 DELI ON THE GREEN first opened it doors in 2003. Originally located in a small shop front in the Linen Green, the Deli was essentially an up-market delicatessen, offering freshly prepared food with a difference. With a few café tables and chairs, one could also stop for a cappuccino while sampling what was on offer. A winning combination, the Deli soon grew in popularity. In 2006, it moved to its current location, where the Deli was expanded and a Bistro was added.
CLAIRE MURRAY is passionate about good food. Having been raised in a family where cooking is central, Claire has always believed in the strength of home cooking and baking, while using the best of fresh local produce. She gave up a career in sales & marketing to follow her dream of opening up a good food establishment: In 2000, Claire opened The Loft Coffee Bar & Restaurant, and in 2003, she launched Deli on the Green.
JAMES DEVINE is a talented young chef. A finalist in the first-ever Robbie Millar Scholarship in 2007, James went on to complete his Level 2 & 3 NVQ in Catering at Belfast’s Metropolitan College. He then worked under the expert tutelage of Nuremore Hotel’s Raymond McArdle, and in 2008 worked as a sous-chef at Deli on the Green, under the direction of Bob McDonald. In 2009, James competed and was awarded the Baileys Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year – one of the most prestigious culinary awards for up-and-coming chefs. Part of his prize included a stage with Shane Osborne, of London’s two-star Michelin restaurant, Pied À Terre. From there, James completed a second stage at McNean’s Bistro in Blacklion, under the guidance of Nevin Maguire. James has since returned to Deli on the Green where he is now resident chef. |
