”
