The award comes just one year after Dunluce Lodge opened its doors.
Just one year after opening its doors, Dunluce Lodge in Portrush, Co. Antrim is celebrating yet another landmark achievement as Executive Head Chef Stephen Holland has been named Chef of the Year at the prestigious Licensed & Catering News (LCN) Awards 2026.
A Landmark Win in Dunluce Lodge’s First Year
Presented at Northern Ireland’s most respected hospitality awards before an audience of more than 500 industry professionals, the accolade recognises Holland’s outstanding culinary talent, creativity and leadership. Independently judged by SpotCheck NI to the highest industry standards, an LCN Award is regarded as one of the greatest honours in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector, celebrating excellence across hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés, caterers and tourism providers.
The award marks another milestone in what has been an extraordinary first year for Dunluce Lodge. Since opening, the luxurious 35-bedroom, five-star hotel has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most distinguished boutique hospitality destinations, earning a series of prestigious accolades and international affiliations while attracting discerning visitors from around the world.
A Five-Star Destination on the Causeway Coast
Located along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route and connected to Whiterocks Beach by its own private walkway, Dunluce Lodge offers guests a luxurious retreat where exceptional hospitality is matched by an unforgettable culinary experience. Evenings unfold at a leisurely pace, with cocktails by the fire, freshly shucked oysters at the bar and sweeping Atlantic views providing the backdrop to one of Ireland’s most exciting dining destinations.
At the heart of the hotel is The Restaurant at Dunluce Lodge, where Stephen Holland has created menus that celebrate the extraordinary natural larder of Northern Ireland. Guided by seasonality, sustainability and close relationships with local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers, every dish tells the story of the Causeway Coast.
From Family Kitchen to Award-Winning Chef
A native of County Tyrone, Holland’s love of cooking began at just thirteen, inspired by his mother Patricia and his great-aunt Kathleen. His career has taken him around the world, including working alongside celebrity chef Rick Stein and preparing meals for distinguished guests including Queen Elizabeth II, before returning home with a vision to champion Northern Ireland’s exceptional produce.
“The Causeway Coast offers an incredible natural pantry,” says Holland. “Our aim is to give diners a true taste of this place and celebrate its rich bounty by working with exceptional local producers and allowing those ingredients to shine.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout the menus. Pristine Co. Down oysters are served with Burren balsamic horseradish vinegar and lemon, while Kilkeel crab and mussel salad is complemented by fennel and dulse pickle. Fresh local seafood features prominently, from grilled fish served with brown shrimp, samphire and lemon bay vinegar to halibut with crayfish and hake paired with charred leek, potato pavé and XO sauce.
For meat lovers, provenance is paramount. Signature dishes include a 400g bone-in sirloin of Lisdergan beef served simply with rich red wine jus, alongside flax-fed beef fillet accompanied by braised beef cheek and fine herb stock, while locally sourced Eccelgreens pork is enhanced with Armagh apple butter and preserved fennel.
Memorable Culinary Experiences Beyond the Restaurant
Beyond the restaurant, Dunluce Lodge offers a range of memorable culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and all-day dining in The Bar, intimate private dining in The Vault surrounded by an exceptional collection of fine wines and rare Irish whiskeys, chef’s table experiences, whiskey and oyster pairings, seasonal tasting menus and foraging experiences that connect visitors with the rich landscape surrounding the hotel.
Commenting on the award, Stephen Holland said,
“I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. This award belongs to the entire team at Dunluce Lodge whose passion and commitment make it possible for us to deliver exceptional dining experiences every day. We are fortunate to work with some of the finest producers in Northern Ireland and it is a privilege to showcase their incredible ingredients while telling the story of the Causeway Coast through our food.”
Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of Dunluce Lodge, added,
“Stephen’s Chef of the Year award is richly deserved and is wonderful recognition of his exceptional talent, creativity and leadership. From the moment we opened our doors, our ambition has been to create one of Ireland’s finest luxury hospitality experiences, with food at the very heart of that vision. Stephen and his team have achieved something truly special by showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s outstanding produce with such skill, passion and authenticity. This award is not only a testament to Stephen’s remarkable achievement but also to the dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests. To receive this honour in our first year is a tremendous milestone for Dunluce Lodge and one we are immensely proud to celebrate.”
Dining at Dunluce Lodge is about far more than exceptional food. It is about provenance, storytelling and a profound sense of place. Every ingredient has a source, every dish has a purpose and every meal offers guests a memorable taste of the Causeway Coast. It is food inspired by the edge of the world, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean and every plate tells the story of the landscape that surrounds it.
Stephen Holland’s Chef of the Year award is the latest accolade in what has already been a remarkable first chapter for Dunluce Lodge, further cementing its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.
Licensed & Catering News will feature Stephen Holland and his award-winning achievements in an upcoming edition of the magazine.
For more information visit www.dunluce.com
