Billy Andy’s cooks up a storm to impress Michelin inspector

In addition to being the only County Antrim restaurant to secure a spot in the 2015 Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide, the local eatery was also runner up in the Best Gastro Pub category at the prestigious YesChef Awards on October 28.

Chef Proprietor Paul Dalrymple, who is also Chef Proprietor of Newtownabbey restaurant Sleepy Hollow, said that the achievements were a testament to the hard work of the restaurant’s staff.

He stated: “With the YesChef Awards, we thought we were up in the Ulster category, but it turns out we were competing against the whole of Ireland as the winner was from Wexford.

“This success is down to years of hard work. Our products are locally sourced and our food is like fine dining but at the same time we still do things the traditional way.

“We have been doing this for years and in recent times we have started getting a lot more recognition for Billy Andy’s and for our other restaurant, Sleepy Hollow.

“I believe we were the first place in Larne to make it into the Michelin guide. Billy Andy’s is listed alongside six other pubs from Northern Ireland and twenty-seven from the Republic of Ireland featured in the publication.

Recalling the experience of meeting the Michelin inspector, Paul continued: “My brother is the Head Chef at Billy Andy’s. The Michelin inspector visited Sleepy Hollow as well and he loved both places.

“He talked about how a lot of chefs are now doing scientific, modern things and he said that he wouldn’t like to see our restaurant change.

“We do a fusion of traditional and modern Irish food presented in a modern style, but also using new techniques.”

Guide editor of the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide Rebecca Burr, who also edits the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, commented: “the standard of food being served in Irish pubs continues to reach new heights.”