Derry-born chef Kelan McMichael mysteriously closes his two Bull and Ram restaurants
A highly acclaimed Derry-born chef has mysteriously closed his restaurants days after he spoke about plans to extending its opening hours.
Kelan McMichael has pulled the shutters down on Bull and Ram fine dining eateries in both Ballynahinch and Belfast.
Last week it posted on its Facebook page that the Ballynahinch restaurant was closing and moving to Belfast.
Now Bull & Ram on south Belfast’s University Road revealed its sudden closure on Facebook last night, eight months after opening in the former Beatrice Kennedy’s restaurant.
The post read: “We are now closed. Thank you for all your support and custom.”
And a sign at the premises on University Road read: “Sorry, we are now closed”.
A spokeswoman said they made the decision to close the eatery yesterday.
“No decision has been made if this is a permanent closure,” she said.
The spokeswoman could not confirm whether customers will be reimbursed for purchased vouchers.
There was disbelief among fans of fine dining at the move, days after chef owner Kelan McMichael said it would be “relocating” its first Bull & Ram in Ballynahinch to the Belfast branch.
The Co Down venue first opened in June 2016.
The Bull & Ram’s apparent fate is the latest setback for the North of Ireland’s fine dining scene.
The Bull & Ram had been celebrated as “utter joy” by food critics.
Patrons of the restaurants were also left in shock at their sudden closures.
One patron posted on Facebook: “Really? We were only there on Saturday and it was lovely.”
Last week, Mr McMichael told the Irish News about his plans for the Belfast venue after the relocation from Ballynahinch.
He said: “Our Belfast restaurant remains open as normal and we are in the process of changing the menu, with plans to introduce a ‘cafe’-style menu which will offer a more international and fusion choice of food which reflects how our city is changing, plus we will bring in an array of smaller dishes, as this reflects how people like to eat today.
“We plan to extend our hours, opening for breakfast, brunch and dinner. We’re excited about all the changes we have in place, so do watch this space.”
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