Our Chef

In charge of the kitchen at the Old Barn Steakhouse is award-winning Chef James Richardson, a Markethill native. James specializes in top quality, traditional, hearty fare, using locally sourced ingredients. You will not find a finer cut of steak than at the Old Barn Steakhouse and Grill!

James has cooked with some of the best in the business including Ainsley Harriott, Paul Rankin, Nevin Maguire, and has had the pleasure of learning at Rick Stein’s Seafood School. He has been awarded All Ireland Seafood Chef of the Year, and has won medals in various prestigious culinary competitions, including:

• Northern Ireland Chef of the Year – Bronze medal
• All Ireland Chef of the Year – Silver Medal
• All Ireland Seafood Chef of the Year – Silver Medal
• Culinary World Cup – Gold in hot food, silver in cold food
• Culinary World Olympics – Silver in hot food, silver in cold.

James began his culinary career at Newry and Kilkeel Centre of Excellence, where part of his work experience was a stint in the kitchen at Claridges, the famous 5 star London landmark hotel, which houses a Gordon Ramsey restaurant. He then continued to hone his skills with some of the best Chefs, and at some of the best restaurants throughout Northern Ireland.
It is with great pleasure that James now takes up his new challenge, and he and his team look forward to welcoming you to the Old Barn Steakhouse and Grill!