Michelin starred Irish chef Kevin Thornton has launched his latest casual dining restaurant, Menu by Kevin Thornton, at the 130-bedroom Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast.
Led by head chef Patrick Leonard, formerly of Claridges, and restaurant manager and sommelier Harry Gribben, formerly of Deane’s in Belfast, Thornton’s 130-cover restaurant aims to be ‘the place to be seen’ in the city, whilst remaining competitively priced.
Local and seasonal produce feature heavily on the restaurant’s menu, with dishes such as tomato and basil tartlet, grilled fillet of Fermanagh Angus beef and warm berry compote with lemon sabayon. It will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and offer a children’s menu, conference and private dining room, afternoon tea and room service.
Thornton said: “Belfast is an exciting and vibrant city and I’m looking forward to being part of it. Opening a casual dining restaurant is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m very happy to be working with Hotel Partners, who will be managing the hotel.”
Hotel Partners also oversee the operation of The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, Park Plaza Belfast, Park Plaza Tyrrelstown and Trim Castle Hotel. Thornton currently holds one Michelin star for his eponymous restaurant at the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin.