Another top award for James Street South

Niall McKenna pictured outside James Street South, Belfast.

Restaurateur Niall McKenna and his team are celebrating after James Street South was named Northern Ireland’s restaurant of the year in the 2015 Waitrose Good Food Guide. Also, Cathedral Quarter newcomer, Hadskis – which only opened in October last year – made the list for the first time.

James Street South fought off stiff competition from others in Northern Ireland to scoop the win for the region.

Niall McKenna, chef and owner of James Street South, The Bar+Grill and Hadskis, was delighted to win the award.

“This hugely-important award win couldn’t come at a better time for us,” he said. “We are about to execute a series of exciting new plans and investments over the next few months which will see us unveil a brand new look for the restaurant and kitchen. We’re also about to take on eight new apprentices in our kitchen in association with Belfast Metropolitan College.

“We’re thrilled that customers have taken time to vote us ‘Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland’ and that Hadskis has also been recognised as one of the best restaurants here. We’re so pleased that our focus on quality, innovative cooking, locally-sourced produce, great staff and a warm ambience have made such an impression.”

This year, more than 30,000 members of the public submitted nominations for their favourite restaurants in the awards. The Good Food Guide verifies all the nominations before picking 10 regional winners who represent some of the best local dining experiences to be had around the country.

The Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Awards celebrates local restaurants, pubs and cafés, as nominated by members of the public.  Each winning restaurant will feature in the 2015 edition of the guide, which will be published in September 2014.