A piece of Belfast !!

 

Hi there,

 Lee-Ann here from the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast Northern Ireland. I am a level 8 Culinary Arts student from Waterford Institute of Technology. I am doing my work placement here from August to December.

The Culloden estate and spa are owned by the hasting’s group. They have seven hotel which are Europa, Stormont, the grand central, the Culloden estate and spa hotel which are all in Belfast, slieve Donald resort and spa in country down, everglades hotel in Derry and Ballygally castle on atrium coast. The Culloden estate and spa are a 5-star hotel which was built in 1876. It took two and half years to finish the Culloden. The Culloden became residence to lord bishops in 1900s. The Culloden house was converted into a boutique hotel by whites which the Culloden became known for the French furnishing, beautiful painting and excellent food. The hotel was bought by Sir. William Hasting in 1967. The hotel has 105 deluxe bedroom suites, 11 self-catering apartments, 6 private banqueting suites and health club and spa. The Culloden is based in Cultra which is 6 miles from Belfast. The Cultra train station is 3 minutes from the hotel which brings people into Belfast or Bangor.

When I arrived, the staff were so helpful and showed me where to go and what to do. I am staying in staff accommodation which is part of my contract. It is a double bed, wardrobe and my own bathroom. There is a small kitchen area which has a microwave and kettle to make your breakfast in the morning. I mostly get my meals down in the Cultra Inn where I work.

I am working in Cultra Inn which is a Bistro and is situated 5 minutes away from the main hotel. There are four- five chefs working in the kitchen. I mainly work on the dessert section, starters section and the pass. I start at 12 and prep all the food for that day and next day then setup my section and top up other sections.  On Sunday lunch is very busy and popular. We try to change the menu every week as the regular customers come in every Sunday for lunch. We have an A La Carte menu which consists of chicken wings, Caesar salads, smoked salmon, steaks, burgers, confit duck legs. The chefs have all been so helpful and patient and I feel like I am learning so much from all the different chefs I work with.

     Some of Sunday lunches menu:

sticky toffee pudding with chocolate soil, vanilla ice-cream and toffee sauce. 

 lemon drizzle cake with mixed berries compote, chocolate soil and mascarpone cream.                 

smoked salmon with wheaten bread, crème fraiche, mixed leaves and capers.              

  Traditional Irish turkey & ham with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, herb stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and pan jus. 

The head chef is starting soon so hopefully new changes to the place and the menu. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Belfast experience so far.

Thanks

Leeann