Internationally renowned chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Andrew Dougan, Chairman of Belfast Flavours, the Belfast Food and Drink Network, and Dean Coppard, New Product Development Chef at Keenan’s Seafoods, were part of an exclusive panel discussion, held at Novelli’s Restaurant in the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, and chaired by food writer Joris Minne. The discussion explored the central importance of local produce to the reputation of Belfast as a culinary destination and exploring the significant relationship between local producers and chefs.
The panel gave fans a rare opportunity to hear from popular local producers and one of the culinary world’s greats. The event was hosted by Cathedral Quarter BID as part of Belfast Restaurant Week 2025, which is curated by Belfast’s three Business Improvement Districts (BID) Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter.
Belfast Restaurant Week, which takes place 4th – 12th October, is a week-long celebration, giving diners the chance to explore Belfast’s hospitality scene through exclusive menus, collaborative pop-ups, and unique dining experiences that highlight local talent and Northern Irish produce.
Jean-Christophe commented, “Belfast Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to show off the quality that this city has to offer, and I am delighted to be part of it. Hosting the panel in my own restaurant at the AC Hotel Belfast was particularly special, as it gave me the chance to share my personal connection with the city’s food scene. The relationship between producers and chefs is fundamental to the quality of our food and success of our restaurants. It was great to join Andrew and Dean to chat about Belfast as an important culinary destination ahead of Belfast Restaurant Week.”
More details – including a full list of participating venues, special events, and booking info – available on: www.belfastrestaurantweek.org