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Family business achieves culinary excellence with Two AA Rosettes

date-icon 29 May 2013  author-icon Posted by Arwen Foley


Belleek Castle, owned by the Marshall Doran family for over 50 years is no stranger to brilliance. The restaurant led by talented local chef Stephen Lenahan, has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

Located in the tranquil surroundings of Belleek Forest, just outside Ballina in Co Mayo, Belleek Castle achieved this prestigious accolade, having reached a standard, achieved by few hotel restaurants in Ireland.

Curator of the Castle, Paul Marshall Doran, believes in continuous improvement and has witnessed it in the last few years going from strength to strength under the management of Maya Nikolaeva and her team. This is certainly noticeable in the restaurant, where the philosophy is to use classic and imaginative cooking with local, seasonal ingredients, whilst combining a depth of flavour with the traditions of this iconic castle.

“Only a very small percentage of hotel restaurants achieve 2 AA Rosettes and it is a mark of distinction for all those involved” says AA director Conor Faughnan. “I’m delighted to see such a prestigious accolade going to the West of Ireland. My parents home is just a short distance away, across the River Moy, in Enniscrone, so I know first-hand that visitors to Belleek Castle can not only expect delicious food but also a relaxed stay in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.”

Sourcing local produce is integral in achieving 2 AA Rosettes. Chef Stephen Lenahan and his team source meat and game locally and they even dry-age their beef in-house. Garlic, wood sorrel and wild mushrooms are foraged nearby from Belleek forest and travelling just a short distance away, their fresh crab comes from Donegal and mussels from Achill Island.

Receiving both recognition from Bord Bia and 2 AA Rosettes, it’s clear to see that Belleek Castle Restaurant is setting the standard in the Northwest.

 

Written by Arwen Foley


Related Posts


Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel awarded AA Rosette for culinary excellence
May 8, 2012

AA Ireland recognises culinary excellence of 17 new Rosette winners
January 25, 2012

The Sandstone Restaurant, Lough Rynn, awarded AA Rosette 3 years running
December 12, 2011



1 Comment

Anthony McGrath
8 years ago



Belleek Castle is without a doubt not only one of the best restaurants in Ireland, but in the world. No pretension, no fuss, just the warmest of welcomes and food that speaks for itself. I stumbled upon the castle & fell in love with it so much so I proposed to my wife there and then married her there too.
The staff at belleek make you feel so at home you never want to leave.



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