Chris McGowan is a Northern Ireland native who has returned home after a long stint in the UK, where he worked at Richard Corrigan’s London restaurants for 12 years. Prior to that, he was Sous Chef for Pierre Koffmann at La Tante Claire, and spent nearly five years working for Gary Rhodes before that. Wine and Brine is his first restaurant which he opened with his wife Davina. It’s on the Main Street in Moira in a Georgian-fronted building.

The clue is in the name. It showcases pickled, brined and fermented foods using Northern Irish produce with a lot of ingenuity and flair. Two courses for £25 or three courses for £30 are offered at lunch and early evening (Thurs and Fri 5:30-6:30pm only) alongside the a la carte menus. Tasting menu is available every evening alongside a la carte menu and lunch menu is available all day Sunday at 3 courses for £40.

Wine and Brine holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and several RAI Best Chef and Best Restaurant Awards. Make a date to go soon, not least for the crispy olives!

Opening hours: Monday- Wednesday: Closed, Thursday- Saturday: Lunch 12:00 – 14:30, Thursday – Saturday: Dinner 17:30 – 21:30, Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00 Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024