The Culloden Estate and Spa’s flagship restaurant, Vespers, received Two AA Rosettes for its outstanding quality, creativity, and consistency in dining.
AA inspectors commended Vespers for its blend of classic and contemporary cuisine, with service described as warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. Dishes like Langoustine Ravioli, Roast Cod Fillet with Goan Curry, and Grant’s Sugar Pit Pork Chop were praised for their refinement and precise execution.
The award follows Culloden’s recognition as Northern Ireland Food Lovers Choice at the 2024 Good Food Ireland Awards. Vespers’ new autumn menu features seasonal, local ingredients, enhancing its reputation for exceptional dining experiences.
General Manager Cormac Fadden shared: “We are delighted to have been recognised with the coveted Two AA Rosettes. It is a true reflection of the hard work and passion of our culinary team, led by Executive Head Chef Mark Begley, who are committed to creating memorable dining experiences that showcase the very best of local produce.”
Chef Mark Begley shared: “I am incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented and passionate team. We take pride in creating menus that surprise and delight, championing the finest local ingredients while presenting them in new and exciting ways that reflect our heritage and our innovative approach to dining.”
The AA rosette rosary
- Ardtara Country House, Maghera, Derry;Two AA rosettes, Offers country-house dining with local flavour.
- Balloo House, Newtownards, County Down; one AA rosette, Serves modern Irish cooking in a country pub.
- Berts Jazz Bar, Belfast: one AA rosette, Offers bistro-style cooking with jazz music.
- Browns Bonds Hill, Derry: Two AA rosettes, Features modern Irish dining with contemporary styling.
- Catalina at Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh: Two AA rosettes, Provides dining on the banks of Lough Erne.
- Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast: one AA rosette, Offers dining in a city centre boutique hotel.
- Fratelli Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Offers Italian dining in a riverside manor house.
- Gillies, Ballymena, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Offers grill dining with cocktails and live music.
- Killeavy Castle Estate, Newry, County Armagh: Two AA rosettes, Serves relaxed fine dining with local provenance.
- Manor House Country Hotel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh: one AA rosette, Provides contemporary cooking with lough views.
- Merchant Hotel, Belfast: Two AA rosettes, Offers contemporary cooking in a grand setting.
- Mill Race Restaurant, Antrim, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Provides cooking overlooking the river.
- Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down: one AA rosette, Serves Irish cooking with international influences.
- OX, Belfast: Three AA rosettes, Serves local produce in confident dishes.
- Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, Templepatrick, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Provides dining in a spa hotel popular with locals.
- Seahorse Restaurant, Belfast: one AA rosette, Features art deco styling with modern cooking.
- Shed Bistro, Belfast: one AA rosette, Serves modern Irish cooking with international accents.
- Square Bistro, Lisburn, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Serves modern Irish bistro cooking in the town centre.
- The Bushmills Inn Restaurant, Bushmills, County Antrim: one AA rosette, Provides dining near the Giant’s Causeway.
- The Oak Room, Derry: Two AA rosettes, Provides contemporary Irish cooking in a historic location.
- Vespers at the Culloden, Holywood county Down: Two AA rosettes, Offers fine dining alongside traditional dishes.
