The owner and head chef of James Street South Group – and the current holder of LCN’s Restaurant of the Year title – officially opened ‘James St.’ today (September 7). That’s the new name for a brand new ‘bistronomy’ experience and the result of a £300,000 refurbishment of Niall’s two iconic restaurants on the city centre site.

The two restaurants – James Street Bar + Grill and James Street South Restaurant – closed in early July as part of a significant two-month refurbishment and have been transformed under one roof to accommodate a burgeoning demand from local and global visitors for a more bistro-style, all-day dining experience.

The new-look venue will provide diners with a unique culinary experience which puts talent, quality and provenance at its heart.

Niall McKenna opened his first landmark James Street South restaurant in 2003, leading a local revolution in classic cooking using seasonal, local produce. The neighbouring Bib Gourmand award-winning Bar + Grill opened in 2011 and the new James St will strengthen the already thriving hub in Belfast’s Linen Quarter.

Amalgamating the entire floor space of both restaurants, the new eatery provides seating for up to 90 customers in a relaxed and contemporary setting which will include a bar area and an enlarged kitchen space.

Niall said: “After setting the restaurant quality and service standard for Belfast more than 15 years ago with James Street South, I’m thrilled to be introducing a new hospitality experience to a new generation of discerning diners in an exciting, contemporary setting they will instantly enjoy.”

He added that he thought the time was “absolutely right” to combine the restaurants’ strengths into one flagship venue at the group’s most established location.

“Less formal but retaining all our best features, this all-day dining restaurant has a brand-new menu which champions creativity and local, artisanal produce with a fresh choice of classic dishes which our customers have come to expect.”

The new venture will support up to 35 full and part-time jobs.

In June, Niall also announced plans to open a new cookery school in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

The dedicated cookery school, which will accommodate groups of up to 18 at any one time, forms part of a new and extensive regeneration development within the area, currently spearheaded by Commercial Court Inns Limited, which owns the Harp Bar, Duke of York and Dark Horse pubs.

The post Brand new look for James Street stalwart appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.

Niall, who picked up the award for LCN Restaurant of the Year for James Street South at the Europa on Friday night (June 1), has confirmed that his James Street South Group has purchased the Grade B listed Waterman House building at 5-23 Hill Street to accommodate the new venture..

The dedicated new cookery school, which will accommodate groups of up to 18 at a time, forms part of a new and extensive regeneration development within the area currently spearheaded by Commercial Court Inns Limited, which owns the adjacent Harp Bar and the nearby Duke of York and Dark Horse pubs.

Niall and wife Joanne already operate Hadskis restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter.

A champion for Northern Ireland’s growing tourism and hospitality sector, Niall said the Cathedral Quarter provided the perfect location for the new culinary venture. He believes it can offer food enthusiasts an ideal environment in which to enjoy an exciting learning experience.

Niall said the group’s focus was to bring its greatest asset – an award-winning dining and customer service experience – to greater numbers across Belfast.

“Our business is based on providing the highest quality food, drink and customer service in the best surroundings,” he added. “Location is key, which is why we have made the strategic decision to open an exciting new cookery school in the Cathedral Quarter – an increasingly vibrant and bustling part of the city.”

The James Street South Group currently employs a team of 85 full and part-time staff. Since opening in 2003, restaurants within the group have been recognised for food and service excellence by the Michelin guide, the Licensed & Catering News Awards, the Waitrose Food Guide and the Georgina Campbell awards.

“We’re delighted to reaffirm our commitment to developing and sustaining our award-winning hospitality offer with renewed vigour and passion and we look forward to seeing customers old and new in the months and years ahead,” said Niall.

The post McKenna to open Cathedral Quarter cookery school appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.