Chef Chris McClurg secures Belfast site for solo restaurant debut

Chef Chris McClurg, who left Paul Ainsworth at No 6 last year to pursue the ‘dream’ of opening restaurant in his native Northern Ireland, is set to open his debut restaurant in Belfast’s Regency House under the same name alongside his partner Alice Stewart in July.

Alongside the restaurant debut the pair will take over the running of the boutique hotel, which comprises eight rooms and six suites and is the only hotel in Northern Ireland to hold a Michelin Key. 

The hotel, which first opened in 2022 following an extensive redevelopment by investment firm Aurient, will include a public-facing restaurant for the first time under the duo’s stewardship.

McClurg and Stewart, both of whom formerly worked at Paul Ainsworth, culminating as chef patron and restaurant director respectively, will formally take over the running of Regency House next month.

McClurg said: “On a personal level, this announcement has been 20 years in the making.

“Dining at Regency House promises to be exciting, energetic and guided by the incredible larder of local produce we have on this beautiful Island: think of an intimate Parisian luxe bistro with a distinctly Northern Irish accent.

“We have spent a huge part of this past year out on the road meeting and building relationships with our fantastic farmers, growers, fishermen and craftspeople. We feel a huge sense of pride and responsibility to showcase their efforts in the best way we know!”