Popular Bushmills restaurant to close as owner fights illness

Popular Bushmills restaurant The French Rooms is to close after one half of the husband and wife team who run it was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Situated on Main Street, The French Rooms was opened by Roy and Stella Bolton in March 2013 offering a selection of French-inspired dishes.

It soon garnered plenty of praise and a loyal following, with  Georgina Campbell describing it in her ‘Best of the Best’ Ireland  as “easily the most stylish and elegant restaurant on the Causeway Coast – and affordable to”.

News that it was to close was first revealed on its website and Facebook page, with Stella writing: “With a heavy heart, we announce that The French Rooms plans to close after brunch service on Sunday 15th May 2022. My husband and back-office mainstay Roy has been diagnosed with a treatable illness, but one which requires time away for both of us over the coming months.

“Although we are considering all available options and alternatives in consultation with our team, the current recruitment crisis in our industry makes it almost impossible to quickly and suitably fill in for the needs of the business and alleviate the current stress.

“Our immediate concern is our team. We have a team of dedicated employees many of who have been with us since day one and have been very supportive and loyal. Right now, we are working with them to find other opportunities and to help with their immediate needs. We do not doubt that they will be in high demand considering the level of service and quality of food consistently complimented by our customers. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have been loyal customers and have supported us over the years. We are eternally grateful. We will be in touch with those who have made future reservations. For gift card holders, you still have time to use these until 15th May 2022, and we are planning a retail stock clearance sale after our official closure, more details to follow. You can request a refund by emailing mail@thefrenchrooms.com please include a copy of your voucher. Gift card refunds will not be handled until after the 15th May 2022 .

“Our suppliers are an extension of our team, and we have worked with some of the finest. We would like to thank each and every supplier for looking after us in terms of quality produce and service over the years. We have made many great friends.

“Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Bushmills community and other business owners. Whether it be a like on Facebook, reservations at The French Rooms, or just a friendly smile and a hello as we walk into work in the mornings. It really has not gone unnoticed. Your kindness and support have truly humbled us.”