NORTHERN Ireland's first female Michelin starred chef has guided her newest restaurant to a coveted award.
Balloo House in Killinchy, Co Down, is a new entry amongst six Northern Ireland establishments awarded Bib Gourmand status in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020.
Danni Barry was appointed head chef in January at the former coaching house dating from 1600s near the shores of Strangford Lough.
Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise those establishments offering good food at affordable prices.
Other restaurants in the north retaining their Bib Gourmand status from last year are
- Clenaghans, near Aghalee, Co Antrim,
- Noble in Holywood Co Down, Wine & Brine in Moira
- Deanes at Queen's in Belfast
- Home in Wellington Place, Belfast
Meanwhile, four restaurants in the Republic join the list of 20 Bib Gourmand recipients whose names feature in the 2020 guide. They are
- Thyme in Athlone
- Land to Sea in Dingle
- Circa in Terenure
- Dublin's Uno Mas
Announcing the Bib Gourmand awards, Rebecca Burr, Director of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, said restaurants across the island are thriving.
"The eating out offer in Ireland just seems to go from strength to strength, and the new Bib Gourmands reflect this," she said.
"They are really varied in terms of location, food and ambience, but are all producing very good meals with excellent produce.
"That produce is very often local, and it is really pleasing to see restaurants like Balloo House, Thyme, Land to Sea, Circa and Uno Mas flourishing."
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020 will published on Monday, available at http://travel.michelin.co.uk and in bookshops.
