Home owner hails chef as it regains Bib Gourmand

Belfast restaurant Home has regained its Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for 2024.

It is one of the 20 spots across the UK and Ireland to be added to this year’s list ahead of the presentation of the Michelin Guide 2024 next week.

A Bib Gourmand is given to eateries featured in the Michelin Guide that stand out for being the “best value for money”.

Describing the award, the Michelin Guide said: “Since 1997, our best value for money restaurants – offering a three course meal at a reasonable price – have been pointed out using a special award: the Bib Gourmand.

“The price limit for Bib Gourmand consideration varies from country to country, depending on the cost of living, but the inspectors are searching for the same high quality, wherever they happen to be in the world.”

Home started life as a pop-up restaurant in an off-the-beaten-track location in Belfast City Centre in 2011 and serves “feel good food to make customers happy”.

The Michelin Guide said: “In Northern Ireland, Home in Belfast has regained its Bib Gourmand thanks to a new chef and some terrific produce.

“The extensive menus include a host of delicious dishes at an attractive price, accompanied by friendly service and a welcoming feel.”

Andy Rea, who co-owns Home with Stephen Haller, praised chef Chris Rees, which Michelin said was central to the restaurant regaining the Bib Gourmand.

“Chris has got a good background and a good pedigree. He worked in the Galgorm, the Muddlers, Ox and has been here for around two years,” Mr Rea said.

“Myself and Stephen are both originally from Roscoff and Cayenne, so we’re all from a similar background.

“Chris has got a great team in the kitchen and the front-of-house, because it’s not just about the food; the ethos of the restaurant would come into play.

“The Michelin guide is probably the most recognised food guide in the world and one of those things everybody goes mad for.

“The Bib Gourmand is basically given to a restaurant that has a really high standard in food; not quite a Michelin star, but in the same sort of playing field.

“It’s massive for us, we’re over the moon.”