Niall McKenna’s new Waterman restaurant opens in Cathedral Quarter

Niall McKenna has opened the doors to his new Waterman restaurant in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

The 50-seater venue at Waterman House, which also houses his Waterman House Cookery School, is part of the James St chef’s plan to create a large-scale hospitality hub at the Grade B listed building on Hill Street which he purchased in 2018.

As well as the cookery school and  the new Waterman restaurant, the old Bushmills bonded warehouse is also home to conference and event spaces.

Niall, above left, said: “We hope our plans for an exciting, creative hub in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter can help breathe new life into this vibrant part of the city, and we believe it’s the perfect spot for a new culinary venture.

“Customers will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and excellent classic European-style cuisine made with quality local produce. What people want more than ever is quality food and great service, and that’s what we will deliver at Waterman.

“Like cities across the world, Belfast has faced many challenges over the last few years, but as we look to the future we’re excited to play our part in cementing its status as a top destination for local, national and international visitors with this exciting new step at Waterman House.”

The restaurant opened as Niall closed  Hadksis on Commercial Court, with the team there moving to Waterman and more staff set to join them.

Former James Street apprentice and head chef at Hadskis Aaron McNeice, above right, who has been appointed head chef at Waterman, said: “I am really excited for the opening of Waterman. I think it’s going to be a great addition to the Cathedral Quarter. I think the people of Belfast will be very interested in what we have to offer with the restaurant, event spaces as well as our cookery school. I’m very excited to be given this opportunity, a new restaurant in a great location and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”