Call for local producers to join forces with Shed Bistro at unique new Malone Road restaurant

The husband and wife duo, who run Shed Bistro on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, are on a mission to find some of the region’s lesser known or smaller producers to get involved in their latest venture. While also becoming a supplier for Shed Bistro, new producers will have the opportunity to feature in their exciting new South Belfast culinary experience, Blank Restaurant.

Jonny Taylor, owner and head chef at Shed Bistro, said: “Our industry wouldn’t exist without the amazing food and drink producers, and they have been hit as hard as we have over the last 18 months. To help them bounce back, we are on a mission to partner local suppliers in an exciting new project. We want to meet and work with as many as possible, so whether you are a unique vegetable grower, a family farm, craft gin distiller or a microbrewery - we want to hear from you.

“Our next venture is something really special and it will provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the very best produce our local suppliers have to offer. These local ingredients will be at the centre of our new concept, celebrating what quality produce is available on our doorstep. We dreamt up this idea a long time ago, and have been working hard ever since, using any downtime during the pandemic, to make our dream a reality and ensure every element is right.”

At the end of last year, Shed Bistro completed a £150,000 expansion which refurbished their Ormeau Road space and doubled the size of the restaurant floor. Despite the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector, the team now employ 25 members of staff and are committed to supporting more local producers.

Jonny added: “We’ve been sampling some of the finest homegrown produce from across the country, and while it is technically strictly business, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed every second of it! With so many quality local producers, we know our guests are going to be in for a treat. We can’t wait to unveil Blank concept to everyone and welcome guests to our new space on the Malone Road.”

Blank Restaurant is scheduled to open this October, and any local suppliers interested in getting involved can contact Christina Taylor at [email protected].

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