Looking for new challenges, Chef Roly Graham opened this Modern Irish Cuisine restaurant May last year, and judging by its popularity, Church Street Restaurant in Magherafelt is the perfect recipe for success.
A contemporary styled restaurant serving modern Irish and French dishes using local seasonal ingredients, Church Street has quickly established itself as a buzzing restaurant where award-winning chef Roly works hard to keep his customers happy and grow the business.
His credentials are impressive – in 2010 alone he was awarded the accolades Ulster Chef of the Year, Janus Award Restaurant Chef of the Year and was a finalist in the British Chef of the Year competition, the only chef in Northern Ireland to have reached that level. He has also been a finalist in the UK Young Chef of the Year. “For me, it’s not about the awards anymore,” says Roly. “Making the change from being a chef to a restaurateur is challenging and I’m really focussed on making the restaurant work. We’ve got off to a brilliant start.
As a chef, 34 year-old Roly has lots of expertise to draw from. He first widened his experience working in restaurants in Australia and Europe, before returning to Northern Ireland where he honed his skills further at top establishments such as Shu and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. At The Inn, Castledawson, with Roly as Head Chef, the restaurant achieved 2 Rosette status.
Now firmly established with his own business, Roly delights in cooking what he describes as “quite simple dishes. I focus on having three flavours on the plate and making sure they work,” he says. “Our menu changes daily as we are very influenced by the seasons, getting our produce from small, quality local suppliers, which gives me more control. “For instance, Rock Farm Produce in Knockloughrim grows vegetables especially for me. I can ring in the morning and they will go out and select the vegetables I want out, ready for me to cook at their very freshest later that day. I also get fresh game from the Barnscourt Estate. I had to shop around to find these suppliers but their produce is so superior it’s been well worth the effort,” says Roly
Reservations are encouraged as current demand can be high, especially at weekends, so book early to avoid disappointment! The simpliest way to book is by giving us a call. We have regular special offers and unique culinary themed evenings throughout the year.Please check here for our latest updates.
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Book your table now, call Church Street Restaurant on 028 7932 8083.