Focus Hotels appoints new exec chef at Bedford Hotel Belfast

Focus Hotels has announced the appointment of Noel McMeel as the executive head chef at Bedford Hotel Belfast.

McMeel has had a distinguished career having cooked for royalty, presidents, celebrities and diplomats. Among his many career highlights is his role in designing the G8 Summit menu that showcased Ireland’s finest local ingredients to world leaders.

At The Bedford Hotel, McMeel will oversee all culinary operations, from the hotel’s signature restaurant to private dining and bespoke events.

In addition to leading The Bedford Hotel’s culinary development, McMeel will establish a training and mentorship programme for emerging chefs, designed to support skills development, innovation, and long-term retention within Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.

Mike Gatt, general manager of The Bedford Hotel Belfast, said: “Noel’s appointment represents a cornerstone in our vision to make The Bedford Hotel a culinary landmark for Belfast. His reputation for excellence and his deep respect for Northern Irish ingredients align perfectly with our ethos. Together, we will set a new benchmark for food and hospitality in the city.”

McMeel added: “Joining The Bedford Hotel is about more than a kitchen, it’s about creating a movement. We’re building a destination that celebrates Ireland’s food story, from the soil to the plate. My mission is to craft a culinary experience that’s honest, sustainable, and bursting with local character while creating an environment that inspires and nurtures the next generation of talent.”

The Bedford is managed by hotel management company Focus Hotels.