THE owners of the Galgorm Resort & Spa outside Ballymena have acquired the bar and restaurant at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in a £600,000 investment which will lead to the creation of 50 jobs across the food, beverage and front-of-house departments.
And the company has begun an extensive redevelopment and refurbishment exercise which will see the existing dining facilities expanded and upgraded to include a 150-seat restaurant as well as a 60-seat open air balcony terrace providing unrivalled views across the Castle grounds and golf course.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club will attract some of the biggest names in golf this August when it hosts the NI Open, and the restaurant will open well ahead of the tournament.
Colin Johnston, general manager at the luxury hotel and wellness destination, said: “We're delighted to make this latest addition to our portfolio. It's an exciting step in our expansion strategy and further strengthens the relationship we have with the team behind Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
“Galgorm is already recognised the world over as a luxury leisure destination – in 2017 we won the title of Global Spa of the Year which is an incredible endorsement. With championship grade golfing facilities on offer and home to the NI Open, the acquisition of the bar and restaurant further consolidates that reputation.”
As well as supporting its world-class leisure proposition, the move represents a further strategic enhancement of the group’s award-winning culinary offering, adding to its impressive suite of Galgorm dining options, which includes the 3AA Rosette River Room Restaurant, Gillies Bar & Restaurant and Fratelli’s in addition to its Belfast-based restaurants Fratelli’s and Café Parisienne.
Colin added: “We've paid acute attention to every detail of the new premises, from the interior design to the membership structure. We wanted to connect all aspects of the properties, creating a seamlessly integrated experience for guests with endless possibilities.
“The stunning refurbishment, which will be a mix of rustic charm and luxury touches, combined with the bespoke extras and sumptuous food offering, will add a distinct and valuable new dimension for guests at Galgorm.”
Further major announcements regarding the acquisition, including the new name for the restaurant and the appointment of the head chef, will be revealed in due course.
