Waterman added to prestigious Michelin Guide

Belfast restaurant Waterman has been added to the Michelin Guide less than a year since its opening.

Niall McKenna has opened the doors to his new venture in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter last summer.

The 50-seater venue at Waterman House, which also houses his Waterman House Cookery School, has seen the James St chef 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 Waterman restaurant, the old Bushmills bonded warehouse is also home to conference and event spaces.

On opening Waterman Niall, above left, said: “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 the new venture.

Of the 37 new additions to the guide, Waterman was the only one in Northern Ireland to earn a place on the coveted recommendations list.

 The eatery bills itself as a no frills restaurant serving classic European fayre in the city and was described as “big, bold and buzzy” by the Guide.

Former James Street apprentice and head chef at Hadskis Aaron McNeice, above right, is head chef at Waterman,