The Muddlers Club in Belfast first featured in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Guide. Since then, the Michelin Inspectors have watched it mature year on year and, for the 2020 edition, were delighted to award it a Michelin Star.
We take a more in-depth look at this ground-breaking restaurant…
Hidden away in the backstreets of the historic Cathedral Quarter, the industrial-looking Muddlers Club is bang on-trend. The dark, moody vibe is all part of its appeal and it’s certainly a place that everyone is talking about right now. Its unusual name refers to a group that was formed here in the 1790s, who later became revolutionaries… and on this historic city street, chef-owner Gareth McCaughey looks set to be starting a foodie revolution all of his own.
The lighting is kept low and the rustic tables are constructed from reclaimed floorboards – which give it a refreshingly unpretentious air – and, as they beaver away in the open kitchen which stretches the length of the room, the kitchen team’s passion is palpable.
This is the first restaurant in the city to offer a surprise multi-course tasting menu – and it’s going down a storm. The modern dishes are a perfect match for the surroundings and display a pleasing mix of styles: some take on a simpler approach by relying on just a few top quality Irish ingredients, while others have a more ambitious edge – and both are executed equally well.
Gareth is a Tyrone man born and bred, and his time spent as sous chef at OX is something he greatly values. He started his career by training as a pastry chef, so desserts are naturally a highlight of the meal.
Some of the Michelin Inspectors’ favourite dishes from his surprise menu include: goat’s cheese and summer truffle; beef, carrot, short rib and bone marrow; halibut, Romesco sauce and courgette; rhubarb, orange and yoghurt; and chocolate, coconut and sea salt.
To complete your experience you’ll find an extensive cocktail list and a selection of carefully chosen wines, with many available by the glass courtesy of the Coravin.
For a list of all the NEW Star Distinctions for 2020 click here
For all UK Star listings click here
For all Republic of Ireland Star listings click here
See highlights of the launch below
