Niall McKenna Named Entrepreneur of the Year at the LCN Awards
The man behind The Watermans and James Street South knows only too well what it takes to be a chef-entrepreneur – as he became the worthy recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year title at the LCN Awards.
Since 2019, Niall has been immersed in his most recent enterprise – Waterman House on Hill Street in the thriving Cathedral Quarter, but the story goes back nearly forty years when a teenage Niall started out under the wing of classically trained chefs at the Dunadry Inn, Clifford Caskey and Executive Chef Pat Kells. It was here the fledgling Niall learned his craft before being taken under the mentorship of some of the leading names in the industry – Paul Rankin at Roscoff, then off to London under the tutelage of Gary Rhodes and Marco Pierre White, learning his craft in some of the most prestigious establishments there.
Looking back over the past forty years, Niall McKenna is certainly viewed as a high achiever – a master of his trade, and takes his seat at the table with the top chefs to emerge from this small corner of the world – where we definitely punch way above our weight.
On the outside looking in, he makes entrepreneurship look easy – but the reality is often very different.
“It’s been one challenge after another – but I’m really proud of what we’ve done with all our restaurants” he told LCN.
The first was James Street South, which opened back in 2003. It quickly made a name for itself, winning awards and plaudits not just for the food, menus and service, but for the expertly refurbished dining room, featuring outstanding contemporary Irish Art.
In 2011 Niall opened a more casual dining experience with the Bar + Grill at James Street South, enabling both restaurants to deliver great food to a wider audience. Private Dining rooms and a Cookery School were opened in the same year on the first and second floors of the new restaurant.
In 2013 Hadskis was opened in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter followed by Cast and Crew in Titanic Quarter. Both restaurants delivered great food – one with a European flair, countertop service and the latter more a get up and go place. (Both have since closed – indicating that part of entrepreneurship is knowing when to accept and embrace the need for change).
In 2018 with the increase in tourism Niall remodelled his James Street South premises into one restaurant with private dining rooms, on the ground floor and first floor, calling it James St.
Since 2019 Niall has embarked on his biggest project to date which is Waterman House, incorporating a Cookery School, events spaces and tasting rooms alongside the restaurant.
In a recent interview, he told LCN: “We have real thought leaders and educators who can see the bigger picture – but it’s one thing to be visionary, ultimately it all comes down to the basic principles of business – what feeds the business, feeds the greater good.
Niall McKenna is certainly part of the circle that sees the bigger picture that interlinks all parts of business with the economy.
Niall said “I’m lucky that I get to enjoy what I do – there is a certain amount of luck to it all, but ultimately – it’s got to be in your DNA – I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
Full interview in the next issue of LCN.
