Chef Niall McKenna opens new Waterman Restaurant in Belfast

The new 50-seater restaurant at Waterman House comes as part of strategic plans to create a large-scale hospitality hub at the Grade B listed building on Hill Street, which is already home to Niall’s thriving Waterman House Cookery School.

The acclaimed restaurateur and entrepreneur purchased the building at 5-23 Hill Street in 2018 as part of an investment in Belfast city centre, relocating the former James Street South Cookery School, previously housed within the popular James Street restaurant.

The new restaurant opens as Niall and the team close the doors at Hadksis on Commercial Court, although the entrepreneur will retain the lease with plans for the venue to be confirmed at a later date. The same award-winning team will move directly across to Waterman, with plans to add new staff in the coming months.

Former James Street apprentice and head chef at Hadskis Aaron McNeice has been appointed head chef at Waterman.

Since opening in 2003, restaurants within the James Street South Group of restaurants have been recognised for food and service excellence by the Michelin guide, the Waitrose Food Guide, Food & Wine Magazine and in the prestigious Georgina Campbell awards.