HOSPITALITY gurus Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin are introducing a new culinary excellence experience from October when they take over the reins of the iconic Boat House Restaurant in Antrim.
Located on the first floor of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council-owned Gateway building on the shores of Lough Neagh, they won a competitive tender to reinstate and run the much-loved eaterie, which shut in August.
And over the next 18 months, they will invest more than £150,000 and create at least 20 employment opportunities while retaining the dedicated staff members who faced job loss under previous ownership.
The McLaughlins - who’s portfolio includes the renowned Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy and award-winning Kraken Fish & Chips in Portrush - will re-open the Boat House restaurant on Tuesday October 10 under the tutelage of head chef Michael McGuigan, who worked for the restaurant before its untimely closure.
With panoramic views of Lough Neagh, the restaurant can seat up to 70 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
A new menu is being launched to showcase the best of seafood, meats and other Northern Irish produce, as well as drinks from local breweries and beyond.
Sean said: “Today is a great day for the entire McLaughlin family and all our much-valued staff. We're immensely proud and excited to be able to reinstate one of the best-loved restaurants in County Antrim and beyond.
“It will be our honour to get the Boat House restaurant back to its former glory and even better, offering our guests a taste of Northern Ireland's finest foods and flavours amidst the serene beauty of Lough Neagh.
“Culinary excellence is not just about food; it's about creating unforgettable experiences coupled with our famous Northern Ireland hospitality and we will work exceptionally hard to deliver that promise.”
Antrim and Newtownabbey Council mayor Mark Cooper said: “The McLaughlin family experience as successful restaurant operators will make this very popular visitor attraction even more appealing.”
