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Jean Christophe Novelli gets cooking with Interstate Europe

Jean Christophe Novelli gets cooking with Interstate Europe

February 1, 2018 | Community, News, Openings, Our Team, Signings

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Famed for his passion for teaching others to cook and his Michelin award-winning cuisine, Jean Christophe Novelli is preparing to launch his first namesake eatery in Belfast, working with Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts.

The Jean Christophe Novelli at City Quays restaurant, which is set to be housed in the city’s highly anticipated AC Hotel by Marriott when it opens in spring 2018, will offer diners a quality casual dining experience, with a selection of French and Mediterranean inspired dishes.

The development, which has been spearheaded by Belfast Harbour as part of its £250m City Quays regeneration project, marks Jean-Christophe’s first venture into the Northern Ireland hotel industry and it’s a process he says he’s thoroughly enjoying.

Jean Christophe said: “The location and design of the new restaurant and hotel in Belfast is incredible, I’m very excited.

“I was very fortunate to be introduced to Interstate, their passion for the project is clear to see and they have made the process really easy for me.

“They know the hotel and restaurant industry well and make sure all of the right systems are in place to make Belfast a success, from the food and beverage costings and purchasing prices to the recruitment of the team.

“I’ve been involved in every decision to do with the restaurant, designing the menu and making sure we’ve got the right team in place. It’s a busy but exciting time and we can’t wait to open our doors.”

Stephen Roach, Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts Vice President Food and Beverage, is spearheading the project along with Belfast Harbour.

Stephen said: “Jean Christophe Novelli is such a well-respected name in the restaurant industry, it’s an honour to be working closely with him on this latest development in Belfast.

“Jean Christophe’s sincere love for food is evident in everything he does and he’s been very involved in every stage of the development. We’re confident the restaurant and the AC Hotel by Marriott will both be a success once they open officially in the spring.”

As well as the Jean Christophe Novelli restaurant, the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast will also feature a bar and lounge, gym, meeting rooms and 188 bedrooms.

The property marks the first waterfront hotel at City Quays – a £250m development project regenerating 20 acres of ex-shipping land in Belfast City Centre.

Graeme Johnston Belfast Harbour’s Property Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Jean Christophe Novelli to City Quays, as part of the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast development with Interstate Europe. The Mediterranean theme will complement the core ethos of the hotel and the focus on local produce and exclusive wine selection makes for an extremely exciting proposition.”

“Jean-Christophe’s famed reputation as one of the world’s most renowned chefs makes his restaurant a highly-anticipated addition to City Quays and one that we’re sure will prove very popular with both local residents and tourists alike.”

For further information about the development, visit www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/cityquays/cq-hotel.