Erica and Joni creating a beacon for foodies

Lobster turned out to be among the most popular dishes with many diners and chefs during the coronavirus lockdown.

Both Erica and Joni have a passion for local food including fresh salmon from Glenarm, the world renowned salmon fishery, which they source from Ewing’s Seafood in Belfast. Joni has uses the superb salmon to create deliciously different dishes. Other local artisan products on the menu include Young Buck cheese from

Mike’s Fancy Cheese in Newtownards.

Since opening two years ago, the small bistro has earned a legion of foodie fans prepared to travel from near and far to enjoy chef Joni’s uniquely moreish, award- winning cuisine that features local lobster and other dishes from ingredients sourced from producers in the area. Mid and East Antrim Council has also identified Whitehead as one of its food hubs for locals and especially visitors because of its proximity to attractions including a spectacular coastal path which was popular with tourists before the pandemic impacted adversely the hospitality sector here.

While Joni, who is originally from Finland, has worked as a chef in professional kitchens since he was 15-years-old, front of house manager Erica was previously employed in community services.

However, they always shared a vision of opening a contemporary bistro in their home town on the stunning Antrim coast.

To make their dream restaurant a reality, in just four weeks they converted an uninspiring former takeaway into a lush and welcoming eatery.

Erica says: “We couldn’t resist when such a fantastic location for a seaside bistro became available. We had been looking for a suitable place to start up our own hospitality business around the area. Within a two-minute walk from the train station, it’s so close to Whitehead’s impressive Victorian promenade, famous pastel-coloured seafront houses and stunning Blackhead Lighthouse and coastal path.”

For Erica and Joni, food can tell stories and bring traditions together, and that belief is reflected on their menu.

“Our local salmon, for example, is a flavourful summer dish that demonstrates our food ethos,” Erica continues. “It combines the flavours, textures and techniques from traditional Scandinavian cooking using the finest locally-sourced Glenarm salmon supplied by Walter Ewing in Belfast. There is a strong parallel between traditional Irish and Scandinavian cooking techniques such as pickling and smoking. The Nordic influence underpins so many of our dishes.

“We source the best produce from local farmers and suppliers. Then Joni uses his skills and knowledge to let the flavours come through in the simplicity of preparation.”

The Lighthouse takes pride that all dishes are made from scratch. This includes fresh pasta, bread and their signature Carrickfergus Blossom Honey ice cream, as well as smoking and pickling meat, fish and vegetables. Brioche baps come from Rising Tide artisan bread in Whitehead.

“We prefer local food because its fresher, nutritious and helps employment here,” Erica explains.

Like so many in the hospitality industry, lockdown presented many challenges for Erica and Joni.

However, the popularity of The Lighthouse and the resilience of its owners, sees the bistro emerge stronger and optimistic for the future.

“We received great advice and support from Tourism NI and Executive schemes during the lockdown. It was a very stressful and worrying time for everyone in the industry. We have confidently completed the Good To Go scheme to ensure we are practising all the necessary health protection measures,” Erica says.

“Both staff and customers feel safe and reassured as we are using masks, no-touch digital menus, social distancing and continual cleaning. In response to lockdown, we offered a Bistro to Go service which proved so popular that we are continuing it while our indoor seating in the restaurant remains limited.

“To help with social distancing, (weather permitting), we have just started serving alfresco, with tables and chairs on Whitehead’s promenade. Our patrons can now enjoy a relaxing meal against a beautiful seascape.

“Our back-to-business timing is perfect as Whitehead’s coastal path has just reopened after renovation. There’s increasing visitor numbers enjoying the fresh sea air and building up a healthy appetite which we are happy to satisfy,” Erica adds.

With plans to offer a distinctive wine list and further innovative projects to tempt diners, Whitehead’s Lighthouse Bistro is a shining beam of optimism for Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.

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