‘An incredible natural pantry’ – Dunluce Lodge’s Stephen Holland named NI Chef of the Year.

Stephen Holland has been awarded Chef of the Year at the LCN Awards 2026.
The award took place one year after Dunluce Lodge opened.
Holland focuses on Irish ingredients in menus.
Dunluce Lodge operates 35 bedrooms on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Experiences include foraging and whiskey pairings.

Dunluce Lodge is celebrating the award to Stephen Holland as NI Chef of the Year. The award came at the Licensed and Catering News Awards 2026 one year after the hotel opened in Portrush Co Antrim. Judges from SpotCheck NI recognised his culinary talent creativity and leadership before an audience of more than 500 professionals.

Stephen Holland creates menus at The Restaurant at Dunluce Lodge that focus on the natural larder of NI. He works with local farmers fishermen and artisan producers and emphasises seasonality and sustainability. Holland a native of County Tyrone began cooking at 13 and gained experience with Rick Stein and for Queen Elizabeth II before returning to champion local produce.

Dunluce Lodge offers 35 bedrooms and sits along the Causeway Coastal Route with a private walkway to Whiterocks Beach. The hotel provides cocktails oysters and Atlantic views alongside dining experiences that include private dining whiskey and oyster pairings and foraging.

Stephen Holland shared “The Causeway Coast offers an incredible natural pantry. I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition.”

Stephen Meldrum shared “Stephen’s Chef of the Year award is richly deserved.”