Ottolenghi-backed project to turn derelict mill into restaurant nears completion
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A project backed by world-famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi to transform a derelict 18th century mill into a destination restaurant is nearing completion. The acclaimed author and restaurateur is one of the main investors and consultants in the ambitious renovation of the old watermill on the outskirts of Belfast.
The restoration of the almost 300-year-old building is the brainchild of Ottolenghi’s former executive chef, Carlos Capparelli. Capparelli’s wife, Lucie, is from Belfast and the couple and their two children moved from London to Northern Ireland during the coronavirus pandemic, with the dream of opening their own restaurant.
Guided by heritage experts, the project has involved specialist stonemasons working to painstakingly preserve the original character of the building in Dundonald as it is converted into a deli, cafe and restaurant. Engineers have also been engaged to get the Old Mill’s waterwheel turning again.
Ottolenghi recently visited the site to assess progress 18 months into the project. The Old Mill is set to open to customers in summer 2025 – a move that is anticipated to create a significant number of hospitality jobs in the Dundonald and greater east Belfast area.
Ottolenghi told the PA news agency: “Carlos has been working for me for many years and then, when he and Lucie, his wife, moved back to Northern Ireland, where Lucie is from, he got involved in all sorts of projects, and then he was telling me about this idea with the mill and the restaurant and cafe – and we started talking, and I loved the idea, and that’s how it all started.”.
