Roland wins 'Best Chef' accolade at Ulster’s Irish Restaurant Awards

A Magherafelt chef has been crowned Co Derry’s ‘Best Chef’ at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Roland Graham, head chef and owner of Church Street Restaurant, Magherafelt, was presented with the accolade at the Ulster Regional Irish Restaurant Awards.

Roland, who is originally from Belfast, started his cooking career in the city.

In the past he has worked in notable restaurants such as Shu, Beatrice Kennedy's and was the Merchant Hotel’s head chef for five years.

Along the way, he has picked up awards and public acclaim.

He even found time to travel, expanding his culinary profile in Sydney, Australia.

Following the Merchant Hotel, Roland decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and he took up the post of Head Chef at the The Inn at Castledawson.

The reputation of the restaurant greatly increased during Roland's tenure there with entries in the Michelin, AA and Georgina Campbell guides. Despite all of his success, Roland has always dreamed of opening a restaurant of his own.

On May 15, 2012, he realised his vision and opened Church Street, Restaurant.

Along with entries into the Michelin guide and Georgina Campbell guides, Roland was awarded the Janus 2015 Restaurateur of the Year, the award ceremony of the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland.

Roland now proceeds to the final of Irish Restaurant Awards which will take place in Dublin on Monday, May 16.