Regency House, the new restaurant from acclaimed duo, chef Chris McClurg and Alice Stewart, opened its doors on Friday within Belfast's landmark Regency House townhouse. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Parisian bistros and rooted firmly in Northern Irish hospitality, this is among the most anticipated openings on the island this year.
Drawing on years spent living and working in Cornwall, alongside time abroad, McClurg and Stewart have created an intimate, contemporary bistro where classic European influences meet the extraordinary produce of Ireland and Europe. Over the past year, McClurg has forged close relationships with local farmers, growers, fishermen and artisan producers, laying the foundations for the restaurant's seasonal, produce-focused cooking.
The confident menu reflects McClurg's travels, experiences and culinary influences. Standout starters include 'unpotted' shrimp – his reinterpretation of the classic potted shrimp, combining brined shrimp, raw red prawns and toasted mace with one of his signature sourdough pancakes and pickled cucumber; Conway Farm courgette flower filled with scallop and lobster stuffing in a delicate tempura batter, inspired by his time at Paul Ainsworth's No.6; tomato à la merenda with pistou dressing and St Tola goat's cheese, a tribute to a dish the couple enjoyed at La Merenda in Nice that remains one of their most treasured culinary memories; and McClurg's signature potato cake, a playful twist on a Victoria sponge reimagined as savoury course - featuring slowly caramelised Lyonnaise onions, sandwiched between two crispy potato rösti and topped with whipped fromage blanc – an ode to Stewart's years spent as a pastry chef.
The same thoughtful approach continues through the main courses, where familiar favourites are reinterpreted in dishes such as Murley Mountain lamb with red garlic ketchup, mint and lovage; Seaview Farm chicken with morels and sauce suprême; and agnolotti with girolles, crisp violet artichoke and vin jaune. To finish, desserts include a whoopie pie with hazelnut gianduja, cacao and Frangelico, alongside a beef fat sticky toffee pudding with Medjool dates, peated whiskey and clotted cream.
The restaurant will also serve brunch from Thursday to Sunday, featuring McClurg's renowned buttermilk pancakes, which captured widespread attention on social media last year when the couple took over the hotel. Toppings include Irish smoked bacon and Canadian maple syrup, as well as Blueberry compote, lemon and whipped vanilla cheesecake. The brunch menu will also feature classic dishes with a Regency House touch, including a Coolatine cheddar and Lyonnaise onion omelette and The Regency House Fry, featuring Chris’ bespoke recipe breakfast with sausage, smoked streaky bacon, Clonakilty black and white pudding, mushrooms, tomato fondue, potato bread, soda farl and a fried egg.
As for the drinks, guests can expect thoughtful twists on classic cocktails, including the Park View Martini with Dolin Dry Vermouth, Green Chartreuse and Ford's Gin, and the Irish Sour with Shortcross Poitín. The wine list brings together carefully selected bottles from some of the world's great wine regions alongside discoveries from smaller independent growers that the couple has uncovered on their travels. The cellar is also home to a selection of wines from some of the world's most iconic producers.
The new Regency House restaurant seats 46 guests, throughout the main dining room, intimate courtyard and beautifully designed private dining room, The Cellar. The interiors balance the grandeur of the building's original architecture with contemporary warmth, craftsmanship and theatre, all centred around the open kitchen. Throughout the hotel and restaurant, guests will discover carefully curated hospitality memorabilia collected by McClurg and Stewart over many years, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Set within one of Belfast's most striking historic buildings, and completely renovated in 2022, Regency House offers eight bedrooms and six suites, each individually designed to combine period character with contemporary comfort. Thoughtfully restored to preserve the building's architectural heritage while introducing modern luxury, in 2025, Regency House became Northern Ireland's first and only hotel to be awarded a Michelin Key.
The hotel is open seven days a week, the restaurant is open Thursday to Monday for dinner from 5pm to 8:30pm and for brunch Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 1:30pm.
