Stringer’s James St creations clinch LCN Chef of Year gong

James St head chef Ryan Stringer has been named Chef of the Year at the LCN Awards.

The Co Tyrone chef returned to Belfast to work at Niall McKenna’s restaurant last last year and was named executive chef in January.

He previously worked as executive chef at the ground-breaking ELY group of wine bars and restaurants in Dublin and his CV includes stints at Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford, and at Copenhagen’s 108 restaurant, the affordable sister eatery to the world-renowned three star Michelin restaurant Noma.

After clinching the most sought after gong in NI hospitality, sponsored by Lynas Foodservice, the Dungannon man said: “Winning is great but the biggest vote of confidence you can have is good feedback night after night on what gets sent out from the pass. We are a tight team at James St and this award is for everyone.”

Speaking about the winner, judges said: “He has a remarkable pedigree which has allowed him to develop his creative and innovative flavour profiles from all around the world  His emphasis on minimum waste and sustainability coupled with a willingness to use ingredients in new ways has led to new and exciting dishes being added to his menus.  His creations have proved popular and created a competitive point of difference.”