AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast Celebrates Jean-Christophe Novelli’s Role in ITV’s New Series The Heat

AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast is celebrating its association with renowned chef Jean-Christophe Novelli as he appears in ITV2 and ITVX’s brand-new reality format, The Heat.

Hosted by Olivia Attwood, The Heat sees ten ambitious chefs travel to Barcelona to work under award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, as he opens an exclusive restaurant and mentors the next generation of culinary talent.

As the home of Novelli at City Quays, the signature restaurant led by the celebrity chef, AC Hotel Belfast will mark the show’s broadcast run with subtle Heat-inspired touches, bringing elements of the show’s energy and creativity to the guest dining experience.

Novelli at City Quays continues to offer its all-year-round Mediterranean influenced menu, while guests visiting during the broadcast period can expect flavour-led menu specials, drawing inspiration from The Heat and Jean-Christophe’s continued creative influence.

The timing also aligns with the hotel’s seasonal transition, as AC Hotel Belfast prepares for the reopening of The Terrace, its popular outdoor dining space overlooking the River Lagan. Returning for summer, The Terrace will feature once again relaxed tapas-style dishes and BBQ-led menus, complementing the Mediterranean influences synonymous with Novelli at City Quays.

Jean-Christophe Novelli, whose signature restaurant Novelli at City Quays is based at AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, said:

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this exciting new show and help support and develop the next generation of culinary talent. Known for my drive and intensity in the kitchen, I’ll be using my passion and unique teaching style to push these young chefs to dig deep, stay sharp and prove they have what it takes to grow, evolve and make their mark.

“It’s fantastic that the team at AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast will be reflecting the spirit of The Heat at Novelli at City Quays during the run of the series, with dishes inspired by the energy and creativity of the show. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I know we’ll discover some true culinary stars along the way. I’m ready. Let’s do this. Allez, Allez – bon appétit!”

Paula Stuart, General Manager at AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, added:

“We are delighted to congratulate Jean-Christophe on the launch of his new ITV series, The Heat. It’s great to see his passion for mentoring emerging culinary talent showcased on screen. As the home of Novelli at City Quays here in Belfast, we’re proud of our ongoing association with Jean-Christophe. During the run of the show, AC Hotel Belfast will feature exclusive Heat-inspired menu specials, alongside our usual much-loved Mediterranean-influenced dishes, carefully crafted by Jean-Christophe.”

Novelli at City Quays remains a cornerstone of the hotel’s offering, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience all year-round, complemented by seasonal outdoor dining on The Terrace.

Produced by Twofour (part of ITV Studios), The Heat is a 10 x 60” series coming to ITV2 and ITVX, with the first episode airing on Tuesday 24 February 2026.