Set across twelve acres of manicured parkland overlooking Belfast Lough, the Culloden Estate & Spa has gracefully evolved from a 19th-century mansion into one of Northern Ireland’s most admired dining destinations. At its centre is Vespers, a restaurant where ambition meets refinement, and culinary craft is celebrated with a quiet confidence rather than fanfare.
Its recent recognition with Two AA Rosettes isn’t just an accolade, but a nod to a kitchen that consistently impresses. Here, creativity, precision, and service come together so effortlessly that even the most discerning AA inspectors leave convinced. For Vespers, it’s proof that brilliance in the kitchen isn’t just about daring ideas, it’s about showing up and executing them beautifully, day after day.
A Space That Sets The Tone
Dining at Vespers is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. The restaurant occupies the Culloden’s elegant interiors, where classic architecture meets modern comfort, creating a room that feels both polished and welcoming. The AA inspectors described it as a “blend of classic and contemporary,” and it’s true: here, the surroundings enhance the experience without ever stealing the spotlight from the dishes themselves.
From the windows, views stretch across Belfast Lough to the Antrim coastline, creating a serene, almost cinematic backdrop just fifteen minutes from the city. It’s the kind of setting that makes feel completely at ease, ready to savour each moment and every bite.
The Culinary Vision of Mark Begley
Executive Head Chef Mark Begley leads a kitchen that celebrates Northern Ireland while flirting with international inspiration. Local ingredients shine, but never as static exhibits; each dish is thoughtfully playful, confident in technique, and designed to surprise.
The AA inspectors noted the brigade’s remarkable consistency across multiple visits, a rare feat in any busy kitchen. One outstanding dish is impressive; repeating that brilliance night after night, through seasonal menus and changing teams, is what earns Vespers its rosettes.
Some highlights caught the inspectors’ eyes. The Langoustine Ravioli, delicate and perfectly balanced, showcased both technical mastery and the sweetness of Northern Ireland’s seafood. Roast Cod Fillet, served with Goan curry and potato rosti, demonstrated culinary audacity that somehow feels natural on the plate. And the Sugar Pit Pork Chop, accompanied by wild mushroom, mustard, and fennel pollen, proves that restraint can be just as impressive as flair.
This Two AA Rosettes accolade follows Vespers’ win as Northern Ireland Food Lovers Choice at the 2024 Good Food Ireland Awards. Together, these honours position the restaurant among the country’s most compelling culinary destinations.
Begley is quick to credit his team, reinforcing a kitchen culture built on consistency, collaboration, and quiet ambition rather than individual ego. It’s a philosophy that translates seamlessly onto the plate and into the dining room.
A Dining Landmark within Northern Ireland
Hastings Hotels has spent over fifty years refining its portfolio, with the Culloden Estate serving as its flagship. Vespers sits at the heart of this five-star property, offering an experience that’s as much about destination as it is about dinner.
Northern Ireland’s culinary scene has blossomed in recent years, giving talented chefs a reason to stay home and elevate local dining. Vespers doesn’t just benefit from this evolution,it actively shapes it, proving that ambitious, boundary-pushing cuisine can thrive outside London or Dublin.
Two AA Rosettes are no small feat. For diners seeking a meal worth the journey, Vespers offers a dining experience that is elegant, considered, and unmistakably Northern Irish.