‘A new chapter, a new home, new dreams, new memories waiting to be made’: Much-loved Co Antrim bistro opens new £1m home after 20 years
Husband-and-wife owners Stevie and Cristina Higginson move The Square Bistro to 26 Market Square after an emotional goodbye to their former home of two decades
Owners of a much-loved Lisburn restaurant have welcomed their first guests to a new city-centre home following a £1 million investment in the business.
Stevie and Cristina Higginson, who founded The Square Bistro in 2006, served their final meals at the restaurant’s original Lisburn Square premises last week before opening at 26 Market Square on Saturday – several days ahead of the previously announced opening on Thursday.
The move marks a significant new chapter for the husband-and-wife team after two decades at the heart of Lisburn’s hospitality scene.
While the opening has brought excitement, leaving the premises where they built their business has also been an emotional experience for the couple.
“Twenty years of hard work. Twenty years of laughter and a few tears. Twenty years of incredible people, our families, our colleagues, our customers. Twenty years of memories that we will treasure forever,” they said in a social media post.
“Saying goodbye to this chapter is emotional. It has taken us time to embrace the idea of us moving but now as our project gets to the final stages equal amounts of excitement is kicking in.
“A new chapter, a new home for Square Bistro, new dreams, new memories waiting to be made.”
In a separate post, Stevie thanked the customers, staff, family and friends who have supported the business since it first opened.
“Over the last 20 years you have made the dream we had to create something special in our hometown a reality, so thank you,” he said.
The trained chef and his wife originally opened the restaurant after struggling to find places where families could enjoy fresh, local food in a welcoming setting.
Since then, The Square Bistro has become one of Lisburn’s best-known dining businesses and was named Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Ulster and across the island of Ireland at the 2024 Irish Restaurant Awards.
The move represents an investment of almost £1 million, transforming 26 Market Square into a permanent new home for the business while bringing a long-term vacant property back into use.
The couple have also brought their existing team with them, ensuring that the people and values at the heart of the business remain part of its next chapter.
“We move on to our new location taking all our principles and values with us and also all of our amazing team and beautiful community of customers,” Stevie added.
“The kind words from everyone have been overwhelming and truly remarkable.
“We go into today with our hearts full of appreciation and love.”
The couple also paid tribute to those involved in the project, thanking the “brilliant team of contractors we had to turn around an empty derelict site in eight weeks”.
The new restaurant has already received praise from local representatives who attended the opening, including deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.
She posted on social media: “It was such a joy to attend the event to celebrate the new Square Bistro restaurant - and what an exceptional restaurant this is! Honestly some of the best food I have experienced, and I have no doubt that excellence will continue in the new location on Market Square.
“A huge congratulations and all the best to Stevie and Cristina Higginson - thank you for asking us to enjoy this great occasion with you!
“This is always a very much in demand restaurant, a real indication of the quality and experience - so make sure you book in good time! Wishing Stevie and Cristina incredible success and thank you for a brilliant evening after a very busy day! No better way to relax and enjoy!”
Councillor Andrew Gowan also said he was delighted to see the couple’s “stunning new home”.
He continued: “Over the past year they have poured so much thought, hard work and passion into creating this fantastic new restaurant. Stevie and Cristina are determined to give their customers the very best in food, service and experience, and I have no doubt it's going to be a huge success.
“Wishing them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
David Honeyford MLA welcomed the opening, describing it as an example of local people investing in Lisburn and growing their business in the city: “Brilliant to see Stevie & Cristina opening the doors of their new Square Bistro.
“I’ve worked with them on a number of issues along the way, so it was really special to be there and see their amazing new home!
“This is exactly what we love to see in Lisburn! Local people growing their business, investing in our city and creating somewhere brilliant that brings people into the city to enjoy.
“A huge amount of work has gone into creating this place, with Claire & Paul from Paul Haffey Design Ltd, Gareth and the Benchmark team, DM Laser-Fab Ltd all creating something really special.
“A brilliant local team behind an exciting new chapter for Stevie & Cristina. Absolutely delighted for you both, you deserve every success!”
After 20 years of memories at Lisburn Square, Stevie and Cristina are now looking forward to creating many more at 26 Market Square.
The couple added: “We look forward to sharing it with you all again for the next 20 years, if you are ready.”